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Richard Gerken Obituary

AKA "Dick Pickle" Passed away from us suddenly on May 4, 2010 at the age of 62. Richard was born in Hoboken, NJ on August 25, 1947. He moved to Hialeah in 1955 and lived the remainder of his life in South Florida. Richard touched so many people personally and professionally as "Dick Pickle", stage comedian, in his journey through life. Richard was truly an entrepreneur. Talented in not only the air conditioning industry but a musician who could sing, write music, play drums, guitar, flute and harmonica. He was also a professional photographer with a unique eye for beauty and an avid golfer and fisherman. Our worlds will never be the same without him. There are no words to describe how much he meant to all of us in his special way, we will miss him greatly. Be thankful of the short time we all had with him. Richard lived in Delray Beach and is survived by his wife Jan, Daughter Erika and her husband Darren Fahlbusch , Brothers Robert and Roger Gerken, Nephew Joe Russillo, grandchildren Daryn and Christian, along with many nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday May 8th from 2-5pm at Boca Country Club, 17751 Boca Club Blvd., Boca Raton, FL. for family and friends to say goodbye. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate a donation made in the name of Richard Gerken to Wentworth Charities Organization (An Ocean Properties Charitable Foundation) P.O. Box 1139, Portsmouth, NH 03802.

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Published by the Miami Herald on May 7, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Gerken

Not sure what to say?





Justin Fernandez

May 21, 2010

Dear Jan and Family,
My deepest condolences for your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Richard for many years as I served him at my restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. I will never forget how he wanted our recipe for the "chimichurri". We will truly miss Richard.He was definitely an incredible person.God Bless.

Carol &Mark Howland

May 14, 2010

Dear Jan,
Our deepest condolences to you in the loss of someone so special to you. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you during this time. May you be blessed with happy and special memories. Love Carol Lynn and Family

Nancy Mayer

May 12, 2010

Dear Jan & Family,
My heart goes out to all of you. Richard was a one-of-a-kind and he always started my day on a high note when he came in for his appointments. He loved to tell family stories - I especially remember the Nascar experience for his birthday - he had such a great time!
My condolences to all,
Nancy (from Dr. Lissauer's office)

BAC Colonnade

May 11, 2010

We only knew Richard on a professional basis and would like to send our condolences to his family. It was beautiful to read what his passions really were. All we knew was that he was a professional and a nice man.

Rachel Von Daacke

May 11, 2010

I had the pleasure of working with Richard at McQuay for 3 years and he was adored by us all. He was the Rodney Dangerfield of McQuay and kept us all laughing. He will be greatly missed.

jason lucido

May 10, 2010

richard was an incredible person and comedian, i was glad to have the honor to work and be his friend. my his heart goes out to his family. god bless

Jimmy Shubert

May 10, 2010

Richard,
Was a dear friend and will be missed. I had the pleasure of working with him as a professional comedian, He was just an awesome human being, I will miss him dearly

Jimmy Shubert

Jason Fowler

May 10, 2010

My condolences to the family. Richard was one of kind and I'm happy to have had him as friend. I'll miss you buddy.

George Hameetman

May 9, 2010

I also went to school with Richard and had him in my Shop Class. Saw him at the Municipal dances on Friday night and still have is South Beach CD,(hilarious) which he gave me at our last reunion. Great guy, we will all miss his humor and great personality. Thanks for the memories Richard. God Bless your Family. George Hameetman and Harriet Lachmiller Hameetman

OLGA BARO-MILLER

May 9, 2010

I went to school with Richard, danced til we couldn't stop at Municipal Auditorium on Friday nights and whenever the opportunity - but Richard was not just known for dancing - we loved his kindness, his humor and ongoing love for his friends, even in high school - we were not in contact after high school - but I saw him once in the 80's - he was the same "wonderful" guy we loved so very much in school. My deepest sympathy to all of you who had the privlege of loving him through life and receiving his love. Olga Baro Miller

May 9, 2010

There was never a "dull moment" when our funny friend,Richard was around...he was always so witty...and he was a great dancer too~ you'll be remembered from our old high school days as the guy who always had a smile on his face & would put one on yours in his presence~thought & prayers to you Richard & to your Family~
Linda Marshall Lippitt~~Byers,Colorado

Pamela Gibson-Welch

May 8, 2010

Jan, Richard and I extend our condolences to you and your family at this time in your life. I have known Richard since school days, and he was the best dancer and funniest guy I have ever known.

May 8, 2010

Jan, It is with deep sorrow that Annie and I extend our sincere condolences to you on Richard's passing. There are no words to really alleviate your pain but knowing that there are those who really love you and share your sorrow hopefully will bring to you comfort and peace. Ralph and Annie Rillero

fred zacka

May 7, 2010

Thanks for your humor,dedication and integrity.you will be missed deeply

Mark Crudge

May 7, 2010

My Sincere condolences to Richard's Family, I only got to know him in the last year but will remember him for his constant humor and positive outlook on life.

Ed Cassidy

May 7, 2010

“Laughter is the shock absorber that eases the blows of life”. No one knew this more than Richard and he made sure that we laughed continually. His charm and wit will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences to Richard's family - he will be truly missed.
The Cassidys

Jack Shoben

May 7, 2010

Jan, I never had an opportunity to get to know Richard as well as many others did; but I truly enjoyed the few times I got to see him perform and could always tell just how much he meant to you. I'm certain he will be missed greatly. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Jack Shoben

Michael McGann

May 7, 2010

Richard was an extraordinary man. Gifted in all areas of his life. He extended his special sense of humor to all who knew him and was well respected by his peers and extended family of friends. I've never known anyone quite like Richard and I suspect I never will again. Our condolences to his family.

Rick McElwee

May 7, 2010

Richard was truly a great guy to be around. He always had a smile on his face and was guaranteed to make you laugh. He will be missed by many. Condolences to the family.

Philip Galindo

May 7, 2010

I for one will sorely miss the presence of my good friend Richard. I will miss seeing him and our cell phone conversations as we both travelled around South Florida. My condolences go out to Jan and the family.

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