Dr. Richard Leo Gaertner, Jr.

Dr. Richard Leo Gaertner, Jr. born August 28, 1939, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the age of 84 in his home, surrounded by family, just as he wished.

Dick, or Dr. G, as he was known, born, and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a proud Pittsburgher, who called Northern Virginia his home. He was a graduate of The Bullis School in Potomac, MD; Pennsylvania State University, (B.S.) in State College, PA; and Temple Medical School, (M.D.) in Philadelphia, PA. His postdoctoral training included an internship at Southside Hospital University of Pittsburgh. His residencies were at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, and the Medical College of Virginia, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.

Dick served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, Special Operations Force, from 1964 to1969 during the Vietnam conflict. Upon his return from Southeast Asia and his honorable discharge, he established a medical practice in Vienna, VA, where he served his beloved community as an Orthopaedic Surgeon for over 50 years. Dick was a highly accomplished and determined individual who cared deeply for his patients and staff. Many who have known and been touched by him have said that his personal interest in them helped to indelibly shape their lives and careers for the better.

Over Dick's career he served as Chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery at Reston Hospital (2002 - 2009); Clinical Instructor, Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University (1973 - 2000); and as Clinical Instructor, Orthopaedic Surgery, George Washington University (1973 - 1985). He was a member of many medical associations and was a prolific published author in medical journals and a presenter at numerous medical conferences.

Outside of his medical profession, Dick enjoyed coaching youth baseball, softball, and basketball which he did for over 20 years. He was a pillar of the Vienna community. Dick enjoyed skiing, traveling, and playing tennis. He made friends easily and was gifted at putting people at ease. Throughout his life, his curiosity led him to try new things and engage with everyone he met. You knew that you were held particularly close to his heart when you received a special nickname from him.

Above all else, Dick loved and valued his family. He is predeceased (2018) by his sister Marianne Gaertner Scharpf of Washington, D.C.; survived by his wife Melinda G. Gaertner (68); his six children: Holly A. Silas (60), Edward J. Gaertner (56), Kate L. Gaertner (53), Richard L. Gaertner, III (48), Jason Burd (48), and Louis P. Gaertner (30); and his cherished grandchildren: Marion (29), Caroline (26) and Janey (25) Silas; Sazu (19), Shie (12), Waka (8) and Nami (3) Gaertner; Madeline (15) and Quinn (10) Reagan; Evellen (12), Vivien (10) and Adalyn (7) Gaertner; Bradley (19), Rachel (17) and Charlotte (14) Burd; and Louisa (4), Clara (2) and Peter (due June 2024) Gaertner.

Relatives, family, and friends are invited to celebrate Dick's life on Friday, June 7, at 11:00 AM at The Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Road, N.E., Vienna, VA 22180. Greetings and light refreshments with the family to follow. In lieu of flowers a donation in Dick's name to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is welcomed - https://www.vfw.org. Online Condolences and fond memories may be offered to the family at www.moneyandking.com