Obituary of Richard Frank Gaertner

Richard Frank Gaertner, 88, of Melbourne, Florida passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.  He was born on March 26, 1935 in Tarentum, PA; the son of Albert and Catherine (Black) Gaertner.  Upon graduating from Washington Vocational High School he enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 15, 1953.  His last assignment was as an Air Force Recruiter in Bradford, PA.  He retired after 20 years of service on July 31, 1973.  Following his retirement he enjoyed a career in Law Enforcement, as Chief of Police for Bradford Township and Foster Township, Bradford, Pa., and for the Federal Government in multiple locations across the United States.

Richard is survived by his wife of 67 years, his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann (Reinhardt) Gaertner, of Melbourne, FL.; their children  Kathleen ( Richard) Pedine, of Bradford, PA., David (Alison) Gaertner, of Schertz, TX, Donna (Mark) Hollenbeck, of Bradford, Pa, and Linda (James) Staples, of North Wales, Pa.; twelve grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.  

He was predeceased by his parents, son Douglas, five brothers, and two sisters.

Friends and family are welcome to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Viera, on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 for visitation from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m..

Interment will be at 2:00 p.m., at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, FL.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Beckman-Williamson Funeral Homes & Crematory, Rockledge, FL.

Online condolences may be expressed at beckman-williamson.com/