Obituary of Richard A. Gerlach, Jr.

Brookfield – Mr. Richard A. “Rick” Gerlach, Jr. age 63, of Brookfield, died Tuesday October 19, 2021 at Danbury Hospital.

Richard was born November 24,1957 in Danbury son of Barbara Jean (Ridgeway) Gerlach of Danbury and the late Richard A. Gerlach. He was a 1975 graduate of Danbury High School and after graduating proudly served as a member of the United States Navy from 1975 – 1979 as an EM3 (Engineer Officer of the Watch Underway) aboard the U.S.S. Preserver.

After Rick’s service in the Navy, he continued to serve others by taking a job with the Medichair Ambulance Service. This is where his passion to serve his community grew. He decided to follow in his father and uncle’s footsteps and tested for the Danbury Fire Department. It won’t surprise anyone to know that he scored number one on the entrance exam out of a field of more than 1,000 applicants. Rick was hired August 1,1983. He continued his education in fire service by obtaining his associates degree in Fire Service. Rick maintained his EMT-IV certification throughout his entire career where he used his skills in multiple life-saving acts for which he was awarded for, as well as delivering several babies along the way.

On August 5,2005 Rick was promoted to the rank of Dispatcher. In this capacity, Rick was the person of contact for someone who was having the worst day of their life. In addition to calmly dispensing instantaneous medical direction, he would dispatch the appropriate resources needed for the emergency at hand. He retired from the Danbury Fire Department on April 28,2009 but his love for humanity was forever with him. Above all else, Rick’s compassion, kindness and care was unmatched.

Rick had a passion for NASCAR. Back in the day he traveled to many races with his Dad and brother. He also had a love for the Boston Red Sox. He went to many games at Fenway Park with his daughter Robin and was a New England Patriots fan. Everyone knew that his favorite past time was reading. He always wanted to gain more knowledge and was an avid collector of books. Last but not least, above all, his world revolved around his daughter Robin.

In addition to his Mother, Rick is survived by his daughter: Robin L. Gerlach and her fiancé James Andersen, his sister: Teri L. Bardin and her husband John A. Bardin and several nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.