Richard S. Gerst Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Richard S. Gerst, 90 A Deptford resident of nearly fifty years, Richard was a retired teacher of the Pennsauken School District. Having served in the US Army during the Korean conflict, he applied his GI benefits to matriculation at the PA Academy of Fine Arts to hone what was to become a life-long & prolific avocation: landscape painting. Winner of occasional competitions, he discovered himself a citizen of cyberspace when some of his sold works appeared on the internet market; he served for many years on the board of the Gloucester County Art League. Above his secular pursuits, his greatest devotion was to his Faith & identity as a Catholic. Across several decades, Richard fortified his soul as a daily communicant and either organized or participated in Eucharistic Adoration across several parishes. For some years, he served as RCIA instructor and parish board member under the late Fr Joseph Solerno. Though without any formal musical training, he poured hours into practicing hymns, Psalm verses, motets and Mass parts so as to participate in his parish choir under successive directors until a few years before his passing. Attuned to the current eccle sial crisis, he often invoked the Mother of God under Her title the Immaculate Conception for the healing of the papacy. He likewise commended the conversion of those outside the Faith and sacramental life of the Church to the mercy of the Sacred Heart, among these most especially, those promoting infanticide; this, at the conclusion of his daily Rosary. Well-known for his affable company and gentle kindness, he leaves an emulatable legacy of patience, humor and understanding. Preceded by his parents and three brothers, Richard is survived by nephews, many grandnieces/nephews & his confères in various sodalities/apostolates. Rosary & viewing, 7-9pm Thursday, July 14, 2022 Rosary & final farewell 9am Friday, July 15, 2022 BOUCHER FUNERAL HOME 1757 Delsea Dr., Deptford, NJ 08096 Funeral Mass, 11am Friday, July 15, 2022 Holy Angels Parish at St Patrick's RC Church 86 Cooper St., Woodbury, NJ 08096 Interment following Mass Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro

Richard S. Gerst

July 15, 1931 - July 8, 2022