William Richard Gerding, of Newtown, died peacefully on Friday, February 10, 2012, at St. Mary Medical Center. He was 82.

He was the beloved husband of 59 years to Lois Burton Gerding. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late George William and Emily Moore Purvis Gerding.

Richard was a resident of Newtown, for the past 25 years having formerly lived in Abington. He was a graduate of Abington High School, class of 1947. He was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1948 to 1952 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Richard was the owner of Gerding Photo Service, in Glenside, 1958 to 1978. Gerding Photo Service specialized in studio and location commercial photography as well as portraiture and professional photo finishing services.

In 1976 Richard founded the Gerding Corporation of Ivyland, Pa. manufacturing intricate plaques, awards and special signage for the industry. Richard retired in 2004. Richard was an active member of the Glenside Kiwanis. He belonged to Delaware Valley Society of Commercial Photographers where he served as Treasurer. He participated in the Music Theater of Abington. He was Cub Scout Troop Leader of Troop 72, Overlook Hills.

Richard enjoyed competitive Archery and was an active member of the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment. He taught photography at Adult night school in Abington High School. Richard loved to work with his hands and was a Master Woodworker and all around craftsman. He loved the outdoors and spent the summers of his youth fishing the streams of Southeastern PA, the Pocono Mountains and Northern Canada. Richard enjoyed spending summer vacations with the family at our camp on Lake Champlain, NY, boating, fishing, water skiing, and swimming. Richard devoted most of his time to his family and the operation of his businesses. Richard never faced a challenge without being able to formulate and implement a successful solution.

In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his devoted children and their spouses; Lisa G. Puchalski and her husband David of Upper Dublin, Scot B. Gerding and his wife Ruth of Riegelsville, Todd A. Gerding and his wife Charlotte of Richboro and Jodi G. Hecht and her husband Steven of Harleysville. Richard is the proud grandfather of 16 and great grandfather of 5.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Prayer Service at 1:45 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 2012 at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Road) Richboro, PA 18954.

Interment with honors will be held promptly at 3:00 PM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

Due to Richards love and fondness for animals, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his name to The Bucks County SPCA, P.O. Box 277, Lahaska, PA 18931.