Richard Eugene Gielda

Richard (Rich) Eugene Gielda, was called home to our Father in heaven to continue to praise Him with our saints and to spend eternity with his wife Jan. Rich was a loving husband, exemplary role model of a father, incredibly humorous grandfather, a proud and loving great grandfather, and an attentive faithful friend. Rich died after complications during a routine knee replacement surgery. He is survived by a family who loved him, his sons, Scott, (Catherine), Steven (Sherry), Stacy (Liz) and daughter Melissa Barry (Michael) and nine grandchildren, Katie Elmer, Chrissa Dockendorf (Stephen), Andrew Dwarshuis (Amy), Kayla Gielda, Jenna Wiley, Steven Wiley, Chase Gielda, CJ Wiley, and Madison Gielda. He was also blessed with 9 great-grandchildren. Beyond his immediate family, he is also survived by a brother Jim, sister Carlene Witucki, and many nieces and nephews, and friends he called family. Rich lived his life to the service of his family, friends and his community. He served his country in the USAF for 20 years and then went work for the US Government and retired after finishing his career working for a government contractor. In 2003, Rich and Jan moved to Prescott Valley, AZ where they both became active in their church and community. After Jan’s death Rich kept the promise of taking his grandkids on special vacations. In 2010, he took his three teenage granddaughters to South America for vacation and then in the summer of 2011 he took three of his grandsons on a cross country trip which included a trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Rich’s infectious smile was something that many will remember. His warm eyes and desire to make you smile gave everyone a peek into his heart. A Celebration of Rich’s life will begin at Lee Funeral Home in Owings, Maryland on Monday, January 27th from 2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm. The memorial mass will be in Owings, Maryland at The Covenant Community of Jesus the Good Shepherd January 28th, at 10:30am; internment to follow in Clinton, Maryland at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Rich would appreciate a donation to the Saint Germaine Building Fund, as he was working hard to support the expansion of his church. Please mail your donations to: Saint Germaine Catholic Church, 7997 East Dana Drive, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Richard Eugene Gielda please visit our Sympathy Store.