A long-time resident of Cherry Hill, NJ, Rich was born on April 16th, 1953, in Philadelphia, PA to parents Robert Gill Sr. & Marie Gill (Russo).
Doc was the ultimate family man who put his family above all else. From having himself & his kids dress up as dogs for their dog Wally’s birthday to roasting marshmallows over a fire while singing Christmas carols with his grandchildren, Doc created countless memories that will live forever.
Known to touch the lives of so many people through his actions, Doc also changed the world through his words & music. As a songwriter he inspired hope, spread love, and provided comfort to those in need. Songs such as “Soldiers of the Clouds”, “The Challenger Still Flies” & “Beautiful Soul” helped to act as a guiding light during difficult times. He received the nickname “Doc” because of his musical impact and was seen by many as a “Doctor of Music” because of his music’s ability to heal one’s soul.
In addition to his musical legacy, Doc was the ultimate entertainer who prided himself on bringing people together through his numerous parties based off his imaginative mind. From his famous Island parties to back-alley Christmas bonfires, “Doc Disney” loved to host with his mission being to make sure each person who attended felt welcomed and that they belonged. Sing-a-longs led by him at his famous Tiki Bar, “Coco Doc Island”, were the norm as were the countless acoustic guitar sessions he would play at a summer night’s end accompanied by his favorite singer; his wife Peggy.
Doc was a natural born leader. For over 40 years he was the park’s Operational Manager at Forest Hills Cemetery in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. His crew looked up to and respected him not only because of his ability to lead but because of how he truly looked out in the best interest of each and every one of them. Doc was not only a leader to men but was also a leader to boys and girls. With his infamous nicknames, Doc served as a coach for all his children and found a way to bring out the best version of each child he coached through his patience and belief in them. In his eyes, the championships he helped lead paled in comparison to the confidence & happiness he saw in each boy and girl.
Richard “Doc” Gill is a legend to many whose impact will live on forever through his music and family. Even though he was taken too soon, we know heaven must have needed a great songwriter up there.
Richard was preceded in death by his father, Robert Sr, mother Marie and older brother Michael.
Rich is survived by his wife Peggy Gill (Bonner), his brother Robert Jr., his children Richard Jr. (Elizabeth), Christopher (Noelle), Bryan (Angel), Lauren Corn (Joseph) & his furry son Bo.
He will always be Pop Pop to his grandchildren – Jude Mackenzie, Ashland Lennon, Veda Violet, Julian Joseph, River Reign, Harper Mae, Nolan Richard & soon to arrive granddaughter & was also Uncle Rich to many nieces and nephews.
A memorial visitation for Richard will be held Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Lamb Funeral Home Inc., 101 Byberry Road, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania 19006, followed by a memorial funeral mass at 12:00 PM.
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