Richard Joseph Gear

Richard Joseph John Gear was born on July 2, 1945 in The Bronx, New York. He died peacefully at home in Cave Creek, Arizona on May 13, 2021. He was the youngest child of Esther M. (Peggy) and Edward V. Gear, New York, deceased. Richard attended Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, New York, and later graduated from the State University of New York and Sage College, Troy, New York.

Richard served as a Combat Infantryman in the US Army, 4th Infantry Division, Vietnam 1966-1967. He received numerous decorations for courage and bravery in the face of the enemy. He began his career managing manufacturing organizations both domestically and internationally. He met his wife, Eileen in 1968 in Troy, New York; they married in 1974. His professional career evolved into Executive Manufacturing Management where he managed Manufacturing facilities all over the USA and internationally, including 4 years in the Philippines. After retirement, he devoted his life to his family, coin collecting and writing his memoirs. Richard was also an Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver, expert marksman and numismatist; Richard also held and Irish Passport as his mother was born in Ireland.

Richard is survived by his wife Eileen, their son RJ II, numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends. He will be greatly missed by his loving family. Richard was admired for his quick wit, generosity, sense of humor and willingness to help his family and friends. Richard was a member of St. Gabriel’s Church in Cave Creek, Arizona.

The visitation will be held Tuesday, May 25, 2021 from 10:00-11:00 am at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, 2350 E. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85022. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am. Graveside services with military honors will take place at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024 at 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Viet Nam Veterans of America, www.vva.org