Richard R. 'Dick' Gearing Of Pine Beach Dies At 82

Courtesy of Colonial Funeral Home:

Richard R. "Dick" Gearing, 82, of Pine Beach, peacefully passed away Sunday, August 21, 2016.

Richard was a longtime resident of Brielle and the beloved son of the late Raymond and Vivian Gearing. Born in Elizabeth and raised in Manasquan, he graduated from Manasquan H.S. in 1952. He studied engineering at both Drexel University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute before being appointed to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, class of '58, and serving in the U.S. Naval Reserves for 15 years.

Dick earned his master's degree in education from Kean College, where he met Mary Anne, his devoted wife of 47 years. He worked most of his life as an educator, having the honorable distinction of being the first male primary grade teacher in the Toms River School District.

Additionally, he served as the principal of both Fort Dix Elementary School in Pemberton and his alma mater, Manasquan Elementary School. He also served Ocean County as the Director of Safety and Risk Management for over 15 years, retiring in 2005.

Dick was a parishioner, Eucharistic Minister, and member of the RCIA team at St. Barnabas R.C. Church in Bayville. Dick and Mary Anne enjoyed raising their daughters at the Jersey Shore. His passions were education, sailing and teaching others how to sail, cruising, and enjoying the company of family and friends. He also loved to share a good joke and his positive attitude toward life was unmatched.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Anne (Bensinger) Gearing; two loving daughters, Maureen B. Landosky and her husband, Chris of Pine Beach and Anne B. Gearing of Ocean Gate; a brother, Fred and his wife, Barbara of Ft. Myers, FL; and a sister, Marguerite Lewis and husband, John, of Manasquan. Dick was also a loving brother-in-law as well as an uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Monday, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home,2170 Highway 88, Brick. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Barnabas R.C. Church in Bayville. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Toms River.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in his honor to Immaculata University - 1145 King Road, Immaculata, PA 19345 OR to the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore - 242 Adelphia Road, Farmingdale, NJ 07727.