Richard John Gehring

Richard John Gehring April 24, 1942-June 27, 2024 Of Buffalo, New York, age 82, died peacefully on June 27, 2024. Beloved husband of Stephen John Vattimo; devoted brother of James Gehring and Diana, and their children, Andrea Miracle, Amie Van Alst, Allison Wheeler and their families; cherished friend of Anthony Schroeder, Yvonne Plain, Dr. Betty Cappella, Dr. Geraldine Bard, as well as survived by a multitude of other loving friends, colleagues and the clients he served. Richard will be remembered as an angel who touched everyones life for the better, having always dedicated his life to the service of others. In 1967 he served honorably as a Medical Corpsman the U.S. Army, and in 1971, he received his MSW from one of the top educational institutions in the country for the study of Social Work, the University of Chicago. The MSW degree at Chicago was founded by Jane Adams who won the Noble Prize for Peace in 1931 for her work and service with those who were most in need. Richard Gehring embodied the spirit and soul of the school that was so closely aligned with his own ideas of how to make the world better. Richard personified, the spirit of caring and compassion for those who are the most in need His work spanned the years from 1967 till the day he passed -- nearly 57 years. During this time, he was a teacher and field work supervisor for the University of Buffalo, Daemen University, Erie County Community College and the New York State Prison System. He also worked for the New York State Department of Health, and then went on to become the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels for 30 years that became FeedMore WNY. He helped the agency grow and become one of the premiere programs in the country. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, was a board member for Amherst Senior Transportation Services and CMH Counseling Services as well as others. He also volunteered at Canopy of Neighbors and did direct service at the Little Portion Friary on a volunteer basis 3 to 4 days a week for 15 years. The lives that Richard has helped or touched during his time on earth are immeasurable. We will miss him. When speaking with him about how life is short for what we want to do and when we pass, how sad that day will be for all of us who remain, he quoted the following which we will always keep with us, his cherished friends: "If ever there is a tomorrow when we're not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you." A graveside ceremony with military honors will take place on Friday, July 5 at 11am at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richards name to Little Portion Friary.