Gerard A. "Gerry" Rish, 63, a lifelong resident of the Alden Station section of Newport Township, passed away Monday, October 7, 2024 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton .

Born April 3, 1961 in Pittston, he was a son of the late Joseph A. and Esther M. McCoola Rish.

He was a 1979 graduate of Nanticoke High School. He attended East Stroudsburg State College, where he studied pre-pharmacy. He graduated magna cum laude, in 1984, from Temple University School of Pharmacy.

Throughout his career as a Registered Pharmacist, Gerry had a forty-year career working at the Berwick Hospital. He had previously worked for Weis Markets Pharmacy, and The Medicine Shoppe, Nanticoke.

He was an outdoorsman and a gentleman farmer who enjoyed hunting, NASCAR, auto mechanics, cooking, and spending time with his dog, travis. Gerry was a member of the Alden Rod and Gun Club, American Legion Post 673 Ashley, Fraternal Order of Eagles 834 Nanticoke, Polish Falcons Mocanaqua Nest 163 and Italian Club Glen Lyon. He will also be fondly remembered as a good friend to many.

Surviving are his brothers, Joseph, of Courtdale, Edward, of Linglestown, and George, of Grantville; an aunt, Joan Lacombe, of Aiken, SC; eight nieces and nephews, and four great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6 to 8pm Friday at Dinelli Family Funeral Home, 170 East Broad Street, Nanticoke.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin 11am, Saturday, October 19th at St. Faustina Kowalska Parish 520 S. Hanover Street, Nanticoke. Those Attending the mass are asked to go directly to the church Saturday morning.

Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Wanamie.

Gerry's brothers would like to thank Smith Health Care of Mountaintop for their excellent care and support during his recent illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Disabled American Veterans of America dav.org