Richard E. Sterling
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Richard E. Sterling Greece: Friday, June 18, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with cancer at age 85. Dick is predeceased by his beloved wife Joan, his daughter in law Sue, his parents Lafe, Frances, step mother Nellie, brothers Lafe (Mary Ann) and Paul (Irene). Dick is survived by his children Daniel, Eileen (Michelle), Mary (Nick) Himes, Michael (Lisa), Julie (Beth); grandchildren; Cassandra, Mary, Richard, Robert, Jessica, Michael, Teresa, Nicholas, Jackson, William; sister in law Eileen Daly SSJ, many nieces, nephews and friends. Dick is a Korean War Veteran who served in Germany. Dick worked as a police officer and sergeant with the Rochester Police Department for 20 years and as the Director of Safety for Rochester Institute of Technology for 18 years. He was a member of the Men’s Club and an Usher at Our Mother of Sorrows Church. He and his family have been parishioners for 57 years. Dick met his wife Joan at Rochester Business Institute in 1958. He always said that this was the best thing he ever did – the love of his life. Friends may call Friday (June 25th) 4-7 PM at Vay-Schleich and Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday (June 26th) 10:30 AM at Our Mother of Sorrows Church. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center c/o Rochester Regional Health Foundations 330 Monroe Avenue, Suite 400 Rochester, NY 14607 in Dick’s memory.
James Burton.Richard you trully was a great man and friend.
Today Heaven gained yet another of my friends, but he and Joan have left me with a life time of memories to hold on too .There will be another Angel around the Throne tonight .,Rest in Peace Dick and until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of his Hands Love Gladys ,
Heaven will never be the same. The Sterling brothers have arrived and health, happiness, love and faith will shine on each of us as they watch over us. Dianne
I will forever treasure the memory of my favorite uncle. He is in heaven with Aunt Joan and his brothers. He lived a full life which we will celebrate and remember him as a kind good man with a strong faith in god.
The Association of Rochester Police and Area Law Enforcement Retirees (ARPALER) sends condolences and prayers to the family of Sgt. Sterling, and we salute him for his service to his country and community. Rest in peace Brother.
I was so sad to hear of Dick’s passing. He was, and always be the, greatest mentor I ever had. He treated me like one of his daughters and I will always be grateful. He was a great man and will truly be missed. My love to the family.
Dick was a good friend and exceptional boss. He will be missed by family and friends. I can still remember his contagious smile and quotes of wisdom. Dick’s guidence and tutoring enabled me to become a Director at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, I will be forever grateful to him. Rest in Peace.
Dan (and family) Sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Mark Kichline Ellucian
My sincere condolences to the Sterling family. May you find comfort in knowing Dick loved Joan and his family very much. I always admired his dedication to RIT, as well as his Public Safety “work family”. Rest In Peace, Dick. Barbara Vito
I always enjoyed chatting with Dick before Mass at Our Mother of Sorrows. He was very much a gentleman. Deacon Ed Giblin Rochester PD Retired
Dear family sorry for your loss please be strong I am praying for the family I know it is hard Richard will be miss I enjoy taking to him he was a fun and loving man
To the Sterling family We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Dick was a lovely man – a real gentleman. We always enjoyed his company. You are all in our thoughts at this sad time. Dennis and Pat Callum, Aberdeen, Scotland
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Sergeant Sterling. The good Sergeant was instrumental in me choosing law enforcement for a career some 33 years ago. As a young boy of twelve delivering the Rochester Times Union in the Highland Avenue/Meadowbrook Road neighborhood, we met many times while the Sergeant was conducting speed enforcement on Highland Avenue. He was extremely friendly and gracious to this inquisitive lad and even gave me my first lessons in the acquired skill of visually estimating vehicle speeds – a skill that served me well in the NYSP. I remember waiting on the corner while he zoomed away to write a ticket and then we’d pick up our conversation when he returned. I would even spot violators coming from the west and let him know that he had a "keeper" coming. Know that I hold many fond memories of this gentleman and that I extend my sincere condolences to the family. May all of the great memories help to sustain you during difficult times. Godspeed and RIP Sergeant Sterling…
Director Sterling opened many doors for us while leading the RIT security team. There were issues between the hearing impaired community and local law enforcement. While working at Zone B of the Monroe County Sheri”s Office, we approached him and he assisted with scheduling open discussion sessions with both groups… it was immeasurable in assisting with open dialog between the groups. This was but one area where his involvement improved the safety of the entire RIT community. He was a Leader!
All of the memories of Uncle Dick were of him smiling every time I saw him. What a zest for life and the jokes he and his brother Paul would tell me when I got put next to them. I will always have fond memories of him.