Richard F. Gaertner, 88, of Melbourne, Fl., a former longtime resident, and former Police Chief of Bradford Township in Bradford, PA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

Born March 26, 1935, in Tarentum, he was a son of the late Albert and Catherine (Black) Gaertner.

Upon graduating from Washington Vocational High School he enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 15, 1953. He was an Air Force Recruiter and retired after 20 years of service on July 31, 1973.

Following his retirement he enjoyed a career in Law Enforcement, as Chief of Police for Bradford Township and Foster Township, and for the Federal Government in multiple locations across the United States.

Richard is survived by his wife of 67 years, his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann (Reinhardt) Gaertner, of Melbourne, FL, one son, David (Alison) Gaertner, of Schertz, TX, three daughters, Kathleen (Richard) Pedine and Donna (Mark) Hollenbeck, all of Bradford, and Linda (James) Staples, of North Wales, 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great granddaughters, several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Douglas Gaertner, who died November 15, 2007, five brothers, and two sisters.

Friends and family are welcome to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Viera, on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, for visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment with Full Military Honors will be at 2:00 p.m., at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, FL.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com