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Richard Denning
Gearhart

July 17, 1951 – December 11, 2018

Richard Gearhart
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Obituary for Richard Denning Gearhart

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R. Denning Gearhart, 67, of Clearfield died on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at Penn Highlands Clearfield.

He was born on July 17, 1951 in Clearfield, a son of Dorothy L. (Long) Byers of Clearfield and the late Oden D. Gearhart Jr.

Denning was a 1969 graduate of Clearfield High School where he served as senior class president. He then graduated in 1973 from Eisenhower College and began to volunteer with the Peace Corps from 1973-1974. After volunteering, Denning enrolled and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Law School in 1977. Upon graduating, he served as a Law Clerk for Judge John Reilly for one year. Denning successfully passed his board exams and began practicing law in Clearfield from 1978 until retirement.

He was a life long member of St. John Lutheran Church, Clearfield. He was also a past member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge #540, Clearfield, served on the board and as past president with both the Clearfield School Board and the Clearfield Area Agency on Aging. Denning also served on the Easterseals Disability Services Board and won the Easterseals Gallantry Award in October of 1978.

He was a member of the PA Bar Association and had a real joy for the Clearfield County Fair and politics, being active in the Clearfield County political scene. Denning also spearheaded projects for Americans with Disabilities. Baseball was near and dear to Denning and he coached local Senior League Baseball.

Denning was an ardent fan of his beloved Pittsburgh Pirates, traveling for over 20 years to watch spring training games in Bradenton, FL.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by two children, Samuel D. Gearhart and wife Olivia, and Lydia Gearhart; two brothers, Dan E. Gearhart and wife Betsy of Clearfield, and William H. 'Willie' Gearhart and wife Gigi of Clearfield; two sisters, Betsy A. Guthrie and husband Randall of Mineral Springs, and Carrol S. Davis and husband Gary of Spring Grove; a brother-in-law, Jim Graham of Aurora, CO; and a close friend, Dori Pickens.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra L. Graham; a niece, Jennifer Gearhart; a great nephew, Jacob Guthrie; and a step-father, William Byers.

A memorial service will be held at the St. John Lutheran Church, Clearfield on Saturday at 1 P.M. with Rev. Robert J. Way officiating.

Friends will be received at the church from 12 until the time of services.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Easterseals Disability Services, Six Parkway Center, Suite 150, 875 Greentree Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15220, and St. John Lutheran Church, 217 E. Pine St., Clearfield, PA 16830.

The Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield is in charge of arrangements.

To sign the on-line guest book go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.

Visitation

When Saturday, December 15th, 2018 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location
St. John Lutheran Church
Address
217 E. Pine Street
Clearfield, PA 16830

Service Information

When
Saturday, December 15th, 2018 1:00pm
Location
St. John Lutheran Church
Address
217 E. Pine Street
Clearfield, PA 16830

Interment Information

Location
Address
Address not given
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