Richard Darlington Gerle, MD, age 87, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, passed away on September 20, 2017 surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. He was an inspiring physician, artist and loving husband, father and grandfather. Richard was born in Kings Point, NY on February 11, 1930 to the late Eric, a Swedish immigrant, and Helen (Darlington) Gerle and despite the challenges of the Great Depression, Richard was an industrious boy who dreamed of becoming a physician. He attended Oyster Bay Senior High School and graduated in 1948. Inspired by Dr. Charles W. Hayden of Glen Cove, NY., Richard attended Denison University (1953) and went on to medical school at University of Rochester School of Medicine (1957). He completed his internship at the Columbia University-affiliated Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, NY, Radiology Residency and Chief Residency at University of Rochester School of Medicine and Medical Center and Fellowship in diagnostic Radiology at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati General Hospital. He then began practice as Associate Professor in Radiology at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital 1962-1965, followed by positions as Assistant Professor of Radiology at Emory University School of Medicine 1963-1965, Associate Professor of Radiology at SUNY Upstate College of Medicine 1965-1998, and Attending Radiologist at Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital 1965-1979. In 1979, he founded CNY Diagnostic Imaging, PC, where he was a revered physician and national expert in mammography. Richard was a prolific medical author published in prestigious national and international medical journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Disease of the Chest, Radiology, and the British Journal of Radiology. He was a Fellow of the American College of Radiology, and member of the Onondaga County Medical Society, New York Medical Society, The Radiological Society of North America, and the American Roentgen Ray Society. In 1954, Richard married Elizabeth (Christiansen) Gerle, and along with their 3 "Gerle girls" settled in Syracuse, NY. In 1987 he married his devoted wife and best friend, Janice (Bettinger) Gerle. The two enjoyed travel, fine dining, and many Septembers on Cape Cod. They eventually settled at the Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Florida. where, along with a martini, cigar and great conversations with many friends, he enjoyed the view overlooking the 10th fairway. Their home was often filled with children and grandchildren exploring Floridas many golf courses, parks, and beaches. He was a member of the Syracuse Golf Bandits and mens golf group at Saddlebrook. As a young man, Richard developed his skills as an artist and medical illustrator, carefully detailing human anatomy. During his retirement, he developed his love for watercolor and pastel under the guidance of Judith Hand (Syracuse, NY) and his devoted teacher Becky Kempton of Land OLakes, FL. His works are found in private collections along the East Coast.He is survived by his wife Janice (Bettinger) Gerle and his three daughters, their spouses and five grandchildren; Gretchen (John) King and grandchildren, Eric, Lauren and Katherine of Waterbury, VT, Kirsten (John) Hanrahan and grandsons, Colin and Luke of Alpharetta, GA, and Wendy (Chris) Donner of Vergennes, VT. He is also survived by his brother, Fred (Sarah) Gerle, along with his beloved nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Rd 54, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Helping Hands Food Pantry, c/o Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel.

Atonement Lutheran Church