Obituary of Richard Charles Bainbridge

Richard Charles Bainbridge passed away on May 15, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He was 84 years old.

Richard leaves behind his true love, his wife Roberta (Bobbi) Bainbridge whom he married on July 1, 1981. Preceding him in death was his father, Albert Bainbridge and his mother, Julia Phillips Bainbridge; and his sister Joan Barczak.

He is survived by his children Benton Bainbridge of Bronx, New York and Rachel Bainbridge Steinberg (Bobby) of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is further survived by step-children Douglas Gerlach (Debra) of Harborcreek, Karen Twaroski (Danny) of Wattsburg, Amy Dylewski (Kevin) of Erie and Juleann Landis (Scott) of Harborcreek. In addition, he is survived by grandchildren Joshua (fiancé Sadie), Jacob and Alex Twaroski; Matthew and Lukas Gerlach; Emily (fiancé Fred) and Tara Dylewski; Ezra Bainbridge-Powers; and Heather and Benjamin Landis. He also leaves behind a great-grandson Freddie Stritzinger III. He is further survived by his sister, Kathleen Bainbridge Schultz (Howard) of Kingsland, Georgia and several nieces and nephews, among them a special niece, Amanda Dailey.

A 1953 graduate of Millcreek High School, Richard went on to serve in the United States Navy with an honorable discharge in 1955 as well as the United States Army with an honorable discharge in 1962. While in the Army, he spent considerable time in various parts of Africa and was part of the United States Army Signal Corps.  Upon return to the United States, Richard graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Electrical Engineering from Gannon University as well as a Master’s Degree in Control Theory from University of Toledo.

After he obtained his Master’s Degree, he worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) for Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, testing flight power systems in simulated space conditions.

His time at NASA was followed by a very successful career with the American Sterilizer Company (AMSCO) in Erie where he designed sterilization equipment for use in the medical industry. He was granted four U.S. patents while at AMSCO for his work. He retired from the company in 1993. Richard has many fond memories of his time at AMSCO and the many friendships built. After retirement, he spent several years as an Adjunct Instructor at Penn State Erie, the Behrend College.

As a child and young man, Richard worked his way through the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America, obtaining his Eagle Scout Award. Always extremely proud of his experience with the Scouts, he had many stories to tell and was especially thrilled when his grandsons Matthew and Lukas Gerlach obtained the same designation.

Richard was an avid 5K runner and participated in the QUAD competitions in the Erie area, completing all four disciplines (running, swimming, skiing and bicycling) for 14 years. In addition, he was active in the Erie Runners Club and the PA Snowseekers Association. He also enjoyed a lifetime of sailing on Lake Erie and was active in the amateur radio community with the call signal W3GZO.

The happiest times of his life occurred on the shores of Baer Beach in Millcreek where he and Bobbi purchased a lakefront home in 1985. The home went through several renovations including the addition of a second story, with all work done with friends and family. Along with the “Four Amigos” of Baer Beach (Jerry Muller, Bill Eastley and Jerry Steffler), he was integral in the building of several piers along Baer Beach that aided in sand replenishment for years. Thousands of sunsets were enjoyed with the very best of friends on the decks along Baer Beach. Richard took great pride in hoisting the U.S. flag, the state flag and a “Don’t Give Up the Ship” flag on the beach every morning.

In his final days, Richard talked fondly of his children and grandchildren, of his memories, of his time in the Armed Forces, of his career and of his life. It was a life well lived and thoroughly enjoyed. One of the last things he said to his wife was “I couldn’t have led a better life.” May we all be so blessed.

Richard’s family would like to thank his Primary Care Physician, Dr. Joseph Deimel for his years of thoughtful care. In addition, gratitude goes to the Visiting Nurses Association for helping them on the hospice journey as well as those who cared for him at Saint Vincent Hospital, especially Dr. Salam.

Arrangements were handled by Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. 4216 Sterrettania Rd. There will be no visiting hours. We ask that you remember Richard in your own special way.

Memorial donations may be made to the Erie City Mission, P.O. Box 407, Erie, PA 16512 or ServERIE, 231 Parade Street, Erie, PA 16507.