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| Richard D. Gierloff 1950-2018 |
Gilbert, Arizona—It’s with great sadness that I must report on the death of Phoenix, Uber-Lawyer, Richard D. Gierloff this past Monday (04-09-18).
Richard was my personal lawyer, mentor and friend for well over three decades. He handled criminal cases exclusively, including many death penalty matters. He took on each case as a matter of life and death for his clients. He never undertook his duties in a lighthearted manner. Richard was a very meticulous winner.
Richard began his working life as a drug abuse counselor; soon he entered the University of Arizona Law School. He went on to become one of Arizona’s greatest lawyers. I was really pleased to work as his investigator on so many high profile cases. Together we had many great victories.
Richard was stricken with throat cancer last year and waged a courageous battle. He was forced to shut down his law practice and withdraw his State Bar Admission. He knew things were very serious.
Soon a special lady that was a longtime girlfriend, Christine Berry suddenly became Richard’s caretaker. Christine lovingly took care of Richard’s needs as he was in the biggest challenge of his life.
I was able to visit Richard and Christine last month. Richard was still confidant and fighting. He was however, so frail and thin. Considering this was a man that always ate right and did daily gym workouts this was so grossly unfair.
Richard surprised me by telling me I was invited to finally see something that should have happened years ago. Richard and Christine were to be married on April 21st. Instead of a wedding, I’ll be attending his final sendoff. If I know Richard, he will be vigorously advocating for people waiting at Saint Peter’s Gate.
As for the rest of us, we lost a giant of a man. He has saved and changed many lives. Richard Gierloff is a real hero that will never be forgotten.
Richard is survived by his true love, Christine and his adult daughter, Nora Gierloff.
