Top Gun Arizona Lawyer Dead at 68

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 21^st.  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.