Francis H. Gierisch

Francis H. Gierisch, 97, of Rte. 44/55 died Friday, April 10, 2026 in the home he was born and raised in, surrounded by family.  Born February 10, 1929 in Gardiner he was the son of the late Theodore and Florence Gierisch.  He is also pre-deceased by his nine siblings, his wife Joan and his second wife Karen.   He proudly served his country during the Korean War as a data analyst for the Marine Corps after completing Army Intelligence School at Ft. Riley, KS.  He was honorably discharged achieving rank of Corporal.  He went on to complete his undergraduate degree at SUNY New Paltz and his Master's degree from Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.  He was employed as an educator and administrator at Pocantico Hills Central Schools for many years as well as Director of the Disctrict's Summer Camp.  He loved nature and the outdoors including fishing and birding.   He often said that nature saved him and was his refuge during the Depression and the subsequent poverty his family endured.  He lived to share this knowledge by teaching classes such as Wildflower, Bird and Tree identification.  When he obtained his private pilot's license he shared that with his students as well opening up a class for them to soar with the birds and look at the land from a different perspective.  He took his last flight when he was 96, flying along his beloved Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains. 

He is survived by his two daughters, Hollister Rand of CA and Wendy Rettig of Gardiner, NY as well as his best friend and son-in-law Bruce Rettig and his beloved grandchildren Frances and Tyler Rettig.  He will be missed dearly by his sister-in-law Jane WeMett as well as his many nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors.

His Funeral Service will be held privately.   Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family on his Tribute Wall at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com

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