The Newspaper of Record since 1878

Dr. Richard Vierling

Posted

Dr. Richard Bruce Vierling passed on at his Gilbert home on Aug. 4, 2021 surrounded by family. 

Richard was born in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1945 to Rudolph and Maxine Vierling. He grew up in Whittier, California along with his brother and two sisters. After a stint in a hardware store and being the drummer in a band, Richard was inspired to pursue a teaching degree from California State University, Fullerton.  

He had been teaching for a few years when his adventurous spirit called him to join the Peace Corps. He was stationed at St. Kitts in the Caribbean, where he wrote original plays for his students to act out and built the first library on the island. During his first year back in the States, he met his next adventure at a college lecture and journeyed on with her for 48 years.

He was a beloved part of the Globe-Miami community for over 40 years. As a lifelong educator, Richard taught grades four through 12 in California and Arizona. He tirelessly made the drive through the canyon to Phoenix every week and eventually obtained his Doctorate in Education from Arizona State University. He passed this passion for education on to his daughters and son. One of the achievements Richard was most proud of was spearheading the creation of the Globe Alternative School for at-risk students. Along with his cherished colleagues, he helped to bring struggling high school students back to the classroom to set them up for success in life.   

He treasured his time as the principal of Globe High School and Assistant Superintendent for the Globe Unified School District. Many students remember his quotable quotes and firm but fair demeanor. Never one to rest for long, he spent his retirement as a consultant to the Gila County School Superintendent’s Office as Associate Superintendent and Director of Juvenile Detention and Jail Education.  

Richard was a remarkable husband, father and grandpa. To those who knew him, he was a very “special” person and a “lovable” guy! Richard lives on in the hearts of his wife Vivian, three children Amy (Ron), Nathan (Vivian) and Katie (Tony), three grandchildren Riley, Allison and Ryan, sisters Saundra and Rudette, brother Rodger, and many nieces and cousins.

Services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery and Funeral Home. The address is 1562 E. Baseline Rd, Mesa, Az.  If you are unable to attend, spend a quiet moment thinking about him or share a story about him with a loved one.

Due to Covid restrictions, we will not be able to have a reception to celebrate Richard after the service.

In lieu of flowers, Richard requested donations to his favorite charities that he donated to on a monthly basis: Smile Train, Wounded Warrior, Freedom Service Dogs, ASPCS and The Nature Conservancy.

We hope that you will choose a favorite charity from these choices and donate in his name.

Richard once said, “There are three kinds of people in life. Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who say ‘Duh? What happened?” He encouraged everyone to be the kind of person who makes things happen and to not sit on the sidelines watching life go by. In honor of Richard, do something today that you have been putting off for a long time, especially if it’s something you believe in. 

Love,

The Vierling Family