Philip O. Gericke

Philip was born to Dr. Otto Luke Gericke and Catherine R. Gericke Dec. 24, 1936, in Ukiah, California. The family moved a time or two during the War, but came to Patton, CA in 1946 where Dr. Gericke administered Patton Hospital for 26 years. As a young man Phil worked in the store at Patton. He attended St. Ann’s grammar school and St. Bernardine’s high school. Phil was president of his first three high school classes then served as ASB president in his senior year. He displayed a keen interest in sports and languages. He also became a pretty good mechanic working on his ‘29 Model A and his brother’s 34 Ford.

Phil attended the University of California Riverside, graduating cum laude in 1958. He went on to graduate school at University of California Berkeley. While a graduate student at Berkeley he taught Spanish classes. He received his Ph.D. in 1965. He later taught at Cal State Northridge before accepting a position at his alma mater, UCR. Phil taught at UC Riverside for 27 years. His specialty was medieval Spanish literature. He served twice as Department Chair and also served as Associate Dean of the graduate division.

Philip loved music, from his teenage experience with the Sheriff’s Drum and Bugle Corps to his post-retirement singing with the Melodics of Apple Valley. Phil is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Gericke (nee Halpern), Children Elissa, Teresa, Otto and Thomas and grandchildren David, Janice and Nicholas. His great grandchildren are Adelina and Melody. He is also survived by brothers Doug and Bob and sister Kate Elder.

Professor Philip O. Gericke died from cancer August 28, 2024. His leadership, mentorship and example will be sorely missed. There will be a memorial service at Mt. View Cemetery in San Bernardino on Nov. 6, 2024 at 2:30 P.M.