Ronald Gering, who served on the staff of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, for 45 years, died Sept. 29 following a battle with cancer. He was 74.

Funeral services will begin with viewing hours from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 3. and from 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 4 in Parkside Brenna-Cellini Funeral Home, 1584 Parkside Ave., Ewing. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. in Incarnation Church, 1545 Pennington Ave., Ewing. Burial will follow the Mass in Ewing Church Cemetery, 100 Scotch Road, Ewing.

At Catholic Charities, Mr. Gering, a licensed professional counselor and nationally certified counselor, was service area director of the agency’s Children and Family Services, which provides services to at-risk children and their families.

Marlene Lao-Collins, Catholic Charities’ executive director, recalled Mr. Gering as “a valued member of our leadership team and a part of the Catholic Charities family for over 40 years. 

“His servant leadership approach, kindness, and genuine humanity will leave an indelible mark on his colleagues, within Catholic Charities as well as externally, and his team members. Ron had a keen ability to recognize innovative programs of effective treatments that led to replacing a cycle of violence with a cycle of family peace and effective problem-solving. His leadership improved the lives of thousands of children and families in the Diocese of Trenton. It was a blessing to know and work with him.”

Born and raised in Trenton, Mr. Gering resided in New Hope, Pa., for the past 20 years. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rutgers University, New Brunswick; a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Miami University in Ohio, and was a U.S. Army veteran. He served as former chairman for the Shade Tree Committee in New Hope Borough, was a former member of the Ewing Township School Board and was an adjunct professor of psychology at The College of New Jersey, Ewing. He was also a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity and the ROTC.

Mr. Gering’s desire to work with at-risk youth began after he worked in a correctional facility, which inspired him to want to address the critical needs of the most-vulnerable children and families. In his job working in a correctional facility, he heard numerous stories on how adults had endured abuse and violence during their childhoods.

In 2016, Mr. Gering was the recipient of the Bishop M. Sullivan Award, which is presented to an individual in the Catholic Charities network who exemplifies dedicated service and leadership in the field of children, youth and family services. Bishop Sullivan was the longtime auxiliary bishop of Brooklyn and was revered throughout the Catholic community and across the nation for his concern for the poor and marginalized.

Mr. Gering was predeceased by his parents, two siblings and brother-in-law. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Connie Popgoshev Gering; five children Matthew (Angela) Gering; Benjamin (Jennifer) Gering; Michael (Dana) Piscopo; Anthony (Christine) Piscopo, and Brian Piscopo; 12 grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities’ El Centro, 327 South Broad Street, Trenton, N.J. 08608.