Henry “Paul” Gerick Jr., 86, of Lake Frederick, Virginia, passed away on April 23, 2026, at Warren Memorial Hospital.

Born on January 6, 1940, in Virginia, he was the son of the late Henry Paul Gerick and Margaret Ann (Greenwald) Gerick. Paul served his country proudly in the United States Navy.

Paul was a dedicated sheet metal worker with Stromberg Sheet Metal (Local 100), where he worked faithfully until his retirement. He took great pride in his craft and was known for his strong work ethic and reliability.

A man of deep faith, Paul was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Front Royal and a 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus. His faith and community were important parts of his life.

Paul enjoyed many simple pleasures, including fishing, trips to the beach, attending car shows, and listening to music from the 1950s. He often described himself as a “jack of all trades, master of none,” a phrase that reflected both his humility and his wide-ranging skills. One of his greatest joys was dancing with his beloved wife.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia “Pat” A. (Millard) Gerick, who passed away on November 20, 2021, and by his brother, Frank Gerick.

Paul is survived by his daughters, Teresa “Terry” McCarter (Scott) and Debora “Debbie” Fishback (Bobby); his grandchildren, Jackie McCarter, Justin McCarter, James McCarter (Ashley), Jenna McCarter, Kyle Kratzer (Marie), Titus Fishback, and Caleb Fishback; and his great-grandchild, Tessa May Kratzer. He is also survived by his sisters, Betty Cocchini and Joan Randall, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Paul will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his steady presence, and the joy he found in life’s simple moments. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and cherished the time he spent with them.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Omps Funeral Home, South Chapel, with Rev. Thomas Shepanzyk officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Shenandoah Memorial Park. A reception will be held at the Omps Reception Center, South Chapel following the committal service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Paul to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to a cancer charity of the donor’s choice.