Dear Diana, Andrew, David, Brian and Greg, the St. Cronan Community in St. Louis share in your loss as you mourn Rick's passing. He taught so many of us the meaning of death as he recorded his thoughts these past months. It is a legacy. We were priviliged to get to know your family through life celebrations, especially David and Loren's wedding and Elliot's baptism, and to journey with Rick in his final treatments this summer. May you be comforted in knowing our prayers are flowing for you and we hold you in our embrace. We rejoice that Rick is in the arms of God. Love, The Community of St. Cronan and Diane Gozdzialski

Diana, Frank & I send our love & prayers to you and your family.

My deepest condolences, Diana. May the Lord strengthen you and all your family. Rick, our great teacher and Dean, will remain in our hearts and prayers. Peace. Leo Lushombo

My sincere condolences to Rick's family. Dr. Gaillardetz was my professor and mentor at the University of Toledo in 2003-05. He was so kind, prepared thought provoking and incredibly interesting lectures, and cared deeply about his subject matter and how his students grew in understanding it. I randomly connected with him briefly in this last year and learned of his diagnosis. I am so happy that I was able to say "goodbye" and tell Dr. Gaillardetz how much his professional interest in my studies helped me grow as a student and as a young person. I am happy that he is at peace but saddened that his light is no longer of our world.
With love to his family,
Rachel (Klay) Ryan, Religious Studies major at University of Toledo

Diana, today at 12:05 pm (central), Fr Bruce Nieli will offer Mass for Rick at the University Catholic Center in Austin, a place that Rick gave his heart to—and where so many of us met him! Several of your Austin friends will be there today ❤️ Sending you and your beautiful family so much love!

Diana, My deepest condolences. Rick fought the good fight. Now he can rest in God's loving and generous peace. My continued prayers for you and the whole family. John

On Monday morning, I read Rick's Reflection on the first two pages of this month's GIVE US THIS DAY , "Time's Possibility," and spent a moment in prayer for him. I was away for two days and just found out about his death this morning and know now that I was called to that moment of prayer. His legacy will live on in his words - those spoken, written, and most importantly, lived.

Sandy Sherman, OSU (Toledo/CCUP)

Dear Diana, Mike McGarry forwarded your note about Rick's passing early this morning. I have been teary-eyed all day, passing this sad word along to others as well. Even re-watched his 2014 Burke Lecture at UC San Diego this evening--vintage Rick! Prayed for him and you and your family here at the LA house this evening, as my fellow Paulists and I have so many times over the past twenty months. Please be assured that we will not cease now! The wondrous love all of us have been privileged to witness here over Rick's final journey is simply incalculable. Though we are heartbroken now, we are also immensely grateful for such a grace-filled testament of how one may learn to die with honesty, humor, and humble faith. May you be surrounded and buoyed up anew with love and grace as you now prepare to celebrate Rick's life in the company of so many friends and colleagues. I, too, will be with you in spirit and love, Peter.

Dear Diana, Andrew, David, Brian, and Greg. My sincere condoleances to you all. I am grateful to to count Rick among my friends. I learned so much from him and the great care he took with everything - every written page, every meeting. I will not forget the gracious hospitality extended to many as we were welcomed into your home. Thanks for sharing him with us so generously in these last months. He will leave a big gap. I am sorry that I will not be able to join you Thursday as you say a final farewell, and to extend my sympathies in person, as I am working in Leuven this week. Many collegaues here mourn his loss and remember you all in prayer. Affectionately, Cathy

Dear Diana and Family,
We are across the country from you, but have been lifting all of you in love and prayer over these months. We thank God for Rick and pray that all of you will feel lifted and held by the tender arms of God.