Rick Gentilcore was a master firefighter in Montgomery County, Maryland. He served in the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service for 23 years—12 years as a volunteer and 11 as a career firefighter. Rick achieved his boyhood dream of becoming a firefighter through his determination and work ethic. Each shift, he embodied his core value of hard work, inspiring others around him to give it everything they had, be it throwing a ladder or cleaning the engine bay.
Rick began working at a young age with his father at a local newspaper and then for his uncle’s restaurants. He had a career at the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal as a mailer while he volunteered as a firefighter in three Maryland counties: Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel. The boyhood dream became a reality when he graduated from Fire and Rescue Recruit Class 26 on March 10, 2006.
While in MCFRS, he served at Stations 10, 19, and 2. In 2016, Rick was stationed at Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 15. Burtonsville was where he began volunteering in 1994 and was his home-away-from-home. It was in this station that he passed away on April 7, 2017.
Rick was born on June 6, 1964, the third child of Anthony P. Gentilcore, Jr. and Carol Gentilcore. He grew up in Wheaton, Maryland, with his siblings, Anthony, Nancy, Mary, and Betty. Rick graduated from Northwood High School in 1983 as a standout defensive end on the football team.
Rick met his future wife, Virginia, in 1985. They were married on May 28, 1988. His son, Todd, was born on July 16, 1988.
In 1991, Rick made a renewed commitment to his Christian faith that sustained him for the rest of his days. He was an active member of his church community, and he forged such strong relationships that many there considered him family.
Over the last 10 years, Rick fostered a passion for golf. He played morning and night at the Bowie Golf and Country Club. Even at the golf course, Rick’s work ethic got the best of him. He began working there part-time on the grounds in exchange for playing whenever he wanted for free.
Rick loved to travel to warm destinations with his wife and son. He particularly enjoyed southern California, where he was able to spend time with his nephews, Michael and Jack. His favorite travel destination was the Florida Keys, which was the last vacation with his family during Christmas 2016.
Rick is survived by his wife and son, a host of fire service brothers and sisters, friends, and family.
I watch the family video of the fallen firefighter Charles “Rick” Gentilcore. He was a great firefighter and a great man who cared. He will always be honored and forever remembered. Thank you, Charles “Rick” Gentilcore for all you did, Forever Rest In Peace!
– Rachel Blitz