Family and friends will gather in June to celebrate a milestone few ever reach: the 103rd birthday of Eugene “Gene” Gerrard, a decorated World War II veteran, longtime public servant, and beloved figure in both Brookhaven Town and the Finger Lakes community.
A native of Brooklyn, Gerrard’s life has been a testament to military, municipal, and personal service. Born in 1922, Gene attempted to join the war effort at just 17, eager to serve his country. Though his mother initially refused to sign the papers, a family friend helped persuade her, and in 1942, Gene enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Serving until 1945, Gene rose to the rank of Quartermaster First Class. His dedication earned him multiple commendations, including the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Medal.
After the war, he returned to civilian life with the same work ethic and sense of duty. He applied his trade school education to open two successful printing businesses: Gerrard Printing in Elmont and later St. Gerrard Printing in Port Jefferson Station, which he operated until 2013.
In 1981, Gene was elected to the Brookhaven Town Council, where he served for 22 years. During that time, he became a trusted voice in local government and a tireless advocate for his constituents, especially seniors, women, and the emergency services community. He helped create Decision, an organization serving women in business, and programs to provide prom dresses and business wear for those who needed them. He pushed for affordable housing and was a big part of the Hope Ridge moderate-income project in Selden that saw the construction of three-bedroom homes with garages for $70,000.
Gerrard gained widespread attention when he called on the federal government to clean up a Moriches property where radioactive waste was found. Wielding a Geiger counter, Gerrard created a stir among the assembled media when the detector clicked frantically as he approached the hazardous location.
He was also a central figure in the Mount Sinai Fire Department, contributing over five decades of service in roles including chief, chaplain, and fire police captain. He founded the Mt. Sinai Fire Department Benevolent Association and was instrumental in establishing the Brookhaven Volunteer Firefighters Museum. He made sure emergency vehicle operators could control red lights so they could pass safely through intersections.
“Gene chaired the Brookhaven Republican Party during some very turbulent times,” said Charles Lefkowitz, who served with him on the town board. “He set the foundation for the party's long-term success by holding an open selection process for the leadership. It was a transparent, honest process that led to the selection of Jesse Garcia, who is our current town chairman, said Lefkowitz, noting that Gerrard served under four different town supervisors.
“Gene was an early proponent of protecting the environment,” said Peter Scully, Brookhaven’s deputy supervisor when Gerrard served with former Supervisor Henrietta Acampora. “He supported land use plans and zoning changes to preserve the town’s drinking water and other natural resources. He was behind the Stop Throwing Out Pollutants program and wanted to set up a municipal tire recycling facility, a problem-solving idea way ahead of its time.”
“I asked him the secret to his longevity,” remembered South Shore Press Reporter Robert Chartuk, who worked with Gerrard both as a Legislative Aide and Town Parks Commissioner. “He said it was the fact that he was never a smoker.”
Now residing in Canandaigua with his daughter, Pam Ruschak, Gene hasn’t slowed down. At 94, he became a Red Coat Ambassador at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center, guiding and supporting fellow veterans—a role he continues to fulfill. His warm greetings, steady presence, and dedication have made him a fixture at the Veterans Administration.
In recognition of his service, U.S. Representative Claudia Tenney paid tribute to Gene on the floor of the House of Representatives, calling him “an exceptional community member whose devotion to his country and community is truly inspiring.”
Past honors include being named Veteran of the Month by New York’s 27th Congressional District in June 2021 and receiving a New York State Senate Proclamation from Senator Pamela Helming on his 99th birthday. On his 100th, Gene was celebrated at the American Legion Canandaigua Post 256 and honored again days later by then-congressman Lee Zeldin at a gubernatorial rally.
Gene's 103rd birthday celebration will take place on June 14 at the Hotel Canandaigua on the Lake. Anyone interested in celebrating with him can contact gus3322@hotmail.com. Happy 103rd, Gene. Thank you for your continued example of grace, grit, and generosity.