Family members, friends, and admirers gathered at the Hotel Canandaigua on the Lake to celebrate the remarkable 103rd birthday of Eugene “Gene” Gerrard, a WWII veteran, former Brookhaven Town Councilman, and lifelong servant to his community and country.
Gerrard, who now lives in Ontario County with his daughter Pam Ruschak, received standing ovations, a champagne toast, and rounds of heartfelt tributes during the celebration. One guest, Rep. Claudia Tenney, called him “a living link to the Greatest Generation whose impact on New York stretches from Montauk to the Finger Lakes.”
“Gene’s story is the story of America: duty, faith, hard work, and humility,” Tenney said. “At 103, he’s still reminding us what integrity looks like.”
Former Brookhaven Town Board colleague Charles Lefkowitz, the Chairman of the Suffolk Water Authority, also made the trip upstate to honor his old friend. “Gene taught us that politics is service, not theater,” Lefkowitz said. “Even when the cameras were gone, he kept fighting—for seniors, for veterans, for firefighters. He made government work for the people.”
Guests at the event shared laughs and memories, including photos from Gerrard’s days in the military, printing business, and fire department service. As the sun set over Canandaigua Lake, a small fireworks display capped off the evening, a fitting salute to a man whose life continues to shine with purpose.
Gerrard, moved by the crowd, thanked everyone warmly: “I never expected to live this long, but I’m grateful for every moment. And I’m especially grateful for all of you.”