Senate Resolution No. 1130

BY: Senator HELMING

CONGRATULATING Gene Gerrard upon the special
occasion of celebrating his 103rd Birthday

WHEREAS, Gene Gerrard is a highly respected citizen of Canandaigua
and New York State who has made many notable contributions to his
community, state and nation, including his distinguished service as a
member of the United States Armed Forces and The Greatest Generation;
and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Gene Gerrard upon the occasion of celebrating his 103rd
Birthday, celebrated on May 24, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, Gene Gerrard was born on May 24, 1922; and

WHEREAS, Gene Gerrard was married to his loving wife, Edna for 65
years, and together they raised five children, Christine, Patrick,
Pamela, Ann Marie, and Paul, and have been blessed with many
grandchildren-all of whom carry on the family legacy; and

WHEREAS, In 1942, Gene Gerrard, a patriotic American, committed to
serving his country in the United States Coast Guard during World War
II, where he held rank as 1st Class Quartermaster and earned the
American Area Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Good
Conduct Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, and the Victory Medal;
and

WHEREAS, Following his discharge from the military in 1945, Gene
Gerrard went on to serve his community as a town councilman of
Brookhaven, New York for 22 years, where he worked on several noteworthy
projects, including the first town-owned golf course, the first
affordable housing development, summer youth programs, and many others;
and

WHEREAS, Gene Gerrard dedicated more than half of his life to the
Mt. Sinai Fire Department, where he served as chief and chaplain; he
also held the esteemed position of vice president of the Town Fire
Police Association; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Gene Gerrard was a successful small business
owner who operated two printing businesses, Gerrard Printing and St.
Gerard Printing, which he owned for over 60 years, contributing to the
economic vitality of his community; and


WHEREAS, Gene Gerrard is an honoree of the New York State Senate
Veterans Hall of Fame for the 54th District, is a beloved volunteer Red
Coat Ambassador at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center, and a long-time
Canandaigua Rotarian; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his full life of good deeds and proud care for
others, Gene Gerrard has inspired many and enriched the lives of those
around him through his exceptional leadership, persistent hard work, and
enduring dedication to service above self; and

WHEREAS, It is important to express gratitude and appreciation to
those who have lived their lives in service to others, and who have
contributed to the growth and excellence of their community and this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Gene Gerrard upon the special occasion of celebrating his
103rd Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Gene Gerrard.