J 1130: Congratulating Gene Gerrard upon the special occasion of celebrating his 103rd Birthday

 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.