The late Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber’s life was celebrated by friend and Bridgeport radio station WICC-600 talk show host on July 15.
Gerber, 60, succumbed to complications from surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital to remove a brain tumor in early July. He was elected in 2023.
“I had the incredible pleasure of interacting with Bill Gerber,” said Melissa Sheketoff of ‘Melissa in the Morning.’” “He made himself available on my show in the mornings all the time. We had great conversations – sometimes we agreed, sometimes we didn’t. In the end, Bill and I always worked very well together. I will cherish the Walk in a Mile in my shoes last month when it was postponed. I got to spend a lot of time with him on that walk.”
She mentioned that Bill and his wife, Jessica, lost a son, Teddy, a while ago to cancer. Bill and his family announced Bill’s brain cancer diagnosis in late June. The Gerbers became active in the St. Baldrick’s Foundation annual Shaving Heads to Conquer Kids’ Cancer after their son’s death.
Melissa dedicated part of her show to recording several tributes to the first-term first selectman and longtime Fairfield Representative Town Meeting member.
“Immediately after the news broke, I wanted to connect with many of the lawmakers across Fairfield County who worked closely with Bill Gerber and see if they could share some words with me on the air,” said Sheketoff. “I was overwhelmed that almost every mayor, first selectman answered the call.”
Here are some of the tributes called into Melissa in the Morning:
Gov. Ned Lamont
“I talked to Bill just a day or two before his surgery. He was so optimistic about coming back and fighting for the people of Fairfield. We miss now more than ever. I know cancer is not strange to his family. That said, he knew what he cared for. He cared for the people of Fairfield.”
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim
“I just want to extend my sympatyhies to Bill’s family and all of the people of Fairfield. He was a person who carried himself so very well. It’s so hard to be a high profile official and be so likeable and amenable and as effective as Bill was. It’s such a sudden thing to hear.”
Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker
“It is withj such sadness that I hear of his passing. He has been such a wonderful [public servant. Most importantly, a wonderful human. He will be terribly missed. My heart goes out to his family, his friends and to his neighbors. My thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons
“I just wanted to offer my deepest condolences to Bill Gerber’s family and friends during this difficult time. This is such a heartbreaking loss. I know his community was so lucky to have him. I truly enjoyed working with him.”
Monroe First Selectman Terry Rooney
“With great sadness, we would like to extend our extreme sadness at the loss of Bill Gerber. We worked on such things as MetroCOG. A very good man.”
Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti
“It’s shocking and sad that the loss of Bill Gerber so very quickly. I was particularly taken back about a year ago, when he reached out to pick my brain about how things work and what your guidance is. I thought it was nice that he reached out since he was a different political persuasion. I was working with him on the regional special education school and with MetroCOG about the sale of Aquarion, which we both agreed was not a good thing for our residents.
Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo
“It was surprising since he had a successful surgery, then the family said there was a setback. I never met him in person, but we traded a lot of messages. I thought I could really work well with him. When he got sick, I sent him note. He was upbeat for someone in that position. We are all passing through in this life and we try to leave better than what we found it.”
Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Gerber. He was a very good guy and dedicated to the people of Fairfield.
Easton First Selectman David Bindelglass
“I’ve known Bill for a few years now. We first met when he approached me one day and told me he was interested in running for first selectman for Fairfield. I’ve gotten know him for some time. He was bright. He was thoughtful and one of the nicest people you would ever meet. A wonderful human being. It’s a loss to everyone in the region. He had great vision.
Stratford Mayor Laura Hoydick
“I am heartbroken to hear the noise about the news of Bill Gerber. We will miss him greatly and his leadership.”
