Fairfield Mourns Loss Of First Selectman Bill Gerber

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield is grieving following the passing of First Selectman Bill Gerber, who died Tuesday of complications following two surgeries to remove a brain tumor.

The 60-year-old husband and father of three was elected to the office in November 2023, after spending a decade as a member of the Representative Town Meeting. Click here to view Gerber's bio.

In honor of the First Selectman, all flags in Fairfield will be flown at half-staff until further notice, according to officials. Additionally, condolence books are available in the lobbies of Old Town Hall and Independence Hall, and residents and friends are encouraged to sign them with memories and thoughts for his family.

Gerber was the town's 24th First Selectman, and the only one to pass away while in office.

The Town will share more information about memorial services and ways the community can pay tribute in the coming days.

"Bill Gerber was a friend, colleague, and role model. He loved this community and was dedicated to improving the lives of all our residents," said Acting First Selectman Christine Vitale in a statement. "We ran for office on the belief that we are better when we work together. I am committed to working with my fellow elected officials to advance his vision of a town that is welcoming and accessible to all, with a thriving business community, anchored by a strong school system and public safety resources."

Added Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, "I was deeply saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of First Selectman Bill Gerber. I always respected Bill’s dedication to the Saint Baldrick’s Foundation and commitment to serve our community.

"Public service is not easy, and Bill gave his time and energy to a role that demands a great deal. My sincere thoughts are with his family, who have suffered terrible losses.

"May God hold him in the palm of his hand."

First Selectman Gerber was dedicated to public service and the people of Fairfield, officials said, adding that "he served with integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community."

During the 19 months that Gerber served as First Selectman, he made a number of significant and far-reaching changes, all in service of the goals that he and Vitale campaigned on, including:

• making our Town government more efficient, effective, collaborative and ethical;
• investing in infrastructure like our sewer system, schools, HVAC, flood control and more;
• strengthening public safety through investments in personnel, technology and facilities;
• improving the safety and usability of our streets for all - walkers, bikers, rollers, drivers;
• enhancing community services and facilities to serve our entire population, youth to seniors;
• championing the excellence of our schools;
• and increasing housing options for young families, seniors and workers.

— The late Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber, right, and Acting First Selectwoman Christine Vitale when they were elected in November 2023. Photo credit: Alfred Branch/Patch

Day-to-day operations of Fairfield's government will continue uninterrupted under Acting First Selectwoman Vitale, with department heads and staff maintaining leadership functions and services.

"The Town leadership and staff extend their deepest condolences to Mr. Gerber’s family, friends and loved ones," Communications Director Lisa Clair said in a statement. "Fairfield has lost a dedicated leader."

In a message to residents on Wednesday, Vitale remembered Gerber for his unwavering belief in Fairfield's greatness.

"Today is a day filled with sorrow, but it is also a day filled with love," Vitale wrote. "Love for Fairfield. Love for Bill and all that he believed in and stood for.

"He believed that Fairfield could be the best managed, safest, and most resilient Town in the state and took active measures each and every day to work towards that end. He believed that one of our most valuable resources is our residents and thrived when he was able to move a citizen-driven initiative, such as the Safe Streets campaign, forward. He believed that maintaining a stellar school district was integral to the future success of our Town. He believed in the talent, dedication, and creativity of our community and Town employees.

"He believed in the power that is Fairfield.

"We will miss his leadership, expertise and sense of humor, but most of all, we will miss his kindness."

Read More:

• Fairfield First Selectman Diagnosed With Brain Tumor; Under Medical Evaluation
• Fairfield First Selectman Undergoes Surgery To Remove Tumor In His Brain
• Support Pours In As Fairfield First Selectman Faces Health Challenge
• Fairfield First Selectman Remains Hospitalized, As 'Complications' Arise From Brain Tumor
• Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber Dies, Family Says They Are 'Heartbroken'

Political and local leaders paid tribute to Gerber on Wednesday.

"I am heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber," said Congressman Jim Himes. "Bill was a friend whose dedication to bettering his town was something I found as remarkable as it was moving. He loved Fairfield and his neighbors there, and I know I will be one of many who will miss him. Mary and my hearts are with Bill’s family and community during this very challenging time."

Gov. Ned Lamont also expressed his sadness over Gerber's passing.

"Bill was passionate about serving his community and always dedicated to giving back, whether it was through public service or philanthropy," Lamont said. "My heart goes out to the Gerber family and everyone in Fairfield at this time. May his memory be a blessing."

— Gov. Ned Lamont, left, at the swearing in ceremony in November 2023 for First Selectman Bill Gerber. He was joined by his wife, Jessica, and son, John. Photo credit: Alfred Branch/Patch

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, who was recently in Fairfield for the launch of the Safe Streets initiative, and the designation of Fairfield's Cultural District, also offered condolences.

"Connecticut has lost an incredible leader, and a dear friend to me, with the tragic passing of Bill Gerber," Bysiewicz said. "He has been a trusted and hardworking First Selectman for Fairfield. I have had the honor to work closely with him on issues to improve pedestrian safety, honor our veterans, and ensure school funding. He was an outgoing, positive, and highly respected leader, and he will be greatly missed. We are sending thoughts and prayers to his wife, Jessica, and their children."

In a post on Fairfield Patch, Steven Sheinberg, Chair of the Fairfield Democratic Town Committee, wrote that Gerber truly made an impact in the short time that he served as First Selectman.

"I admired his dedication and commitment to public service," Sheinberg wrote. "As we worked together over the years, it became very clear how deeply he cared. He worked tirelessly to make Fairfield a better place to live and was relentless in that goal."

Gerber is remembered for his compassion by the leaders of Congregation B'nai Israel, President Richard Walden, Rabbi Evan Schultz, Rabbi Sarah Marion, and Cantor Scott Harris.

"Our B’nai Israel community is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Fairfield First Selectman, William A. Gerber," the four said in a joint statement. "Bill was a kind and compassionate leader, and we know many in our synagogue community shared close, personal ties with Bill and his family.

"Bill was a strong advocate for the local Jewish community, each year marking Jewish Heritage Month and publicly offering his support for our synagogues and institutions.

"We send our love to Bill’s dear family, Jessica, John and Gillian. May Bill’s memory be for a blessing, always."

In a joint statement, State Reps. Sarah Keitt, Jenn Leeper and Cristin McCarthy Vahey shared a tribute to Gerber.

"Absorbing the news that our dear friend, Bill Gerber, has passed is difficult for us personally and for our entire community," the three said. "Everyone who knew or interacted with Bill experienced his gift of making those around him feel better with his enthusiastic presence and joyful demeanor. He entered every room with that big smile and was always quick with a joke, a movie quote, a funny quip, and his hearty, contagious laugh.

"Bill had an insatiable curiosity and seemingly endless energy. He loved Fairfield deeply and worked tirelessly to make it better, safer, and more welcoming to all. He was eager to tackle a challenge, bring people together, and fight for the causes he believed in. Bill has left a mark on this town that will never be forgotten, and he has left his stamp on the hearts of everyone who was fortunate enough to have known him.

"Jessica, John, and Gillian- Bill loved nothing on this earth more than you three. We hope your hearts will be filled by his enduring love, as well as the outpouring of love and community support, and that this will help sustain you in the days and weeks ahead. You all have been forced to prove your strength more times than is fair. You are in our thoughts constantly. Please know we, and all who loved Bill, are here to journey alongside you as you grieve losing your husband and father.

"As Fairfield grieves and works through this heartbreaking loss, we are fortunate to be in the steady, capable, and caring hands of Acting First Selectwoman Christine Vitale. Christine's years of service to our community have prepared her to navigate the difficult transition ahead, and we are here to support her in every way we can."

Fairfield Public Library also "extends its sincere sympathy to the family of the late William Gerber, First Selectman, and to the entire Town of Fairfield on his passing."

Said Town Librarian Scott Jarzombek, "Bill was a strong champion of the Library even before he became First Selectman, but in that position, he ‘walked the walk’ and contributed to the Library on many levels. He was also a great human being who truly cared about the town of Fairfield I will miss his leadership, his humor, and his kindness."

Added Andrew Minea, Chairman of the Library Board of Trustees, "Bill’s advocacy helped strengthen the Library as a vital resource for all residents and reflected his deep commitment to our community. We are so grateful for his partnership over the years, and join his family and the Town of Fairfield in mourning his loss.

"Bill will be sorely missed in his roles as First Selectman and friend."