Residents Invited To Celebration Of Life Event Honoring Late Fairfield First Selectman

FAIRFIELD, CT — Acting Fairfield First Selectman Christine Vitale is inviting residents to a celebration of life honoring late First Selectman Bill Gerber that will be held on Friday, July 25.

Gerber died July 15 at the age of 60 from complications following surgeries to remove a malignant brain tumor.

“This gathering will offer our community a chance to come together to remember Bill's life, leadership and service to Fairfield,” Vitale wrote in an email to residents. “Bill cared deeply about our Town, and his legacy will be carried on by the people he worked with and the residents he served.”

The Celebration Of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on July 25 at the Martire Family Arena at Sacred Heart University, 3135 Easton Turnpike, in Fairfield. Doors open at 9 a.m.

“All Fairfield residents are welcome to attend as we share memories and honor the impact that Bill had on our Town, and on all of us,” Vitale wrote.

In lieu of flowers, the Gerber family asks that donations be made to Team Teddy--OHS.

“Bill and Jessica Gerber lost their beloved son Teddy at age 9 1/2 in 2010,” according to the email. “Team Teddy was founded in honor of Teddy, who was diagnosed with undifferentiated sarcoma in 2009, when he was just 8 years old. After Teddy’s death, Bill and Jessica dedicated their energies to fundraising through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, raising more than $1.6 million for childhood cancer research through their yearly ‘Team Teddy’ event.

“Team Teddy carries on in Teddy's memory, raising money to find a cure for pediatric cancer.”

Residents are also invited to go to Old Town Hall, Sullivan Independence Hall, the Fairfield Main Library, or the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities to “sign condolence books in Bill's memory and honor his many contributions to our Town,” according to the email. “We welcome your messages of remembrance, gratitude, and support for the Gerber Family.”

“We thank you in joining us in honoring a man who gave so much of himself to Fairfield. His legacy will live on in the Town he loved, and in all of us who had the privilege to know him.”

Condolence books will also be available at the Celebration of Life on Friday.

See also:

• Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber Dies, Family Says They Are 'Heartbroken'
• Fairfield Mourns Loss Of First Selectman Bill Gerber