Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber Dies, Family Says They Are 'Heartbroken'

FAIRFIELD, CT — Bill Gerber, Fairfield's First Selectman since 2023, died at 4:11 p.m. on Tuesday from complications following two surgeries to remove a brain tumor.

"We are heartbroken to share that our beloved father and husband Bill Gerber passed away at Yale New Haven Hospital at 4:11PM today," Jessica, John and Gillian Gerber said in a statement. A third child, son Teddy, passed away in 2010. "After undergoing two brain surgeries within 48 hours, he was ultimately unable to recover from the numerous complications that ensued in the days that followed. To say that there is now a gaping hole in our lives is an understatement."

Gerber, 60, was diagnosed with the tumor on June 28, and had the two surgeries in the immediate days that followed. He had been hospitalized for over two weeks.

In his absence, Selectwoman Christine Vitale has assumed the responsibilities of the First Selectman.

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

"We are still trying to come to terms with everything that has happened these past two and a half weeks," the Gerber family continued. "We are grateful to the friends and family who have helped us during this time as well as the staff at Yale New Haven Hospital, who worked around the clock to support him and us. We will have a ceremony celebrating his life soon. In the meantime, please take a moment to remember and celebrate someone who was so selfless and who loved his friends, family, job and his hometown of almost 30 years so much. Despite the physical issues he was experiencing as a result of what was determined to be a large, aggressive, malignant brain tumor, he worked long days and attended evening meetings up until the day before he went into the hospital. The Town of Fairfield was incredibly lucky to have him as its leader. And our family was beyond blessed."

In a separate statement, town Communications Director Lisa Clair said: "The Town of Fairfield asks the public to keep the Gerber family in their thoughts and prayers. The Town leadership and staff extend their deepest condolences to Mr. Gerber’s family, friends and loved ones. Fairfield has lost a dedicated leader."

Gov. Ned Lamont said, "I am saddened to learn the news on the passing of Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber. Bill was passionate about serving his community and always dedicated to giving back, whether it was through public service or philanthropy. My heart goes out to the Gerber family."

Gerber was a retired C-level financial services professional when he ran for First Selectman.

He held an MBA in Finance and an MS in Accounting, both from New York University Stern School of Business, and earned a Master’s of Public Health from George Washington University. He received his BA in East Asian Studies from Wesleyan University.

A 30-year resident of Fairfield, Gerber also served on the Representative Town Meeting for 10 years before being elected First Selectman.