It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of William Alan “Bill” Gerber, 60, of Fairfield, Connecticut, who died on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Yale New Haven Hospital due to complications from a recently diagnosed brain tumor. A devoted husband, father, leader, and tireless public servant, Bill’s life was marked by purpose, generosity, and an enduring commitment to others.
Born in 1964 in Abington, Pennsylvania, Bill was the youngest child of Lewis and Joyce Gerber. He graduated from Cheltenham High School in 1982, where he served as captain of the football team—a role that reflected his lifelong strength, teamwork, and spirit. He continued his academic and athletic career at Wesleyan University, graduating in 1986 with a degree in East Asian Studies, again captaining the football team and becoming a proud member of Delta Kappa Epsilon.
Bill launched his business career at Peat Marwick while simultaneously pursuing a joint MBA and Master’s in Accounting at NYU. Valued for his sharp financial insight and fluency in Mandarin, his work took him across the globe—from Shanghai and Hong Kong to London, Taipei, New York, and Hartford.
In 1987, through mutual college friends, Bill met Jessica, the love of his life. The couple married in 1994 and, after years living abroad, chose Fairfield as the perfect place to raise their three children: John, Teddy, and Gillian. Bill’s love for his adopted hometown only deepened over time, leading him to a life of public service and community advocacy.
After the heartbreaking loss of their son Teddy to cancer in 2010, Bill and Jessica transformed their grief into action. They became steadfast champions of pediatric cancer research, raising more than $1.6 million through their annual “Team Teddy” event with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Bill also earned a Master’s in Public Health from George Washington University in 2019, inspired by Teddy’s journey and a desire to make a difference in the world of health and research.
From 2013 to 2023, Bill served on Fairfield’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM), where he was respected as a thoughtful, principled, and patient leader. In 2023, he was elected First Selectman of Fairfield, a role he considered the greatest honor of his life. During his tenure, Bill enacted vital reforms, including improved government efficiency, safer fiscal strategies, safer streets advocacy, opposition to the UI monopole project, and leading efforts to revise the Town Charter. His dedication was unwavering—he continued working tirelessly for the people of Fairfield even as he quietly battled the early symptoms of a devastating illness.
Bill’s intelligence, humility, and compassion made him a rare kind of leader—one who listened deeply, cared genuinely, and acted boldly. His strength in the face of his illness astonished his doctors and inspired everyone who knew him.
Bill will be remembered for his boundless curiosity, brilliant mind, deep integrity, joyful heart, and unwavering commitment to family, community, and justice. He touched countless lives with his kindness, wisdom, and quiet courage.
He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Jessica; their children John and Gillian; his brothers Rich and Andy (Christina); his sister Mimi (Tom); sister-in-law Leslie Ballantyne; father-in-law Ed Ballantyne; and many adored nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family. He is predeceased by his parents, Lewis and Joyce Gerber, and his beloved son Teddy.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 25 at 10:00 AM at the Martire Family Arena at Sacred Heart University. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory can be made to Team Teddy – OHS, continuing the mission that was so close to his heart.
Bill Gerber’s legacy is one of service, love, and the quiet power of doing good. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
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