Obituary of Gerald N. Fuerch

Gerald Norbert Fuerch, age 79, entered his heavenly home on July 22, 2022, with his family by his side at UMMC in Batavia.   He was born May 19, 1943, in Niagara Falls, New York, to Norbert and Arlene Fuerch.   He graduated from Trott Vocational High School in 1961, served in the US Navy, and attended Erie County Community College.   He earned his journeyman papers as a tool and die maker from St. Mary’s Manufacturing in North Tonawanda, New York, and worked for Eastman Kodak, and Delco (ITT, Valeo) from where he retired in 2001.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Sharon (Patterson), son, David (Tanya) Fuerch of Versailles, Kentucky, daughter, Fay Fuerch of Stafford, granddaughter, Kimberly Fuerch of Versailles, sister, Linda (Randy) Jasulevich of North Tonawanda, brother, Les (Mary) Fuerch of Young Harris, Georgia, brother, the late, Duane (Janine) Fuerch of North Tonawanda, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Gerry is predeceased by his parents, Norbert and Arlene Fuerch.

Gerry served in the volunteer fire service for 61 years.  At the age of 18, Gerry joined his hometown fire department, Bergholz Fire Department, and upon moving to Greece, later joined the North Greece Fire Department.   After moving to the area in 1973, he joined the Bergen Fire Department, where he served as chief from 1991-1992, president of the department, president of the Board of Directors, and fire police captain.   After moving to Pavilion in 2014, he joined the Pavilion Fire Department and served as Fire Police Captain and chairman of the Fire Commissioners.  He restored Bergholz’s 1933 American LaFrance to running condition, taking it to many parades and antique vehicle shows, and recently donated it back to that department.  He was a member of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motorized Fire Apparatus in America (SPAAMFAA).

He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church Brockport (formerly Concordia Lutheran Church), having served there in many capacities including president of the congregation, usher, chicken bbq cook, and a constant volunteer who always had a truck or trailer available for any situation.

He enjoyed boating and hunting at their cabin in the Adirondacks where he served as treasurer of the Beaver River Property Owners Association for over 20 years.  Nascar, golf, and the Yankees were his favorite sports to watch on TV, and he was able to have a ride-along at Daytona Race Track as well as make yearly trips with friends to Dover Race Track.  Gerry enjoyed his Harley Davidson, 1956 Cadillac, and Corvette, and was always willing to share that enjoyment with others.  

Family and friends may call on Thursday, July 28 from 3 ~ 8 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  A firefighter’s memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM.  A Celebration of Gerry’s Life will be held at a later date in the Fall at the Hope Lutheran Church, Brockport.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pavilion Fire Department or the Bergen Fire Department.