Mr. Ernest L. Gero

Ernest L. Gero, 88, of State Route 11, Burke passed away Thursday, October 28, 2021 at his home with his loving family by his side and aided by Hospice of the North Country. Born on June 27, 1933 in Malone, NY, he was the son of Edward and Selina (Raville) Gero. Ernest was married to Genevieve Swanston on June 18, 1960 in Notre Dame Church, Malone by Rev. Robert Lamitie. He graduated from Franklin Academy in Malone. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952 and was honorably discharged in 1954. He worked as a security guard for General Motors and Central Foundry in Massena before retiring. He was a member of the Chateaugay American Legion Post 875 and was a communicant of St. George’s Church. Ernie was a quiet, gentle, humble soul. A man of few words, a strong faith, pride of his country, and a deep love of his family. In early years, he enjoyed camping with family and friends at local campsites and later in life spending quality time at his camp on Chateaugay Lake. He loved to go on family vacations and especially enjoyed family times in Hampton Beach. He loved his dog, Daisy. He never missed his grandchildren’s events including sports, musicals and concerts. He swelled with pride when watching them perform. Ernie was a proud man taking pride in his home, his perfectly manicured lawns and his cars. But his greatest pride was his wife of 61 years. She was the love of his life, his rock, and his strength through the ups and downs of his life. His presence will be missed but his spirit and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he loved. Ernest is survived by his wife of 61 years, Genevieve; three children and their spouses, Joelle and Tony Lamica of Chateaugay, Jeffrey and Trudy Gero of Malone, Joslyn and Robert LaPage of Constable; his “chosen” daughter, Simmone Bombard of Chateaugay; eight grandchildren, Meaghan (Timothy) Oliver, Alexander Lamica and his fiancé, Lyz Mortati, Morgan Lamica, Adam Gero, Courtney (Zachary) Cook, Taylor LaPage, Jacob and Grace Bombard; two great grandchildren, Lincoln Scott Cook and Quinn Everly Oliver; two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Carolyn (Swanston) Harter of Fly Creek, Jack and Shirley Swanston of Chateaugay; as well as several nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Donald (Claire) Gero, Earl (Mary) Gero, Harold (Virginia) Gero; a sister, Dorothy (Douglas) Clark; brothers and sisters-in-law, Stewart Swanston, Betty and George McHardy, Bruce Harter; and several beloved nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held at the Chateaugay Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 3 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church, Chateaugay on Thursday, November 4 at 1 p.m. Burial will be held in North Burke Cemetery, Burke. Donations in Ernest’s memory may be made to Hospice of the North Country or a charity of the family’s choice.

Mr. Ernest L. Gero

June 27, 1933 - October 28, 2021