Greece, NY: David R. Gerew passed away with family close by his side, September 4, 2021. David is predeceased by his father, Gerald Gerew; mother, Marion Gerew DeWitt; sisters: Celia Goforth, Patricia Colangelo; Jean Stover and Shirley Lombardo; brother, Edward Gerew. He is survived by his sister, Judi (Don) Benham; sister-in-law, Judi Gerew and many loving nieces and nephews.
David served his country proudly, as well as his community, in the United States Airforce. He is a Vietnam Veteran and a retired Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy. He loved helping people at any time working as a driver for the State Farm Help Truck 103. Member of the American Legion Riders Greece Post 468 and the Patriot Guard. Proudly worked with the Rochester Americans Hockey Organization, former bus driver. Dave was noted for his extra firm handshakes and his bear hugs, which will surely be missed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the VA Outreach Center or Monroe County Sheriffs Foundation, in his memory.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, September 13th at 11am at Hope Lutheran Church, 1301 Vintage Lane, Greece. Burial immediately to follow Falls Cemetery.
I have not been able to wrap my head around this tragedy yet. I will see you someday Pal and you can shake my hand as hard as you want!
The Association of Rochester Police and Area Law Enforcement Retirees (ARPALER) sends condolences and prayers to the family of Deputy Gerew, and we salute him for his service to his country, community and our association. Rest in peace Brother.
Judy and Don,
We send our prayers and condolences to you and your family on the passing of Dave, a friend, colleague and all around good person. We pray that your good memories will keep him close always.
Love you Uncle Dave.
The True Blue and Blueline Groups send our condolences to the family. We will miss Dave’s presence at our rides and rallies.
To the Gerew family, this was such a shock when I heard, I’ve known Dave for well over 35 years at MCSO and after retirement , he was a great person, respectful to all, a hard working deputy and always a gentleman!
His hand shakes were ones to be remembered, my sincere condolences and prayers to all, he will be miss!
God alias a strong angle protecting his gates, RIP my friend you are with GOD🙏🏻✝️🙏🏻
Mighty Lord Jesus We wish you to provide good passage for your servant Dave Gerew For many years he has Sheppard your flock safely across the expressway’s of Rochester and we know he will be welcomed by many of our friends already in heaven. Please welcome him with open arms as he brings everyone in heaven their favorite Ice Cream… Amen
Dave , I will miss you . It was a treat working with you . Always thankful for when you brought treats to our dispatch . I am so glad our lives crossed for 7 years at work. You will be missed my friend
Judy and family- I was so shocked to see the notice of Dave’s passing. He was One-of -a- kind and certainly gave the best hugs! Surely all feel the multitude of loving thoughts of him. All my prayers and good wishes to you and your family. Always, Pat Lilly
Dave ,a true gentleman, that will be missed by many, enjoyed our conversation at work .prayers to your family
Our Sheriff Retiree family has lost a dear friend and colleague. Just to say, “mon ami mate”.
Dave and I first met when he was with the MCSO and I was with RPD, and we continued our friendship as members or ARPALER. He knew my name I am sure, but he always called me Sir, I think to break my chops because I told him not to. RIP brother.
My Air Force brother – you will be missed. Each time we met – whether at MCSO or with the Legion I had to pack my hand in ice for 3 days afterword – I’ll miss that too. ” Into the wild blue yonder” my friend.
Dave and I would meet on his break for coffee, and play some lottery numbers together at Dell’s Deli. We talked of current events, and times past. We were both Vietnam vets, and talked a little of those days, also.
I hadn’t seen him lately, and I missed him. . He was a great man, and public servant.
Sending our deepest condolences to the family and the American Legion Riders of the Greece Post.
A truly good guy. Miss those “firm” handshakes. RIP Dave.
Dave you will be missed by all, God Bless……..
Dave was an amazing and kind man. He was our Post 468 Polar Cubs mascot for SpecialOlympics for the PolarPlunge. He was our Polar Bear and he will be greatly missed. We loved his bear hugs, handshakes and endless smiles. Rest in Peace
It broke my heart, when I heard the news that David left us.
We worked together for years and after our retirement, we
went to meetings, lunches etc. You always had a smile and I loved your bearhugs.
You were one of a kind and will be missed by everyone who know you.
Rest in Peace my Brother in blue.
To the Gerew Family
The Lord is close to all who call on Him
As you walk through the time of loss, may you know that the Lord walks with you
and He will comfort you.
I will miss his hugs, his smiles, and hearing his last words of Love you…. My very deepest condolences to his family. Such a very kind and gentle soul. Heaven needed another blue angel.
Dave and I worked many shifts together at the Monroe County Sheriffs Dept. He will be missed by everyone that knew him….. He was one strong Deputy.
He had a heart of gold. Rest in Peace my friend. Condolences to the Gerew family…
Miss you already! 💔.
Love you forever Uncle Dave! ❤️🤍💙
I’m so very sorry for your an your family’s loss Carrie.
We lost another good one, Dave was an angel among us.
My friend, Dave, I’ve only known you for 5 years at NYS DOT and HELP Truck #103, but it has been a privilege and a pleasure to be your friend. I am going to miss you very much. You were a fierce and compassionate soul–presenting both strength and a big smile to everyone you met (except to those who ran out of gas on the freeway. You wanted to give them a piece of your mind). Still, you always helped the stranger. I still can’t believe you’re gone. I will plan on seeing you again on one of the golden highways of Heaven. I assume you have finally found your ice cream truck loaded with goodies. Farewell, Brother.
I’m so sorry,& saddened to hear this. Dave came into the Sunoco/ Mobile I use to work at. Dave always got his morning paper, & a few lottery tickets, etc. Always stop back by during the day. Dave was such a gentleman,funny, & so kind. It was always a pleasure talking to him. Dave was so thoughtful, & always brought me,& other’s a box of candy @ Christmas. Sending my thoughts & prayers to all Dave’s family. My sincere condolences for your loss.
I was shocked to hear about Dave’s passing. So sudden. He always had a smile on his face and a firm handshake. What a great guy. He will be missed.
Dave, please give my mom and dad, Edith and Bob Barton a big bear hug up in heaven. You were and always will be a part of our family. A true Angel at work here on Earth👍
We will miss Dave’s smile at the Arpaler meetings. He was always the happiest person there. Tom enjoyed talking with him and his handshake was truly unforgettable. Such a special guy we are honored to have met him. God bless his entire family.
Sincere condolences, Debbie Bishop and Tom Mcilvene
Dave, such an unexpected news of your passing. We hung out together when you were with Butch Johnson and me at the PSB. Memories of you from City Court, the Shawcross trial, retirement, bus driver, ARPALER etc….. GOD Bless ya Brother…..
I was Blessed to share just a portion of your life…..
Dave, when I first heard this, I didn’t want to believe it was true. One of the strongest, nicest guys I’ve ever met. I learned a lot from you, although some of your ways were a bit unconventional. But that is what made you so special and unique. You always had a way of making everyone laugh and smile, even long after your retired. You were a man of honor and integrity who would do anything for anyone.
My prayers and sympathy go out to your family for their untimely loss. Please continue to watch out for your large extended family (from the Sheriff’s Office, ARPALER, SOAR, DOT Help Truck staff, American Legion members and Patriot Guard Riders.). Until we meet again SIR. God bless.
A pillar or strength…… A pillar of strength, that is what I keep thinking. Dave’s wonderful smile, he would call me sir….He was picked for the hardest of details and went at it 100% always succeeding….There are, I know many fond memories of our Rochester Amerk players in Dave driving their bus, a job reserved for the best.The strength of his handshakes and hugs was only surpassed by the strength of his character. To me he is not gone as he did so much good while here, he left his mark and in thinking about all he has done draws comfort to us all. My family’s sympathy for all those feeling the loss, and good thoughts and prayers for his family and closest friends.
Dave was my next door neighbor as a kid growing up on Bonesteel St . He was our neighborhood “bike cop” always playing policeman and keeping us in tow with his handwritten tickets . No surprise he grew up to be a peace keeper and provide law and order . Rest In Peace Dave and give my David who passed in January one of those bear hugs for me .
Our deepest condolences to the Gerew family. Like our Chief, David was a good friend and we will miss the bear hugs and hand shakes. Rest In Peace our friend!
What a terrible loss for family, friends, and people he didn’t know because he was out there helping strangers every day. Whether he was on duty or helping a friend he always gave 150 percent. You left us way to soon, Rest In Peace my friend.
Our Sincere Sympathy to the Gerew and Benham Families. You are all in our Thoughts and Prayers. Hold tight to your memories, and he will live in your hearts forever.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. I still can’t believe you are gone. All the Patriot Guard mission we did, honor flight, standing next you during these missions was a pleasure. You always worn a BIG SMILE. You will be missed dearly, such a kind man. The memories will live forever..
Seems God always takes the Best of the Best. Truly will miss those strong hand shakes and strong hugs and very sweet holiday gifts and birthday gifts. You never forgot anyones special day! Our earthly ANGEL is now amongst angels that must have needed your strength and kindness more! Thank you so much for your Help Truck work ethic and all the help you gave so many strangers and all those that knew you one way or another! Also, thank you for all the ways you served your country is oh so many ways. It was such an honor to have known you. You will be truly missed everyday and never forgotten. Condolences and prayers to all you family and friends.
I worked with Dave for many years and have many unforgettable memories of his strength, generosity and smiles. Nobody I’ve ever met had a handshake quite like his. Rest In Peace, my friend and know that we will meet again. God bless the Gerew Family.
Dave, you were very much loved by your family. and they are missing you deeply. When they meet up with you again, get your hug in quick and then run. Wish I had known you more.
My sincerest condolences to the Gerew family, although we have never met please know that Dave was greatly admired and beloved by the Rochester American’s family. As players we slept soundly knowing that Dave was behind the wheel. May he rest in peace.
David was a very close family freind of The Olyer family growing up on Bonesteel Street.He was always smiling, and always kind. Our condolences to his family. Debra Olyer Parr
Fair Winds and Following Seas my friend! Sergeant At Arms, American Legion Riders Post 468. ‘rode with Dave on PGR missions, ALR functions. I believe I’ll see you again one day David. May God’s comfort surround all grieving for our friend at this time.
Heaven must of needed a little HELP today .Thanks for always being you.
Dave’s handshake was reflective of his personality; hardy and sincere. No more removing reflective vinyl pal. Rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Gerew family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Amerks family is going to miss you down at the Blue Cross Arena and that firm hand shake. Rest In Peace my friend.
Dave was my father, Jim Sweetheimer’s, best Amerk buddy. Those hockey games are not the same without you, Dave. I have dealt with broken-down cars on the expressway many times. What a sigh of relief it was when you saw Help truck # 103 stop to help. Years ago my daughters were in a car accident. It’s as if Dave knew the girls in the car were Jim’s granddaughters. He was the first to arrive at the scene. Fast forward a few years and Dave arrived at another car accident that was a serious one. My dad was in the totaled car. Dave made sure my dad was safe, calm, and unharmed.
Dave was my family’s guardian angel. My first DAVE HUG was at my parent’s surprise anniversary party years ago. My father was thrilled to have him there.
My father grew up an only child, however, along the way he gained a younger brother in Dave. Rest in Heaven Dave. You are already dearly missed.
Dave!!! Life is not fair sometimes and right now it it is indescribable. I miss you Brother and always will. The last time we met was at my Dad’s house after a long absence and his passing. Thanks for seeking me out! . It was good! We agreed to meet for breakfast and just talk. You meant an awful lot to my Dad and the whole family. Yes, there was the ‘power shake’ but beyond that was a heart much bigger than you. Thank you for all of the good times and sharing your life with me (us).
We will never take that ride or go to lunch again but believe me, my Brother, you will always be in my heart and certainly with my Dad!
Rest well my Dear Friend and remember ‘Semper Fi’!!!
Bunk
My sincerest condolences to Dave’s family and friends. He was an angel to me sent from God at a most difficult time in my life. May he rest in peace and know somehow/someway that he has touched my heart forever. Elizabeth~
Don and Judy
We were sadden to hear of Dave’s passing. Dave would chat with Michael as he would wait for the bus at the corner.
To the Gerew Family my deeepest condolences David and I had some great times together as friends and partners. Number One Guy in Everything in Life. All my prayers and Rosaries go out to David and his Family. God Bless Deputy Retired David Gerew Monroe County Sheriff’s Department!!!
Dave you were the best. Legion Riders brother and friend.We will all miss the fires in my fire pit and the question you would give me ” hey does this place have insurance” and then laugh or when you would insist on dropping about 8 left over pieces of pizza on the ground for Frankie my dog and I would say” Dave what they hell are you doing” and you would say with a shit eating grin on your face ” he likes it” Rest in Peace, Top Gun, Rest in Peace