Robert W. Gerow

Rotterdam - Robert William Gerow, 85, of Rotterdam, NY was called to Heaven on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

Bob was born on May 19, 1938, in Camden, NY to the late Carl August and Reba Marr Gerow. He was a graduate of Oriskany Falls High School in Oriskany Falls, NY.  Following graduation, Bob served our country as a member of the US Army Reserve.

Bob spent his entire professional tenure working for General Electric. Early in his career, he worked in the Light Military Electronics Department in Utica, NY. Some of the projects he worked diligently on included Sidewinder Air to Air Missile and Polaris Sea to Air Fire Control and Guidance System. After transferring to Schenectady in 1970, Bob held various management positions in the company’s energy division. He was the project leader for the implementation of the first mainframe computer system in manufacturing, tying in all functions of the business into one database for the first time in its history. After a successful 36-year career at GE, he retired but later returned as a consultant.

A lifetime sportsman, Bob enjoyed deer hunting and grouse and pheasant hunting with his springer spaniels, Winston and Spencer. He cherished the time spent at “The Tin Camp” with his brother Fred and their buddies. Bob was a lifetime member of the Watervliet Fish and Game Club in Colonie, NY where he was a highly skilled Trap and Skeet shooter, winning many awards while competing in local trap shooting events and New York State Championships.

Bob took great pride in his family and its history, sparking his interest in genealogy. He created and published a Giraud – Gerow Family Genealogy record that he hopes will be enjoyed by his family for decades to come. Additionally, Bob served as the past president of the Gerow Family Association, New Paltz, NY.

His love, Theresa Ann Gerow, was by his side for 45 years, giving each other unconditional love and support throughout their years together. Bob loved spending time with friends and family, especially family dinners, holiday gatherings, and reunions at Glimmerglass Lake. He enjoyed trips to Myrtle Beach with his brothers as well as family trips to Cape Cod and Florida. In addition, Bob found joy in attending his grandchildren’s school events and sporting competitions.

Bob was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend who was known for his patience and kindness. His frequent text and photo messages will be missed by all who were blessed to be in his life.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, his brother Donald who died in Italy during World War II, and his brothers Frederick, James, and Theodore (Burke). He is survived by his beloved wife, Theresa Ann (Terry) Gerow; daughters, Wendy (late, Elbee) Diaz, Michelle (Michael) Leveski, Tammy (Steve) Schuckert, Kathleen (Matt) Dufort, Christine (Christopher) Caporale; grandchildren, Dessa (Adnan) Maqsood; Kasey (June) Roman, Elis Diaz, Nicholas (Kassandra) Markessinis, Kristie (Tom) Hotaling, Trevor (Bailie) Markessinis, Michael (Cassandra) Leveski Jr., John Leveski, William Pitt, Andrea (John) Turner, Victoria Pitt, Alaina Gibbons, Connor Dufort, Andrew Dufort, Christian Dufort, Nicholas Caporale, and Olivia Caporale; 32 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. Bob is also survived by his sisters-in-law Patricia Ann Gerow and Palma Gerow along with many special nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 4-7 pm at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 am Thursday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church 1255 Pleasant St., Schenectady.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Schenectady.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.