In Memoriam: Bill Gerber – First Selectman of Fairfield(1964–2025)

Bill Gerber, born in 1964 and a longtime resident of Fairfield, Connecticut, dedicated his life to service, integrity, and meaningful community impact. He passed away on July 15, 2025, at the age of 60, following complications from brain surgery.

A devoted husband to Jessica and father to John, Gillian, and the late Teddy, Bill Gerber was deeply shaped by personal loss and resilience. After Teddy’s passing from a rare pediatric cancer in 2010, the Gerber family became tireless advocates for pediatric cancer research—raising over $1.6 million through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. This experience fueled Bill’s passion for public health and inspired him to earn a Master of Public Health from George Washington University in 2019.

From Finance to Public Service

Gerber’s professional career began in global finance, where he held senior positions in cities including Shanghai, Taipei, London, and New York. After decades in the private sector, he transitioned into public service with purpose and commitment.

In 2013, Gerber was elected to Fairfield’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM), where he served for 10 years. He quickly became known as a steady, solutions-oriented leader who listened attentively and acted decisively.

Elected Leadership: First Selectman of Fairfield

In 2023, Gerber was elected First Selectman of Fairfield, a role in which he led with transparency, energy, and compassion. Though his term was tragically cut short, his achievements were significant:

• Infrastructure Renewal: Prioritized flood control, HVAC system upgrades, and long-overdue school repairs.
• Public Safety Investment: Supported emergency services, technology improvements, and personnel expansion.
• Smart Growth: Advocated for sustainable housing for families, seniors, and essential workers.
• Civic Accessibility: Enhanced road safety for cyclists and pedestrians while investing in clean, walkable public spaces.
• Ethical Governance: Promoted transparency and bipartisanship in town government.

Final Months and Community Support

Bill Gerber’s final chapter unfolded with the same grace and transparency that defined his leadership. In late June 2025, he began experiencing concerning symptoms, including loss of coordination and balance. A prompt medical evaluation revealed devastating news: an aggressive and malignant brain tumor.

The diagnosis shocked not only his family, but the broader Fairfield community, many of whom had watched him work tirelessly in public meetings and community events just weeks earlier. Gerber underwent his first surgery on July 1 at Yale New Haven Hospital, followed by a second operation in the days that followed. While the initial reports suggested he was in stable condition and even in “good spirits,” his condition rapidly deteriorated due to complications arising from the tumor and surgical interventions.

Despite the best efforts of his medical team, Bill Gerber passed away on July 15, 2025, just weeks after his diagnosis. The high-grade nature of the tumor and its swift progression underscore the tragic and often unpredictable course of such brain malignancies.

His passing is a sobering reminder of the severity of central nervous system tumors—diseases that often emerge with little warning and advance with relentless speed. Fairfield lost a leader, advocate, and friend far too soon, just as he was shaping the vision for a stronger, more inclusive town.

In the days following Bill Gerber’s passing, social media became a space for remembrance, filled with heartfelt reflections from friends, colleagues, and community members who knew him best.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation:

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of long-time volunteer and former board member, Bill Gerber, who passed away from complications following two brain surgeries during his fight with an aggressive and malignant brain tumor.

Bill was a dedicated husband and father, a respected leader in the Fairfield, CT, community—serving as Fairfield First Selectman—and a valued supporter of St. Baldrick’s since 2010. He served on the Board of Directors from 2014 to 2017.

Bill and his wife, Jessica, tragically lost their son Teddy to undifferentiated sarcoma in 2010. To honor his memory, they started the annual TEAM TEDDY – OSBORN HILL SCHOOL event, raising more than $1.7 million since 2010 to fund lifesaving research.

Our deepest condolences go to Jessica and their children, John and Gillian. Bill, you made an impact, and you will be deeply missed. “

Sacred Heart University:

“A message from President John J. Petillo, Ph.D.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of First Selectman Bill Gerber. Bill was a great friend to Sacred Heart University and a dedicated leader who cared deeply for the town of Fairfield. His support, guidance, and friendship meant a great deal to so many of us. We will miss his steady presence and kind spirit. Our prayers are with his family and the Fairfield community during this difficult time.”

Arav A. KapoorArav A. Kapoor:

“Last week, Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber passed away after undergoing two brain surgeries in just 48 hours.

Mr. Gerber wasn’t just the town’s top official—he was someone who showed up. From the first time I interviewed him in February 2024, he made it clear he valued young voices, and he backed that up with action. He always took time to talk, to listen, and to support whatever I was working on—whether it was my podcast or just an idea I had at a community event.

You’ll find a few photos of us below.

I also recorded a short tribute last week reflecting on his leadership, his presence in Fairfield, and the trust he placed in me.
Watch it here: “

Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD