9
trees
planted in memory of Kenneth A. Gero
Obituary for Kenneth A. Gero
Kenneth A. “Ken” Gero, 79, passed away peacefully Monday, November 7, 2022, at the Norwich Backus Hospital. He was born February 13, 1943 in his family home to the late Alfred and Beatrice Gero (Doiron). He was employed and part owner of Beaudreau Electric, Inc in Waterford, CT for 46 years as General Manager. He was a proud Army veteran, devoted catholic and had many passions that included cars, racing, boats, fishing, tractors, cooking along with his love of history and America.
He was a 1961 graduate of Norwich Technical School, where he gained knowledge to become a licensed electrician.
Ken led an incredible life and was blessed with a loving wife, family and friends. He married his first love, Claire (Schmidt) on July 30, 1966 after meeting her on a blind date. Together they raised two “active” children guiding them through life with love, knowledge, family values and satire. He stood tall at 6’1” as an intelligent, strong, creative, mechanically inclined, hard worker with a great sense of humor, making all who met him laugh with his jokes, analogizes, and phrases. He loved a good debate and was engaging with his strong opinions and words of wisdom. He enjoyed spending time in his shop, known to many as the “coop” brainstorming new innovative ideas, making things easier for chores around the house he loved. Weekends were often spent with great friends known as the “coop group” on various hobbies and projects ranging from hot rods, playscapes, metal works to tractor repairs and beyond. He was the man who offered his help and any tool or option he had in his possession.
He lived life with no regrets and had many experiences with hobbies, toys and travel. Although he enjoyed many things, he treasured his beautiful wife Claire the most, the memories they shared and the unbreakable bond they created in good times and in bad over the past 59 years. Spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends is what he valued most in life. He looked forward to dinners, gatherings, holidays, and pizza night with some of his favorite people, along with Sunday drives in his Corvette or hot rod grabbing an “over-priced’ ice cream cone with his “Kay”.
Ken is survived by his adoring wife Claire, his children David Gero (Laura), Kathleen Okoney (Rich), his grandchildren Dravyn Okoney, Elle Okoney, Ava Gero. His brothers Richard Gero (Jan), Michael Gero (Kim), his brother-in-law Robert Schmidt, several nieces and nephew and numerous amazing friends. He was preceded in death by his second child, Laurie Gero, brother Paul Gero, father-in-law George Schmidt, mother-in-law May Kalin, and sister-in-law Barbara Rood (David).
Visitation will begin at 9:30am on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Godere Funeral Home, 21 N. 2nd Ave, Taftville, CT followed by an 11:00am mass of Christian burial at Sacred Heart Church in Taftville, CT. Burial will full military honors will follow in St Joseph Cemetery, Norwich. A celebration of life will follow. In lieu of flowers, Ken would want people to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, respect other perspectives, pass along gestures of kindness and “THINK before you do or speak”. He will always be loved and missed.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Thursday
17
Nov
9:30 AM
- 10:30 AM
Godere Funeral Home
21 N 2nd Ave
Taftville, CT 06380
Service
Thursday
17
Nov
11:00 AM
Sacred Heart Church
Providence Street
Taftville, CT 06380
Graveside
Thursday
17
Nov
12:00 PM
St. Joseph
815 Boswell Ave
Norwich, CT 06360
Full Military Honors Presentation
Cemetery Details
Location
St. Joseph
815 Boswell Ave
Norwich, CT 06360
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