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Gerew, Daniel Joseph
Daniel Joseph Gerew
Fairport, NY
9/22/57-11/9/22
Our brother, uncle, caregiver, and friend is at peace and soaring among the clouds with the birds he knew so much about.
Dan Gerew, age 65, passed away suddenly, but peacefully, on the morning of Wednesday, November 9th. He was predeceased by his parents, Ronald and Marlene; aunts and uncles, Joseph, Judith, John, Barbara, Dianne, Thomas, Rahni, and Gerald Gerew, Mary Ellen and Harry Youles, and William Glitzer. Survived by his sister, Karen; niece, Kristen; his best furry friend, Grace; uncle, Kenneth Gerew; aunts, Suzann Glitzer, Candice and Sherry Gerew; 17 cousins; and many good friends.
Dan was born on September 22, 1957 to Ronald and Marlene. He was raised, with his older sister Karen, in Rochester, NY until the age of 7, when the family moved to Greece, NY. He graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School and went to college at MCC and SUNY Brockport. Dan lived in Greece until the mid-1990’s; then relocated to Fairport, NY, which is where he remained until his passing.
In his 20’s, Dan worked at Kodak. He spent most of his shifts working in the dark with film, which made sense, as he was an artist-at-heart. He took many high school and college classes in drawing, painting, advertising design, film, and pottery – he truly had a knack for all things creative. Dan had an appreciation for the quirky and unconventional. His aesthetic was uniquely personal.
After his time at Kodak, Dan spent many years managing record stores, where he expanded his already extensive knowledge of music. His niece, Kristen, will never forget her visits to see Dan at Record Town in Greece Ridge, which was always followed by a trip to Cinnabon. Over the years, Dan amassed an epic record collection and went to an enviable number of concerts, ranging from James Taylor to The Rolling Stones; The Smashing Pumpkins to Macy Gray. He was a night owl who loved going to hear musicians and deejays, new and old, at local venues.
In addition to being a skilled artist and a music aficionado, Dan had many other talents and interests. He was an animal lover… and an animal whisperer. Dan seemed to have special bonds with every animal that he encountered. If you had a pet in your home, Dan likely became it’s favorite human to turn to for head scritches and treats. Dan was also our go-to for all information about birds – he could identify many of them just by their songs or a quick glimpse at their feathers. He knew exactly what seeds and plants to put in the yard to bring out every manner of bird and wildlife. He was an avid gardener and possessed a green thumb of which his niece was envious. Through the years, he always found comfort and peace working in the yard. Dan also loved to chat on the phone with his good friend Steve, who was like a brother to him. They would often talk on the phone for hours, while Grace laid within Dan’s reach so that she could continue to get belly rubs.
The holidays were always a special time with Dan around. He put a great deal of thought and care into planning Christmas decorations, inside and out, for his family. Every ornament, light, figurine, and bow was arranged to perfection. And while the Christmas decor was always spectacular, Dan’s favorite time of year was Halloween. Every year he would pull decorations from the dozens of storage boxes in the basement to execute his spooky tableau. He loved decorating the house for trick or treaters and truly went the extra mile to make the children in the neighborhood smile. Bringing others joy brought Dan so much happiness.
Dan was especially close to his older sister Karen. She has fond memories of visits to Vic and Irv’s in the summertime where they would both get chocolate milk with their burgers. Family Christmas festivities were a full Hollywood production; filmed by their father on his Kodak movie camera. Whether they were enjoying time in the family pool, celebrating at childhood Halloween parties, or just hanging out after school, Karen and Dan’s special bond was always evident. Dan always found ways to make Karen feel special. As adults, Dan would take her out to a fancy restaurant to celebrate her birthday every year, just the two of them together.
In his later years, Dan dedicated his life to caring for his mother, Marlene, as her health began to decline. He truly went above and beyond for the people in his life. No matter how big or small a task, Dan never hesitated to lend a helping hand whenever he could. Many have shared with us that they remember Dan being a true gentleman with a great sense of humor. We couldn’t agree more. He believed in good manners and chivalry, always.
As we all know, life never unfolds in the way that we expect. Dan’s life story is no exception. He had some moments along the way that he didn’t like to talk about. Dan never wanted to be a burden to anyone and kept much of his life very private, especially as he got older. We can imagine him rolling his eyes or groaning at the thought of so many pictures of himself posted on the internet in his memory. But Dan was a bright light in so many lives throughout his 65 years; we had to honor and celebrate him. His life was filled with many meaningful chapters and so many important people. He cherished every friend from his past, even those he lost touch with, more than you could possibly know. We all meant so much to him, as he did to us.
Dan’s spirit will no doubt be watching over us now with just as much love and care as he had for us during his life. We will miss him dearly.
Our Memorial Website for Dan: https://kristenpullen.wixsite.com/dangerew
Donations in Dan’s memory may be made to:
Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester
P.O. Box 92297
Rochester, NY 14692-0297
Or a charity of your choice, perhaps one that supports animals, wildlife, or music and the arts.
A special thank you to the Imaging and ICU teams at Highland Hospital for their compassion and care during Dan’s final days.
Comments
18 responses to “Gerew, Daniel Joseph”
Rest In Peace my old friend. We shared many fun years together and today I spent several hours going down memory lane looking at old pictures. There were tears and laughs remembering all the crazy times. There was a lot of love amongst our group of friends. I am so glad we all had that time together. With much love and friendship, Lisa ?
Though we had lost touch over the years, Dan was unforgettable: The days at the zoo or wildlife refuge, visiting friends in Brockport and Rochester, concerts (some of those ticket stubs collected on the photo page look mighty familiar), just hanging out with that little white dog he shared his glass of water with. He was a good friend, and a good man.
I remember sitting on the porch in the Thousand Islands with Dan when he pointed out a small bird a few feet away. It was the first Blackburnian Warbler I believe either of us had ever seen. We had some great times in the Islands and Dan was always part of that.
My memories of Dan are filled with friendship and love. Our adventures together were the best. The most fun was all the weekends we spent together at Dave’s place in the mountains!!!! Those times can never be forgotten. We had a very special connection. I love u my friend! U r now sitting in the palm of God’s hand. Rest in peace my beautiful friend. .Lynn
Dan was an imaginative, creative, funny, stylish, hip, supportive, close & trustworthy friend for a lot of great years. Part of a close-knit group that did virtually everything together. Like family, even closer in ways… Great taste in music, art, film & cuisine. A lot of great adventures that will always be remembered, even if they aren’t exactly memorial-friendly. I wish it had been possible to stay in touch thru the later years, but that was maybe a bridge too far.
At any rate, Rest in Peace, Dan. You were loved and you will be missed.
There was a time that spanned 20 years that our “tight-knit group” was always together. We were family~enjoying music, the 1000 Islands, family get togethers or just hanging out. Dan would do anything for any of us, such a kind, gentle soul. He had a special bond with our daughters. He had a great sense of humor and had a laugh I can still hear. My heart breaks for his sister and neice, whom he talked about all the time~they lost such an amazing, supportive presence.
Rest in peace my friend, and know that you were so very loved.
No one was more central to that “tight-knit group” than Dan.
My heart breaks to hear this news. I worked with Dan years ago in the record biz. Dan was such a unique person, kind and gentle, that I always remember what a sweet soul he was. I so wish we had kept in touch. Prayers for his family that happy memories will comfort them .
Dan was deeply loved by his friends. So much so that the only complaint I ever heard about him was that we didn’t get to see more of him. He was a very big part of my life. I think the most memorable times I spent with him were the summers I came home from grad school. He couldn’t wait to show me new restaurants or bars, play me some new music he loved, go to see a concert together. Whether we were bombing around in my car or his, we were always laughing together. I loved his laugh. One time we laughed so hard about a mishap with a stuffed Roger Rabbit he had stuck to his rear window, we had to pull off to the side of the road until we could see straight. Love you always, dear Dan. I’ll see you on the other side.
Dan and I were students together in the Art Department at MCC in the ‘70s. He and I and another friend, Debbie, were often together there. When we weren’t taking art classes, we hung out in the Art Department lounge, talking, laughing and drinking the Department’s crappy coffee. Dan was such great fun to be around! Sadly, we lost touch after college. It was wonderful to read about his beautiful life, all he did and how he was loved by everyone! My condolences to Dan’s family.
Dan was a student at Brockport when I was there, and I knew him through my other Greece friends. I always enjoyed hanging out with him, and have very strong memories of a nice guy with a great laugh. I loved looked at the incredible collection of pictures and reading about him. I lost touch with him when I moved away, but have very fond memories. Hugs to the family, and sweet thoughts to you, Dan.
Hearing of Dan’s passing has been quite a shock. Julie and I wish Karen and Kristen peace in knowing how much Dan meant to us. I met Dan when we were 14 years old and freshmen in high school. We became very good friends. He was the brother I never had. One of my earliest memories of Dan is from 1972 when Hurricane Agnes was threatening homes on the shore of Lake Ontario. Dan enlisted me and other Cardinal Mooney students to help sandbag people’s properties. Dan was kind and caring as a teenager and that never changed. He gave me an interest in music that I didn’t know was in me. We went to many concerts at both large and small venues. Rock, reggae, punk, jazz, bluegrass…you name it. (Sorry, Dan, for falling asleep at the ballet!) Dan loved nature and there were many fun times spent in the Thousand Islands. Relaxing, hiking, bird watching, eating, etc. I know Dan really enjoyed his time spent with his friends at T.I. Park. What a wonderful group of friends we have. Looking back, there are so many stories of good times spent with this core of close-knit young people, all trying to figure their lives out. As a good friend, there was none better than Dan. We will miss your smile and that unmistakable laugh. We love you always.
I am so sorry to hear about Dan. I can remember when I was young and we’d visit. He always entertained me and had that beautiful smile and infectious laugh. When he worked at the record store in the mall, he would let my girlfriend and I come in and let us take the posters for our bedrooms. We had posters no one else had! That was Dan. He was an amazing person and gone much too soon. I will ALWAYS remember you. All my love and prayers.
Dan, your passing is profoundly sad.. But you left us with memories that we get to look back on and feel joy. You were a master celebrator of all things. birthdays, haircuts, t.i.p. thanks to dave, cruising in the rat mobile smoking our heads off, concerts, parties. You made people feel loved. Karen and Kristen you were on top of his loving chart, he always had you on his mind, and in his heart. I also loved how kind and giving he was to my family. Allison and Meaghan loved when Dan came to the house, he probably brought them something, but he was so much fun! until next time. xo
Dan was the best kind of friend — generous, good-humored, kind and warm-hearted, he was an integral part of our extended family for many, many years. When my second son was born in early 1977, I named him David Daniel. David: after my brother and Daniel: after Dan, hoping that my beloved child would grow up to emulate the extraordinary characteristics of them both. Ow in their 40s, my two oldest sons still have fond memories of visiting “Dan, Dan the Record Man,” which they would chant through the mall in their toddler voices on the way to see him. Did I mention how patient Dan was with my little ones? ? In addition to the good times, I feel compelled to mention how Dan supported me through the terribly dark time of my divorce. Refusing to let me endure it alone, he insisted on escorting me to a Pennsylvania courtroom, sat outside while I testified, and hugged me when it was over, I will love him always. I will miss him forever.
The first time I met Dan was as a teenager when we were ice skating on Long Pond; he was so tall! But was right at home with my family soon after, swimming in our backyard pool, being there for graduations and birthday parties and holidays, going with us to Fairhaven for summer vacation, where we played card games and talked all night.
As we grew older we went dancing in a large close knit group (Dan and I somehow won a bottle of wine dancing to Donna Summer one night). We had picnics at Ellison Park and Chimney Bluffs and spent many weeks in the 1000 islands watching the birds, squirrels, raccoons and the skunk and hiking the Eel Bay trail.
Through the art department in college we took the train to NY City to tour the galleries and artists studios together and had a lot of fun in the dining car.
Dan always made sure everyone was okay and was such a gentle soul. I will miss him dearly.
Two words: British Bulldog ? I can still hear him laughing…
Dan and I became friends on the late 90s. I was so fortunate to meet him. We shared many wonderful experiences. He made me think, question and most of all LAUGH. What a wicked sense of humor. We would talk often especially during the covid pandemic. Our talks helped us through this difficult time. I think of Karen and Kristen and send my thoughts to them. Dan,
Thank you for all you did for me and for your friendship.
With Love, Steve