STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Norm Gerhard, Funeral Assistant & Scoutmaster

Norm!  In true Cheers fashion we exuberantly call his name as Norm Gerhard strolls in the funeral home door. Yes, we do have our fun at the funeral home where appropriate!

Norm is one of our team of Funeral Assistants that help facilitate services and create a welcoming atmosphere at Bartolomeo & Perotto. Our Funeral Assistants are an integral part of making sure that all runs smoothly. From greeting and giving direction, to helping with the new electronic register books, to making sure there is hot coffee and cold water available, they put a lot of pride into doing whatever it takes to make our families and visitors comfortable.

One thing about our Funeral Assistants…. they all have rich and engaging backgrounds in their past and present, Norm Gerhard is no different.

Norm’s path to Bartolomeo & Perotto started some time back... back in President Reagan’s era he began his career in federal law enforcement. He took a turn to local law enforcement in 1987 joining the Greece Police Department. During this time he often worked side-by-side with Phil Perotto and the funeral home assisting with funeral escorts and details for many families connected to public safety & local government. While doing this, he realized he enjoyed being of service to these families during their time of loss. He also became keenly aware of the Perotto’s philosophies on funeral care. He admired how Phil’s sons, Mike and Dave showed incredible empathy and respect for the wishes of grieving families, doing their best to make them feel a part of the Perotto family, not just as clients. He was so impressed, he entrusted them to handle his mother’s, father's and mother-in-law's funeral arrangements. Upon his retirement in 2009, Phil suggested he join the Bartolomeo & Perotto team. With a little persistence from Phil & Mike, he was convinced it was a good idea and is still with the team today!

Norm has served for almost 13 years as Fire Commissioner for the Barnard Fire District and was the longest serving Law Enforcement Explorer Post Advisor in Monroe County, serving for 21 years. He was an active Boy Scout Assistant Scoutmaster for many years helping to guide many boys, including his son, to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Currently Norm serves as a Parish Council member for St Charles Borromeo Church.

All work and no play makes Norm a dull guy, which he most certainly is not. He and his wife live in Greece where they raised a family and a small herd of Welsh Corgis. Enjoying being outdoors is a big part of how Norm likes to spend his free time. He loves to hike and kayak, and he and his wife enjoy camping so much they purchased their first 5th wheel! Back when his father and uncle were still alive, he often joined them on hunting excursions in the Southern Tier.

Is it a wonder after reading this short biography that Norm is a John Wayne & Clint Eastwood enthusiast as well? He’s also a stand-up guy… be sure to say “hello” when you see him gracing the halls of Bartolomeo & Perotto funeral home.

RELATED LINKS:

5th Wheel Campers

http://campingearth.com/blog/a-guide-to-5th-wheel-campers/

John Wayne vs. Clint Eastwood

https://www.bestmoviesbyfarr.com/articles/wayne-vs.-eastwood-/2014/05