Henry Laing Gerow (July 24, 1923 - December 15, 2015)

In loving memory of
Henry Laing Gerow
  • July 24, 1923
  • -
  • December 15, 2015

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Obituary

Henry L. Gerow, 92, was born to Benjamin R and Angeline Wheeler Gerow in July 24, 1923 in Liberty, NY. He was the 16th child of 16 Gerow children.

He married Louise Oliva and had one child, Nancy.

Henry attended liberty Central High School (LCHS) and was Captain of the LCHS Basketball and Baseball teams. He graduated in 1946 after serving in WWII.

Henry enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943 and fought in Iwo Jima with the 5th Marine Division “C” Company Engineers where he was awarded the purple heart. After Iwo, he was stationed in Kyushu (Nagasaki), Japan for Occupation Duty. He ended his WWII tour in 1946 and returned to LCHS to graduate. Four of his brothers also served in the military during WWII.

After HS, he and his brothers Irving started a farm machinery business in Liberty. In 1970, he and Louise moved to Winter Park, Florida, where he retired from Walt Disney World Vista Communications.

Henry is a lifetime member of the Liberty VFW Post 9217, National VFW, Tar Paper Shanty Hunting Club of Claryville, Liberty Hose and Truck #2, DAV, Marine Corps Engineers, and 5th Marine Division of Engineers.

Henry is survived by his wife, Louise of Winter Park, FL; daughter Nancy Morgan of New Smyrna Beach, FL; grandson Ryan Morgan (Erin) of St. Augustine 3 great grandchildren, Tia, Braylon, and Hannah. He was predeceased by his parents, 15 brothers and sisters, and granddaughter, Julie Morgan-Hernlen.

A memorial service will be held in January 2016. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Liberty Fire Department, PO Box 38 Liberty, NY 12754; Marine Corps Engineers Association, 807 Carriage Hills Blvd, Conroe,TX 77384 or any VFW or charities of your choice.


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  1. John and Diane English lit a candle:
    09 Feb 2016
    Lit since February 9, 2016 at 2:35:32 AM

  2. John and Diane English lit a candle:
    09 Feb 2016
    Lit since February 9, 2016 at 2:35:00 AM

  3. Nancy Gerow lit a candle:
    01 Feb 2016
    Lit since February 1, 2016 at 2:09:31 AM

  4. Nancy Gerow says:
    01 Feb 2016
    Dear Louise and Nancy and family,
    Please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God's strength and peace continue to confort you now, and in the days ahead.

  5. Nancy Gerow says:
    01 Feb 2016
    Dear Louise and Nancy and family,
    Please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God's love continue to give you strength and peace, now, and in the days to come.

  6. Obituary Admin lit a candle:
    20 Jan 2016
    Lit since January 20, 2016 at 1:24:51 AM

  7. Thomas J Oliva says:
    05 Jan 2016
    I think the greatest compliment I can give to Hank is that I feel I was blessed with a brother-in-law greater than I deserve. Hank was, as the saying goes, a legend in his own time. His life impacted so many and to such a degree that we all have enough "Hank Stories" to fill a library. While many people fade from memory with time, I know Hank will always be as big as life in our hearts and minds. Here's to the Greatest Marine of the Greatest Generation.

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