Philip A. Gerace

Phil was born Sept. 22, 1958, in Buffalo, N.Y., a son to Francis “Frank” and Layuna “Lee” (Smathers) Gerace.

He attended Silver Creek Central school and went on to work for S. Howes Manufacturing also in Silver Creek for many years. Phil than left there and began employment at Cliffstar in Dunkirk, N.Y., as a forklift operator and also had been employed by Jim Rizzo trucking. He was a jack of all trades by nature.

Phil made his home in Brocton, N.Y., and his passion for helping others made him a pillar in the communities in fire service. He had a combined 35 plus years of service with the Silver Creek and Brocton Fire Departments. He had served as Brocton fire chief from 2015-20 and currently held second assistant fire chief. He also had held all line officer positions.

Phil was instrumental in the purchase of the Brocton Fire Departments heavy rescue truck and current ambulance in 2019.

He also held the position of second battalion lieutenant of the Chautauqua County Fire Police. He was chosen by his peers of the Brocton Fire Department to be Fire Fighter of the year for 2019 and 2020. Other achievements and awards included, Stanley Smith Award, Curley Wolcott Award, and others.

Phil had an unwavering dedication to the community and to his brothers and sisters in the fire service. His leadership will be missed but never forgotten.

He was a member of the Beaver Club of Fredonia, N.Y., and a member of the Brocton American Legion, JW Dill Post 434, where he also tended bar and loved chatting with and sharing stories with those he served.

Phil is survived by his mother, Layuna of Silver Creek; daughters: Michele Gerace, Cynthia (Andrew) Warlikowski and JoAnna (Robert) Head; 12 cherished grandchildren; his beloved firefighter family of many; and his canine companion, ‘Blacky’.

He was preceded in death by his father, Francis ‘Frank’ Gerace, who passed away on March 28, 2005.

Family and friends are invited to call at the MORSE FUNERAL HOME, 51 Highland Ave., Brocton, N.Y. on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021 from 1-3 p.m. and again from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held there on Saturday morning, Nov. 6, 2021, at 11 a.m., with burial to follow at Portland Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in honor of Phil can be made to the Brocton Fire Department, 80 Lake Ave., Brocton, NY 14716.

To leave Phil’s family a condolence or share a story, log on to; www.themorse funeralhome.com