Eric Carl Gerlander

Eric Carl Gerlander, 71, of Milford, passed away on March 25, 2023. Eric was born on July 25, 1951, in Bridgeport and he was the son of the late Eric G. and Lillian Gerlander.

Eric was a lifelong resident of Milford.  After graduating from Milford High School in 1969 Eric enlisted in the Navy.  Back then there was the “lottery” system, and his lucky number was 3 which meant if he didn’t sign up for the Navy he would have been in the front lines in Viet Nam.  Eric was stationed in Guam and after his active duty he went on to become a Reservist in the Navy for 21 years.  Eric took great pride in his service.

Eric was self-employed as a carpenter for most of his working years and took great pride in his work.  Eric earned his Associates Degree from Gateway Community College and also went to Southern Connecticut with the goal of becoming a teacher.  Eric taught carpentry at Oliver Wolcott Technical HS; Eli Whitney Technical HS; Bullard-Havens Technical HS and Platt Technical HS.

Eric had a variety of hobbies, but his favorite was sailing.  Eric enjoyed racing on Thursday nights in Milford and sailing for pleasure.  He also enjoyed bird watching; home improvement projects; taking rides in his truck and listening to Car Talk on WNPR (as a family this would be our Saturday mornings) and part of the ride would be to the transfer station!  As a family some of our greatest times were spent in New Hampshire in the summer where we enjoyed hiking, train rides, Story Land and swimming.

Eric was the proudest Dad. He loved doing things with Randy and Hanna and when he spoke of them he beamed from ear to ear.  Eric loved it when their friends were over, you could always count on some crazy activity happening here.  So many wonderful memories, the list is endless.

Eric is survived by his beloved children, Randall James (Alyssia) Gerlander and Hanna Lillian Gerlander; and their mother Kimberly Gerlander who was Eric’s caretaker, his sister Lynn Gerlander Hamilton and many extended family and friends.

I want to thank River Glen Health Care Center who took care of Eric for the last two years.  When Eric arrived there during Covid he was very confused and it was challenging to say the least, but they worked with him to make him feel comfortable and relaxed.  Sunny his nurse found that music calmed him so she would play Fleetwood Mac (one of his favorites) for him and that would change his mood. River Glen has shared with me how missed he will be, he was the heart of the floor.  Thank you all for taking such good care of Eric.

There will be a celebration of Eric’s life on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Woodmont United Church of Christ, 1000 New Haven Avenue, Milford. The family is being compassionately cared for by the staff at Cody-White Funeral Home 107 Broad Street, Milford, CT 06460. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of Eric.

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