Edward Joseph Gersbeck

Edward “Ed” J. Gersbeck passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on July 19, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York, Ed was born the second of four boys to James and Lillian Gersbeck. When born at 11 pounds 5 ounces, Ed was the largest child born in Saint Joseph’s Hospital at that time. Throughout his life, Ed was known for his tremendous appetite. Growing up during the depression and WWII, Ed moved between New York and Florida, dropping out of High School in the 10th grade. At 15, he met, fell in love with a young Ellen Caulfield, but their love had to wait.

Ed joined the Marine Corps where he served with honor and traveled the world before being discharged in 1959. Seven months later, Ed married Ellen Caufield on November 7, 1959.

After considering a return to the Marine Corps, Ed decided to join the Suffolk County Police Department in August 1964. This decision allowed him to continue a life of service, while avoiding lengthy separations from his beloved Ellen. Having completed a GED while in the Marine Corps, Ed attended night school and graduated from New York Technical Institute with a BS Degree. After 30 years of service with SCPD, Ed retired in 1994, and a life of adventure for the happy couple began.

Avid outdoorsmen, Ed and Ellen split their time between Springhill, Florida and Stephentown, New York. During winter months, the couple focused on skiing and other winter activities. Ed continued competing in the New York State and National Police Olympics, where many of his record times remain unbeaten. During summer months, Ed and Ellen loved the challenges of white-water rafting, canoeing, insanely long bike rides and mountain hikes. When Ed was 81 years old, the couple hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and back up the following day; which was the second time Ed and Ellen had made this trip having enjoyed themselves so much the first time. The athletic abilities of the couple were always applied a positive way, from introducing grandchildren to hiking in the mountains and white-water rafting, to participating in countless charitable event supporting police and military families. Throughout his life, Ed’s focus was always on the family. Ed and Ellen also traveled the world, seeing many beautiful sites, many from mountain bikes or on foot. Their love for travel included in a memorable 50th wedding anniversary celebration on a cruise ship, surrounded by grandchildren, and family. Ed and Ellen celebrated their 65th anniversary in 2023. Ed's legacy lives on through his children: Tom Gersbeck, and wife, Laura; daughters, Maryellen Leathem; Bethanne Higgins, and husband, Keith. Grandchildren, Ameila Clark; Lauren Giddens and husband Drew; Christopher Higgins; Meghan Higgins; and Kiersten Leathem. Along with a host of relatives and friends. His decades of service are remembered; but Ed will be remembered most for his ability to maintain strong family bonds through adversity and his skills with rebuilding burned relationship-bridges. Ed was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Charles.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, April 28, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 at Moloney’s Funeral Home, in Lake Ronkonkma, New York. A funeral service to honor Ed's life will be held at Good Shepard Church in Holbrook, New York, on Monday, April 29. Followed by a funeral with military honors at noon on Tuesday, April 30, at the Veterans Cemetery, in Calverton, New York.