Fishers
A Tribute to one of this life’s most admirable:
Jeffrey Lynn Gerardot, 53, was born December 12, 1968 in Fort Wayne, IN, to Merlin and Rita Gerardot. He passed away peacefully on October 27th, 2022 at his home in Fishers, IN after a debilitating journey with Amyloidosis.
Jeff graduated from Bishop Luers High School in 1987. He pursued a double major in Math and Computer Science from IPFW, graduating in 1992.
Jeff spent 23 years as a software engineer at Interactive Intelligence, Inc. where he developed his first patent and a genuine culture of friendship and mentorship with his coworkers. He spent much of his last few years as a real estate investor renovating homes in Fortville, IN. His hobbies included wood working, biking, soccer and tinkering.
Jeff is survived by his wife Cara Gail Gerardot and daughter Esabella Fonseca of Fishers, IN, sons Joseph Gerardot (Megan) and Gregory Gerardot of Westfield, IN. Sibling survivors include: Joyce Bermes (Ed), Roseann Schreiber (John), Patrick Gerardot (LaVonne), Jane Gerardot (Jeff Jeffers), Gary Gerardot (Koula), Susan Berghoff (Jim), Kay Alley (Graylen), Tim Gerardot and Diane Gerardot (Alex Saccanino). He was preceded in death by his parents Merlin and Rita Gerardot and his sister Connie Gerardot.
Jeff touched the lives of all those that knew him. Here are memoirs from some that Jeff profoundly impacted:
On this cool fall day, the sun shining on the red, orange, and gold leaves now covering the ground and clinging longingly to the trees.
The wind brings a chilly shudder to the lungs with that first breath as you step outside. Nature becomes still and quiet. It knows that this change in the season is heavier than last year. But change comes and there is nothing to do but weather it and move on.
In Blacksmithing there is a tradition when a smith passes. Fellow smiths will strike their anvil three times in honor of their fellow craftsman. My friend Jeff Gerardot left this Earthly plane today. He was a maker. A craftsman. A creator of many things out of many mediums, software, wood, carbon fiber, but most of all friendships that are filled with memories, love, and laughter.
So, Three strikes on the anvil I have made. I’ll wait for each sound to cease before the next because I NEED each one to last as long as possible as I’m not ready for this and to hold my feelings in and him just a bit longer.
The first strike is for the tears I have shed during his pain, that which I shed now, and will shed as time goes on when I think of our friendship.
The second strike for the memories of deep conversation about love, work, and life. Through these I grew to respect and love him more and more as a mentor in more than just work but of humanity, humbleness, love, kindness, creativity, and most of all laughter at oneself.
The third strike for our friendship that I will hold deep in my heart and soul. Part of me left with you today but you left me part of you with our friendship and that will forever be with me.
Goodbye my friend.
A lot of you don’t know this, but the world lost one of the true greats today. A very good friend of mine passed away the same way he lived his life: on his own terms and with those he loved most nearby. My pal Jeff Gerardot was a legendary guy paving the way through life with all sorts of innovation- from genius, patented software systems; to MacGyver level project solutions in practically any trade imaginable; to deeply developed friendships that have endured career changes, life challenges, and distance. Jeff was a person that I actually didn’t see in person often, but thought about on a weekly (or better) basis. He is one of the few people who have had such a massively profound impact on who I am as a person today that it’s almost embarrassing to acknowledge how little I realized it until he was terminally sick. Jeff and I shared many projects and hobbies- from cycling, to woodworking, to coding.
While Jeff’s body betrayed him in the end- I’m proud to say just a few weeks back I sat next to Jeff in his woodworking shop and watched a man frail, exhausted, and practically wasting away make the most precise and perfectly executed cut on his beloved Delta cabinet saw. I said to him “Jeff, you might be getting slow and shaky, but one thing is for sure- you sir will never get one of your fingers cut off by this saw.” He turned his head and looked at me with that sly smile and we both knew in that moment… THIS guy was a MASTER of his craft. It’s possible that I might have witnessed his last cut on that saw and his focus, perfect form, and control are things I will never forget.
Tonight I completed an addition to my circuit that is in honor of my pal Jeff, a guy who created the centralized brain for phone systems, and a guy who taught me that there is nothing more badass than being a master of your craft. Thank you for being the most amazing you that you could be, Jeff. I am lucky to have counted you as one of my closest friends and I will miss you very much indeed. W.D.
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