WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y.-Long time Williamsville South softball coach Gerry Gentner passed away early Friday. Gentner a beloved figure in the community lost his life to cancer.
Gentner coached the Lady Billies to three New York State championships, 2000, 2004 and 2006. The 2000 and 04 teams were unbeaten.
Those who knew him say Gerry was much more than just a coach. Although he coached at Williamsville South he held pitching clinics open to all the youngsters in the community. Williamsville South athletic director Kevin Lester told Two On Your Side's Stu Boyar "the real Gerry came out at his banquets. How compassionate he was with the kids, how thankful he was that they performed to their ability and there just so many great moments. We used to call him Mr. Williamsville South because he came to everything we did. When our girls were playing field hockey in Rochester or Syracuse in the state playoffs he would come to those games. He came to every event and because he did that so many coaches liked him so much and always came to his events. He was a great man, a great family man. I know that's said about a lot people but Gerry was just a great man."
Former player and now a coach at herself at Williamsville North Michelle Fridey told Stu "Gerry was everything to everybody. He was so generous. He would take his time out for anyone no matter what and for softball for example he would be with us every Saturday in the off season for pitching lessons with the pitchers. He would stay and work with the catchers, have catching clinics. He would work with the hitters, the fielders. He would just give his time and not only did he care so much how we did on the field but he also wanted us to do really well off the field. Gerry was everything to everybody. He was so generous. He just meant so much to me, my teammates, everyone." Fridey played on the 04 and 06 championship teams.
Tributes to Gentner from current players were posted on Facebook.
Tori wrote "We lost a great man today. Thank you Gerry for everything you've ever done for me. You've taught me so much not only in softball, but in life. You've touched so many lives. There are so many amazing memories from softball and that's because of you. You will be forever missed, but Im thankful I have you looking down on us. I will always keep a part of you with me. I love you. RIP Gerry Gentner... #together
RIP Coach Gentner! I couldn't thank you enough for everything you have done for me. You truly are everyones hero. This season will be dedicated to you. We all know you'll be watching down on us. I love you so much Coach Gentner. SOUTH SOFTBALL FOREVER -Megan
The angels in heaven are gonna have an amazing softball team with you there. RIP Gerr -Krista
RIP Mr. Gentner. No words could thank you enough for everything you did for me and everyone who has been in your life. You are the person who truly taught me to fight for what I have. You have taught me so much about softball and life. I would definitely not be the catcher I am without your help. I will never stop fighting to be the best I can be. This season is dedicated to you. I love you so much Mr. Gentner! -Claire
RIP Mr. Gentner, you have taught me and so many other girls so much. South softball will never be the same without you. You are truely a fighter. You will be missed by so many. I love you -Alyssa
You taught me everything I know.. From how to hold a bat the right way to becoming a player I never thought I would.. You were there for me every step of the way and we all miss you so much :( R.I.P. Mr. Gentner, you were the best coach ive ever had -Brittany