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Volume 49, Number 538, July
INSIDE
Highway Superintendent Kevin Switzer and the Town of Walworth....................................................9
NEW YORK STATE STAFF
President/Publisher Edwin M. McKeon Jr.
Editor In Chief Craig Mongeau
Sales Manager Kent Hogeboom
Production Mgr. John Pinkerton
Controller Judith Nixon
Circulation Mgr. Cathy Printz
Sales/Admin. Asst. Deby Hogeboom
On June 12, when President Trump signed three resolutions approved by lawmakers barring California’s electric vehicle sales mandates and diesel engine rules, including its plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035, that action, by extension, voided New York State’s California Advanced Clean Trucks (or ACT) regulations.
To review, as we’ve been reporting in Superintendent’s Profile, at the beginning of 2025, the New York State government began requiring truck dealerships to sell a percentage of zero-emission vehicles, or ZEVs, for trucks weighing 8,500 lbs. or more, with those percentages required to grow at a steady rate for the next decade.
Trade Show Manager Amanda Hogeboom-Guilfoyle
Consultant Bob Buckley
Lots of news, products and services throughout! 361 Shoemaker Road
NY 13407 Phone 315/866-1423 E-Mail - khogeboom@cegltd.com
PRODUCERS OF THE ANNUAL NEW YORK STATE HIGHWAY & PUBLIC WORKS EXPO Amanda Hogeboom-Guilfoyle: General Manager of the NYS Highway & Public Works Show 518-396-7659 email: aguilfoyle@cegltd.com OCTOBER 29, 2025 • SYRACUSE, NEW YORK
Mailed 11 times a year by name, to every Town, County, Village and City Highway Superintendent, Public Works Director and D.O.T. official in NY State.
Subscriptions are available to all interested persons at a cost of $25.00 per year within the USA. To subscribe, send your check, voucher or money order for $25.00 to the address above. Single issues $3.00 each With the exception of Highway Superintendents, Public Works Directors & D.O.T. Officials, material may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.
Among the various types of ZEVs currently registered in a handful of states across the country are battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), more commonly referred to as EVs. Among the primary concerns expressed by trucking associations and equipment dealers remain that there is inadequate ZEV charging infrastructure in the state; in fact, there are still no heavy-duty ZEV charging stations on the NY Thruway. And the rule places undue hardship on small businesses.
So, while there is a reprieve from ACT, 11 states, including New York, have filed suit challenging the repeal and of course, court decisions (likely several through appeals) will ultimately determine whether or not this reprieve becomes permanent. We’ll keep you up to date in each issue of Profile, so stay tuned.
As for the N.Y.S. Highway & Public Works Expo to be held in Syracuse on Oct. 29, exhibit sales continue to be strong. As of press time, 80 percent of the show space has been sold, and we only have two 20-ft by 20-ft. floor spaces left, along with approximately 20 of the 10-ft. by 10-ft. booth spaces still available. Thank you for your strong support and if you’re considering exhibiting at the Expo, there’s still time. Please contact Amanda Hogeboom-Guilfoyle, our trade show manager at aguilfoyle@cegltd.com for details about exhibiting.
Have a happy and safe Fourth. P
Craig Mongeau
THE POWER OF FOAM
By Lori Lovely PROFILE CORRESPONDENT
Highway Superintendent Kevin Switzer and the Town of Walworth
The town of Walworth received a lot of snow during the 2024-2025 winter season: more than 100 in., after not having an exorbitant amount for the previous four to five years.
Highway Department crews were busy plowing roads for months.
“We made 30 trips in December, 54 in January and more than 40 in February,” said Highway Superintendent Kevin Switzer.
The problem wasn’t just what was falling from the sky.
“It seemed like the wind never stopped blowing.”
Altogether, the highway department is responsible for 98.74 center lane miles of state and county roads — plowing 58.74 center lane miles for the municipality, 20 center lane miles for the county and 20 center lane miles for the state, all paved. The work is divided into nine plow routes, which typically take approximately 2.5 hours.
There are a few small hills in the town, which are treated with a 75/25 sand/salt mixture, but subdivisions get straight salt.
“One thing that I implemented procedurally is the ratio in which we mix salt and sand,” Kevin said. “Unlike in the past, we are now using a higher ratio of salt to sand content, which greatly benefits the roads and traveling in the snow season.”
Walworth has capacity to store 6,800 tons of salt under cover.
Battling that much snow frequently means other work takes a temporary backseat.
“We play catchup after winter,” Kevin said. “Keeping the roads plowed and safe is my number one priority, and that takes up most of our time.”
When there are breaks in the weather, his crews perform ditch work, sign inventory, tree trimming and brush mowing.
Work Comes First
Kevin knows how to keep his full-time staff of 10 busy. Through the summer, they work Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but in the winter, they work Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., “with a lot of overtime for plowing,” he said.
Overtime pay comes out of the $2.4 million budget ($166,000 of which is CHIPS money).
Kevin said his main goal is keeping the roads and residents safe during snow season and making progress repairing those roads that need rehabbed during the other seasons. This year, he plans to pave and grind approximately 1.8 mi. of road and to chip seal another 5 mi.
Last year, his crews used hot mix to pave approximately a mile and a half in the subdivisions.
“Two years ago, we did in-place cold mix because it’s flexible,” he said. “We widened the road, changed about 28 culvert pipes and did 5 to 7 miles of chip sealing.”
Swaddling Road was another road project on which they completed a total reconstruction. For more than a mile, they boxed out the shoulder, added 8 inches of stone and milling, did in-place grinding 4 inches deep and put it down again, added stone and oil and then paved with cold mix.
continued on page 12
The town of Walworth highway department crew (L-R) is Charles Keymel, Silas Amsler, Jonathon Switzer, Eric Roberts, James LeMay, Daniel Woodard, Jacob Lutz and Donald Hall. (not pictured is Anthony Fiaretti.)
For the town’s Bills Road pipe project in 2023, crews dug across the road to replace a huge culvert pipe that was rotted out.
from page 9
“When I became highway superintendent, our department got caught up on chip sealing, as well as paving several roads and replacing culverts,” he said.
While many of the projects the highway department does are focused on making sure the roads are in good condition, they also have worked on other projects. One of the biggest was a DEC pipe job on Bills Road. The road was collapsing the existing pipe; it had rotted out.
Before they could install the large new 96 x 117 pipe, they had to get through 3 ft. of rock.
“It took four days,” Kevin said.
In addition, due to the volume of water flowing through this culvert,
which lies within 100 ft. of a buffer zone for the wetlands, the pumps ran day and night.
Although they typically use plastic pipe, this project required steel squash pipe that is wider than it is higher. Altogether, this project lasted approximately six months.
The highway crew also extended the waterline for the town hall and dedicated a few more roads to the town.
No Drama Shop
Getting all that work done requires a sizable, capable crew. continued on page 18
REBUILDS
page 12
Current crew and staff members include:
• James LeMay, deputy highway superintendent
• Charles Keymel, foreman
• Anthony Fiaretti, motor equipment operator
• Daniel Woodard, motor equipment operator
• Donald Hall, motor equipment operator
• Jonathon Switzer, motor equipment operator
• Silas Amsler, motor equipment operator
• Eric Roberts, motor equipment operator
• Jacob Lutz, motor equipment operator
• Amanda Cantwell, highway clerk
If one of those names looks familiar, it’s because Kevin’s 25-year-old son is on the crew. But with a recent retiree and another employee who left, the superintendent had to perform his least favorite duty: he had to
hire new crewmembers.
“Hiring is hard,” he said.
Kevin has to screen for their licenses, capabilities and positive attitude. He hired one employee right out of high school and sent him to school to get his CDL license within six months. Luckily, Kevin found a grant that paid for the teen’s schooling. He was fortunate that another new hire had worked for the state DOT and had experience, but when it comes to how well they’ll fit in and perform, Kevin said, “You never really know until you hire them.”
Regardless of the amount of experience they have, all new crew members must go through training, shadowing more experienced crew members until they learn the ropes and the rules, one of which is Kevin’s insistence on a “no drama shop.” Everyone helps one another.
As head of the department, he sets the tone.
continued on page 22
For the Bills Road pipe project in 2023, the highway department had to dig out 3 ft. of rock to drop pipe per DEC spec.
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from page 18
“I don’t yell, get excited or fly off the handle,” he said. Instead, he evaluates each situation, figures it out and works with it. “That first reaction is everything.”
Kevin treats his employees equally and with respect, and he knows how to reward them to boost morale and develop a team spirit. He hosts birthday luncheons, for which his wife makes a cake, holds cookouts, buys pizza and donuts and throws a Christmas party.
“Little things go so far,” he said. “Appreciation means more than anything.”
Whatever he’s doing is working. There is little turnover, with the deputy superintendent putting in 30 years, the foreman 16 and several others seven to eight years.
continued on page 28
This pipe took four days for the crew to complete on the Bills Road pipe project.
The highway department sets the pipe into place on the Bills Road pipe project.
Before the highway department could begin paving Beaver Creek Drive in 2024, they needed to replace approximately 30 pipes.
from page 22
“I have a great secretary and a great crew,” Kevin said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without them. I try hard to be a good boss.”
Growing Up in Walworth
Kevin said working with his employees and the town’s residents is his favorite part of the job. Maybe that’s because he was born and raised in Walworth.
“I still live on the same road I grew up on,” he said.
East of Rochester, not far from Lake Ontario, Walworth was first settled in 1799 by four brothers — Andrew, John, Samuel and Daniel Millet — who left their Connecticut homes to come to the hamlet of Walworth, where they built log cabins. The first frame house in the area was built in the later 1800s by Stephen Douglas.
continued on page 32
The highway department completed the Paved Beaver Creek Drive project in 2024.
An act of the New York State Legislature created the town on April 20, 1829, by separating it from the town of Ontario. The town is named after Reuben Walworth, a state official. As of 2023, the population was 9,314.
Because the soil was so fertile and the climate was favorable, agriculture became an important industry in the town’s early days. Crops grown in the region included apples, corn and wheat. Today’s farmers’ markets, local farm stands and orchards give nod to the region’s agricultural heritage.
The scenic countryside attracts people who enjoy hiking, biking and horseback riding. Kevin and his wife, Denise, often take day trips in the area and drive to the Smokey and Appalachian Mountains. “I love the mountains,” he said.
Several parks and nature preserves offer wildlife observation areas and picnic spots. Community events and festivals, such as the Construction Wonders show in May, the Festival in the Park and parade in July, the Harvest Moon Festival in October and the Light the Night celebration in December add to the close-knit community bond and embody the core of Americana. The rural, small-town atmosphere of this quaint, Wayne County town exudes a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Kevin’s family is close, epitomizing the Walworth image of community. In addition to working with his son, the superintendent lives just a few doors down from his daughter, Anna, which makes family cookouts convenient. Four dogs complete the family roster.
His wife used to work at the school, but now stays home and tends to their big garden or helps out at a local farm. from page 28
continued on page 34
Preparing for a snowstorm 2025: One of the department’s drivers loads his truck with salt before he could plow and salt the roads.
from page 32
“We have three greenhouses on our property,” Kevin said of their sixacre property. “We start a lot of plants in there — and we can everything.”
He also enjoys golfing and hunting, but there’s not a lot of free time with this job.
Becoming the Boss
Kevin took on the role of highway superintendent only three years ago, after running unopposed in 2021. But don’t think that means he’s inexperienced.
“I was second in command for a lot of years,” said the 53-year-old. Twenty-one years, to be exact. He gave up the position of deputy superintendent to take this step up after the previous superintendent retired.
His career with the town of Walworth highway department began in 1993. On his way up the ladder, Kevin learned all the jobs the department performs. He now applies that experience in his position at the top — along with his previous experience as a Class A driver, delivering salt and stone in a tractor trailer.
continued on page 38
Shelfing Snow 2025: the department does this during high wind conditions to prevent the snow from going back into the roads; this is important for the department to keep the roads safe and clear for its residents.
The town of Walworth highway department has capacity to store 6,800 tons of salt under cover.
from page 34
“The retirement package attracted me to the job,” he said. He also liked being home every night, as opposed to driving a truck over the road. Living just a mile and a half away from the shop can be a blessing or a curse, though. The superintendent is on call 24/7.
“There was a barn fire last night” he said. “I got the call around 11 p.m. I was helping out with that all night.”
His wife said, “He takes his job very seriously, and he is very dedicated. It is a family atmosphere there, especially in the winter because he sees his employees more than he can see his family, and the crew spends a lot of time together.”
Kevin said he enjoys taking care of his hometown and explained that he “has always been passionate about my job.”
To make his town and his department better, he serves as vice president of the Wayne County Highway Association.
“My job specifically is to set up meetings with the committee to talk about goals and current events within the highway departments. We work together to help each other with planning and ideas.”
continued on page 42
The department performs in-place grinding of Swaddling Road.
In addition, his department helps the surrounding towns and counties when they need a hand, receiving the same back when called upon.
He attends town board meetings twice a month. These are open to the public, allowing insight into town business.
“We also write up monthly and yearly summaries, which explain the work the highway department completes over each time,” Kevin said.
The residents can access these to see what has been going on in the department. He also posts on the town website to let residents know of any projects coming up and send out letters to the residents who might possibly be affected by any project.
Back at the “office,” Kevin focuses on the equipment. Inventory includes several dump trucks — a 2022 International, 2010 International, 2014 International, 2020 International, 2012 International, 2015 International, 2017 International, 2007 Sterling, 2005 Sterling — a handful of other trucks — a 2023 Chevy 2500, 2022 F250, 2020 F250, sign truck — and the bigger pieces of equipment, such as an Ingersoll Rand roller, Wacker Neuson roller, Cat excavator, Kubota excavator, John Deere tractor, Kubota tractor, Ford tractor, Bad Boy aero turn, Kubota sweeper, Elgin Pelican sweeper, Salsco chipper, air compressor, Galion grader, John Deere backhoe, John Deere dozer, oil heater, gas fuel pump, diesel fuel pump and a John Deere loader.
continued on page 44
The town of Walworth highway department works in one large building that has 12 bays for the trucks and some other equipment.
The town of Walworth highway department’s equipment storage shed.
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The town of Walworth highway department hosts the Construction Wonders Show every year for the town’s recreation department so families and kids can look at all of the highway department’s equipment. Dolomite also brings some heavy equipment for the fun family event.
from page 42
Kevin maintains a schedule for the replacement of vehicles after a certain number of years.
“We currently have one new six-wheeler and two new 10-wheelers coming in the next couple of years,” he said.
Within the past two or three years, he added a new truck — with two more on order. As he rotates the older equipment out, he either sends it to auction or uses it as a trade-in on new pieces.
Long before anything gets sold, Kevin’s crew does regular maintenance and most of the repairs in-house.
“We do regular oil changes on all of our equipment, based on what the manufacturer recommends. In the wintertime, we grease all of our trucks every chance we get, to get out the salt water.”
They work in one large building that has 12 bays for the trucks and some other equipment. That same building houses the highway superintendent’s office, the highway clerk’s office and a shop office used by the other employees for timekeeping, vehicle information and parts orders.
There’s one storage shed, one barn for salt storage and one storage shed that contains some equipment, their extra stock of tires and roadwork tools. Some of the buildings were built in 1971, with an addition placed in 2004. Kevin would like to add on or build a new building to store more “stuff” because, he said, the town is growing.
One More Time
The job can consume him, being on call, living close by and giving his all to make life good for his employees and the town’s residents. It
Seen here is the department’s 2024 International six-wheeler it received in 2025.
can be stressful at times.
“Last summer, we were down three employees at the same time. It was difficult to balance the workload that was meant for more people than we had. But, because I have a great crew, we were all able to work together and get the jobs done that we needed to.”
His current four-year term expires in 2026. He plans to run again, but with 33 years on the town’s books, he said he’ll be “looking at retirement after the next term.”
In the meantime, he’s enjoying his job of keeping the roads in good shape and the residents safe.
“I love my job as a highway superintendent. I am very grateful to work with all the people in my department. My main priorities will always be to keep the roads safe, and make sure our residents are happy.”
And, he adds, “any time it isn’t snowing, it’s a good day.” P
(All photos courtesy of the town of Walworth highway department.)
Milton CAT Holds Mini-Metal Tour Event in Three N.Y. Locations
Over the course of a month, the 2025 Mini-Metal Tour made its way across the Milton CAT territory, stopping at seven locations along the way. Starting in western New York and heading east, two-day demo events were held in:
• Tonawanda, N.Y. (April 1-2)
• North Syracuse, N.Y. (April 3-4)
• Clifton Park, N.Y. (April 9-10)
• Londonderry, N.H. (April 22-23)
• Milford, Mass. (April 24-25)
• Scarborough, Maine (April 29-30)
• Richmond, Vt. (May 1-2)
The Mini-Metal Tour was designed to provide attendees with an opportunity to get hands-on with a variety of models from the latest line of Caterpillar compact equipment.
“Being able to try multiple sizes and models of machines that Milton CAT provides really shows a lot,” said Dominic Grenga of Dominator Lawn Maintenance in Syracuse, N.Y., said. “Not a lot of brands do that.”
Some of the Caterpillar machines available for demo included a 255 compact track loader, 265 compact track loader, 275 compact track loader, 304 mini-excavator, 305 CR mini-excavator, 306 CR mini-excavator, 308 CR mini-excavator, 310 mini-excavator, 313 GC excavator and a 315 excavator.
Attendees were able to experience the new Next Gen CTLs, explore a full range of excavators and test various machine capabilities including CTL dump height, CTL weight handling, trench and backfill and the tilt rotate system (which was an especially popular attraction).
“I really liked the 275 CTL, it’s one heck of a grading machine and it felt very stable,” said Bill Schaefer of Keeler Construction in Albion, N.Y. “I picked up a 4,000-pound block and moved around like it was nothing. It was very impressive.”
Along with machine demos, the event also highlighted a unique opportunity for pre-event trade-in appraisals.
continued on page 58
Nate Morse, machine sales representative, demonstrates the capabilities of the Cat tilt rotate system.
An aerial view of the demo area in Richmond, Vt.
& Joan Hacker are announcing their retirement after 51 years.
Hacker's Packers Inc. has merged business with Binghamton Truck Body located at 13 Spud Lane, Binghamton, NY 13904. Binghamton Truck Body will be representing Pak-Mor, Swaploader, Gal Fab, Stellar and all the products we handle. Mike Burr will be in charge of operations. Please contact Mike at 607-693-2064 as the phone number will remain the same.
Milton CAT Provides Guests With Opportunity to Try Out Equipment
from page 48
Milton CAT representatives from a variety of departments including sales, credit and the Milton CAT Tech Team were on site to support the event. A CAT Card representative from Caterpillar and members of the SITECH Northeast team also were present to provide additional support.
“They have a lot of personnel here on site to answer questions and show us how to get the most out of the equipment,” said Rick Gorczyca of Bison Bluegrass in East Aurora, N.Y. “I’m glad we came.”
In addition to showcasing the new line of equipment, the Milton CAT Tech Team and representatives from SITECH Northeast educated attendees about the enhancements and capabilities that construction technology can provide when paired with their machines.
The Milton CAT Tech Team consists of skilled operators who have been extensively trained in using Caterpillar onboard technology. The Tech Team’s goal is to ensure that customers are getting the maximum return on the purchase of their Cat machine. During the event, attendees learned how this technology can boost productivity, efficiency and profitability on the job site.
Attendees of the Mini-Metal Tour found this demo event to be a valuable experience, offering an opportunity to operate a new line of Cat machinery and test various work tools first-hand.
“The value is huge,” said Gorczyca. “To come here and get in these machines and get hands-on is perfect. I need to use equipment before I can make a decision on what to buy. This is a great opportunity.”
Various attendees shared and expressed their appreciation for the chance to interact with the equipment and engage with members of the Milton CAT team on site.
“I think this is one of the best things Milton CAT could ever do,” said Derek Stone of Stone’s Sawmill and Logging in Sterling, N.Y. “I got the opportunity to use equipment today that I’ve thought about buying.”
The 2025 Milton CAT Mini-Metal tour ultimately provided Milton CAT with the opportunity to interact with a wide range of customers across all seven locations. The event had a high attendance rate and was a huge success in terms of filling time slots.
“We had attendees from some of our largest customers and an equal amount from small companies we have never done business with, and both groups told us they learned a lot, were impressed by the new machines and were glad they came,” said Milton CAT Marketing Director Dean Swartz. “That was the goal of these events, so we feel it was time well spent, and we look forward to doing it again.”
Milton CAT thanked all who attended, which included a total of 574 attendees representing 238 companies.
(All photos courtesy of Milton CAT.)
Milton CAT welcomed attendees to the Mini-Metal Tour in Tonawanda, N.Y., on April 1-3, 2025.
A Cat 255 CTL demonstrates its weight handling prowess with a 4,000lb. block.
Seen here is the Milton CAT Tech Team vehicle on site in Tonawanda, N.Y.
NYS OGS
New York State Contract Information
Jerry Ahern of Edward Ehrbar Inc. Passes Away at Age 97
By Frank Lovece and Craig Mongeau, PROFILE EDITOR IN CHIEF
A heavy hitter in the world of heavy equipment, Farmingdale, N.Y.’s Jerry Ahern sold and leased bulldozers, excavators and other construction vehicles that for decades helped build Long Island.
As loved ones tell it, he ran his company the way he ran his family of eight children — with kindness, concern and remembering everyone’s name.
“To me, he was Uncle Jerry,” said Steve Schiavetta of Mount Sinai, a family friend who became a longtime part of Ahern’s company, Edward Ehrbar Inc., which is now part of the conglomerate Komatsu. “But really, to all the people who worked there he was also Uncle Jerry.”
In a company of as many as 200 people, “He not only knew everybody’s names, but he also knew their spouses’ and kids’ names, because he was such a family man himself.”
It wasn’t for show but a genuine part of his personality, said Schiavetta, now general manager of sales of Komatsu Company Stores East. He recalled Mr. Ahern hiring him for an entry-level position in 1982, soon after Schiavetta graduated college.
“I knew he worked for a place that sold construction equipment, but he was just so unassuming that I was shocked after my first day, coming home and telling my mother, ‘Uncle Jerry’s, like, the owner of the company!’ I couldn’t believe it, because he was so humble and so even keeled and such a kind man.”
Mr. Ahern died June 1, 2025, at age 97, of natural causes at the Mary Ann Tully Hospice Inn in Melville.
“He spent 36 hours in hospice,” said Mary Macchio, of Farmingdale, one of his daughters. “The other 97 years he spent in his home.”
“Last Thursday,” three days before his passing, “he had a small gang of adult-age great grandchildren at his kitchen table,” said one son, Patrick Ahern, of St. James.
“They came in from Boston and from Omaha, Nebraska, to see him,” added Macchio. “They knew grandpa was getting older, and he met his last two (of 17) great-grandchildren, who were five months old and one-year-old.
Farmingdale High Graduate
Jeremiah Francis Ahern was born Oct. 4, 1927, in Brooklyn, the third of seven children of parents, William J. Ahern and Helen A. Richardson Ahern, who resided in Bethpage then still named Central Park. William, a banker who rose to become a vice president of the Bank of Manhattan, later part of JT Morgan Chase & Co., was instrumental in his village’s name-change to Bethpage and was part of a group that persuaded Grumman Aircraft to headquarter there.
Despite such pedigree, Mr. Ahern, who graduated from Farmingdale High School in 1944, worked in more modest jobs — caddying in Bethpage State Park and being a hotel bellhop in Florida. After serving as a sergeant with the U.S. Army’s 3rd Constabulary Regiment in occupied Germany after World War II, he joined Edward Ehrbar’s sinceclosed Brooklyn facility in 1947 as a helper in the parts department.
After marrying Therese Regina Marie McMurray in 1949 and moving to Farmingdale to start a family, Mr. Ahern worked in virtually every position of the parts, service and sales departments as he rose to become president of the then Pelham Manor company in the late 1960s,
Jerry Ahern died June 1, 2025, at age 97, of natural causes at the Mary Ann Tully Hospice Inn in Melville.
following the death of its second-generation family owner.
“And then he spent the next decade of this life buying the company,” said Patrick Ahern, former president of Edward Ehrbar Inc.
Another son, Matthew Ahern, former executive vice president of Edward Ehrbar Inc., spoke about his father’s philosophy as a businessman, friend and family man.
“I spoke with many people at his wake and the general theme was that he was a true friend to everybody, whether it was business or socially,” he said.
“I use a term ‘non-generational,’ in that my father very easily and quickly made connections to people no matter what the age difference was,” he added. “I worked with him for 40 years and I used to say that I’ve been in the business for 60 years, but getting paid for about 40 years. There was always business talk around the kitchen table. He lived it, slept it, breathed it, but he was also very much a family man, dedicated to our local parish, St. Killian’s out in Long Island.
continued on page 66
Ahern Family photo
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Matthew Ahern recalled how comfortable his father always made people feel.
“He knew employees by their first name, knew of their families, no matter what the person’s age was. It was the same in his social life. In his latter years, some of his very close relationships that he developed after retiring in 2003 were with folks that were half his age. It was very hard to find anybody that had an encounter with my father that was not favorable and memorable.
Ahern said a big part of his father’s success with Edward Ehrbar Inc. was that he created and developed very trusting, long-standing relationships with business partners, whether they be customers or manufacturers, like International Harvester, the Frank G. Hough Company and ultimately, Dresser Industries, and financial institutions.
“He was always regarded as a man of his word,” he said. “After he retired, he stayed in touch with my brother, Patrick, and me as to what was going on within the business. I can remember him being somewhat disenchanted that, and maybe it’s just the way the world has changed, that the relationships were not as personal as years went on. I can tell you he always highly regarded his relationships, and this goes back to the earliest days of his career when he first got involved in management.”
Weekends for the Family
A gin rummy card shark who rode a Honda 750 motorcycle in the
1970s and ’80s, Mr. Ahern worked long hours during the week but devoted weekends to family. In 1958, he purchased a beach house on West Meadow Beach, “and from Memorial Day to Labor Day, we were out on the boat, water skiing,” said Patrick Ahern. “All eight of us learned how to water ski from about seven years old. We were kind of water rats,” he joked, “and that’s thanks to him.”
In later years, he played golf at the Huntington Country Club. While “not a scratch golfer,” said his son, he nonetheless was named 2002 Golfer of the year by the Independent Group Home Living Program, a Manorville nonprofit for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, for his philanthropy toward that organization.
He was a member of such professional groups as the Long Island Contractors Association, the General Contractors Association of New York and the Association of Equipment Distributors.
In addition to his daughter Mary and son, Patrick, he survived by sons Jeremiah Jr. of Moneta, Va.; Matthew of Shelton, Conn.; and Edward, of Hawley, Pa.; daughters Susan Yuskevich of Interlaken, N.J.; Bernadette Bartolotto of Smithtown, N.Y.; and Monica Lockwood of Milford, Conn., a centenarian sister; Mary K. Looney of Farmingdale; 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to Hope House Ministries, www.hhm.org, Independent Group Home Living, www.ighl.org or St. Kilian Social Ministry Outreach, www.stkilian.com. P
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Ahern Family photo Jerry Ahern (R) was never afraid to get his shoes muddy. Here, in 1960, he gives service tips to a customer.
