Second Generation Family Owner and Chairman Of The Board Passes Away, Leaving Legacy of Over 70-Years of Service to Electrical Construction Industry

MILWAUKEE, WI (October 17, 2023) – Gervase Roman Rose, known by friends and family as Gerv, peacefully entered eternal life on Tuesday, October 10 at the age of 87. Gerv was a second generation family owner of Roman Electric, an iconic Milwaukee electrical contracting company, where he left behind a legacy of over 70-years of dedication to the company serving as president, chief executive officer, and most recently as chairman of the board.

Gerv was born on August 20, 1936, in Milwaukee, WI as the oldest child of Roman and Cathryne Rose. Growing up on Milwaukee’s south side, he met his lovely wife Beverly in the second grade with whom he would marry in 1962 and spend 60-years of marriage together building a family of six children and inspiring a generation of families including 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  

Gerv graduated from Don Bosco High School and went on to attend Marquette University graduating with a degree in electrical engineering in 1958. Soon after graduating college, Gerv served in the U.S Army Corps of Transportation for six months active-duty service before he was  honorably discharged to join the family electrical contracting business, Roman Electric. He would later go on to serve five years Reserve duty for the Army Transportation Corps.  

Gerv became president of the company following the passing of his father Roman in 1963, running the family business alongside his brothers Greg Rose, Tom Pucylowski and mother, Cathryne. Gerv continued to serve as president of the company for almost 40-years until he passed leadership of the business to two of his sons, Phil and Gabe, in 2002. He served as chief executive officer until 2020 and held his role as chairman of the board until his passing.

A man of deep faith and dedication to community service, Gerv embodied the philosophy of  ‘paying it forward’ throughout the entirety of his life. As a father, he constantly showed his children how to live by giving to others. As the CEO of Roman Electric for almost 40-years, Gerv helped transform the family business from a small local shop on the southside of Milwaukee to one of the largest electrical contractors in Wisconsin. His leadership of the business is reflected through his decades serving as a role model to countless employees and commitment to establishing a culture of respect and hard work.

Within the industry, Gerv actively mentored several young electrical contractors striving to grow their businesses, and worked tirelessly with the Milwaukee chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) to improve the industry.  He was honored to serve as past president of the St. Francis Hospital Foundation, the Milwaukee Chapter of NECA, and the Wauwatosa Rotary club as well as a district vice president of NECA. He also served on the board of trustees of Alverno College and as a director of Franklin State Bank. 

Through his dedication to the industry he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Construction Club, the NECA Leadership Award, and was inducted as a member of the National Academy of Electrical Contractors as recognition of his contributions to the electrical-contracting industry.

Beyond the business community, Gerv’s impact stretched far and wide within Southeastern Wisconsin as many know him as a 50-year member of St. Jude the Apostle parish in Wauwatosa, WI, and long-time active member of Milwaukee Legatus and the Wauwatosa Rotary club where he served on boards of directors for both organizations. He was also privileged to receive the Chancellor’s Award from St. Thomas More High School for his contributions to supporting and improving the school.

Gerv believed it was his duty as a successful businessman to support his community and organizations dedicated to helping others.  His impact on his company, his industry, and his community will be felt for years to come.  

In Gerv’s memory, we can honor his life by paying it forward, by extending our love, compassion, and hospitality to others. Gerv was a beacon of hope, warmth, and kindness in this world who lived a life of exemplary love and giving.  Gerv Rose’s legacy lives on in all of us, inspiring us to be better, to do better, and to carry forward his remarkable legacy of service to others.