Former Brunswick State Senator Stan Gerzofsky, Longtime Advocate, Dies at 81

Stan Gerzofsky, a fixture of Brunswick politics known for pushing redevelopment and public-safety reforms in Augusta, has died at 81. His passing was confirmed by Marcia Homstead, former Assistant Secretary to the Maine Senate and a longtime friend.

Gerzofsky, a Democrat who represented Brunswick in the Maine Legislature for more than a decade, was a visible force on issues that matter to Sagadahoc County residents. State Rep. Dan Ankeles recalled Gerzofsky's presence in the Capitol succinctly: "Stan had a Senate-sized personality," Ankeles said. State Sen. Mattie Daughtry, who served with Gerzofsky and later ran against him, called him a committed local advocate: "He was deeply committed to the community he represented," Daughtry said. "He worked hard to advocate for the needs of his neighbors and was well respected across his district."

Born Dec. 18, 1944, in New York City to Mary "Molly" Pitcher and a father who died in World War II, Gerzofsky moved with his family through California and Vermont before settling in Brunswick. He worked for a time as a furniture maker before entering public life. His elected career began in 2000 with his election to the Maine House of Representatives. He served in the House until 2008, when he ran for and won a seat in the state Senate, serving until he was termed out in 2016.

During his Senate tenure Gerzofsky focused on projects with direct local impact. He was a key figure in the redevelopment of Brunswick Landing and improvements at Brunswick Executive Airport, helped bring the Mere Point Boat Launch to the town, and sponsored the legislation that led to the creation of the Brunswick Landing campus of Southern Maine Community College. In recognition of his work on the redevelopment, a road in Brunswick Landing bears his name: Gerzofsky Way.

Gerzofsky also made statewide policy contributions. He was a leading advocate in the Legislature for dam safety and served as co-chairman of the Criminal Justice and Forensic Mental Health Services Oversight Committees. His interest in labor issues and social welfare was reflected in friendships across the Democratic caucus and with former lawmakers. "Stan cared about the least among us and the regular Jane or Joe. He was a strong Labor supporter," said Mark Bryant, a former state representative and friend.

Even after leaving the Senate Gerzofsky remained engaged. He mounted a 2020 challenge for Senate District 24 against Mattie Daughtry, losing that race but signaling his ongoing commitment to local representation. "It was really the high point of his life, I think, serving in the Legislature," said his stepbrother Rick Sharp of Colchester, Vt.

A funeral service has not yet been announced. For residents of Sagadahoc County, Gerzofsky's death closes a chapter in Brunswick's political life: the projects he championed continue to shape local land use, workforce training at SMCC, and public-access amenities. Local officials and community groups will determine next steps for memorials and any policy initiatives he helped advance.