Mina Gerro

Mina Gerro passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, July 18th, 2016. He was born to Tili Gerro and Stavrini Lino in Fier, Albania on November 5th, 1946.

After finishing middle school in Elbasan, Albania, he went on to study Albanian language and literature at the University of Tirana. In February 1969, he began teaching at the Pedagogical Institute of Shkodra (today University of Shkodra "Luigj Gurakuqi"). His career continued for 31 years during which earned his Ph.D. and served as head of the Language Department. Mina passionately taught Albanian syntax, dialectology, lexicography, and bibliography. He also visited the University of Sorbonne in Paris, France in 1996 to do advanced studies in his areas of specialty. Mina made presentations at both national and international linguistics symposiums, and published many articles, research, and monographs. He authored and co-authored lectures and course materials for use in the Universities of Shkodra and Tirana.

On June 19th, 1970, Mina married Vjollca Fishta in Shkoder, Albania. They were blessed with three daughters, Lili Romo of Colorado, Gentjana Baumgartner of Germany, and Yllka Gerro of Italy. He often told others that he was the most blessed man in the world for having three daughters. His family was his pride and joy above all else, a joy made greater by the gift of five grandchildren: Christiana and Grace Romo, Tobias and Alex Baumgartner, and Joe Naraci. He and Vjollca were thrilled to spend time with them, walking, sharing music on his mandolin, telling stories, playing house, cooking, and just being part of their daily lives (in person or via Skype).

Through involvement at the Bible Baptist Church of Shkodra, Mina (and his family) came to be followers of Jesus Christ. His faith grew over the years allowing him to help the church by preaching sermons on numerous occasions and sharing in music and worship. During those years, he also was involved in the review of the first full translation of the Bible into Albanian.

In December 2000, Mina and Vjollca moved to Colorado to live together with their daughter, Lili and her husband Arne Romo and their children. This, soon became their home. When they traveled to visit other family in Albania and Europe, the kids felt their family was incomplete. Mina and Vjollca were proud to be Albanians while at the same time becoming American citizens in 2006. They joined Faith E. Free Church in Fort Collins where they became part of a small group Bible study. They were deeply loved by their group and both Mina and Vjollca felt they were also family.

Mina considered his greatest contribution to the study of the Albanian language to be the writing and publishing of his research of Dritero Agolli's poems. He spent eight years analyzing the usage of rhymes in Agolli's voluminous poetry (27 books of poems) culminating in the publication of "Fjalori Rimor i Dritero Agollit" (Dictionary of Rhymes of Dritero Agolli). This research was the first of its kind for the Albanian language. Mina was honored to present this work to Dritero, the man he called friend and whom he greatly admired. This research and dictionary was also praised by many linguists and scholars in Albania. This great effort was a typical example of Mina's commitment to thoroughness and excellence. In the eyes of his colleagues and ALL who knew him, he was most known for the passion for his language and for his integrity in all areas of his life: home, church, and work!

Mina is survived by this wife of 46 years, Vjollca, daughters: Lili (Arne), Gentjana (Peter), Yllka (Kel), grandchildren: Christiana, Grace, Tobias, Alex, Joe. He will be sorely missed but will always remain in our hearts.