Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr.

Daniel R. Gernatt Sr.
Gernatt at Diocese of Buffalo Catholic Education Awards Dinner, 2007
Born	February 7, 1917 Collins, New York, United States
Died	May 5, 2014(2014-05-05) (aged 97) Collins, New York, United States
Occupation	Chairman, Gernatt Family of Companies; Co-Founder, Dan Gernatt Farms
Spouse(s)	Flavia C. (Schmitz) Gernatt

Daniel R. "Dan" Gernatt Sr. (February 7, 1917 – May 5, 2014) was an American entrepreneur, businessman, horseman, and dairy farmer in Collins, New York.

Gernatt and his wife Flavia began a farming enterprise, Dan Gernatt Farms, that included raising dairy cows and later breeding and racing Standardbred horses. Beginning in the 1940s, they began marketing sand and gravel from their property, leading to their establishment and ownership of several mining businesses, now known as the Gernatt Family of Companies.

Gernatt started a charitable foundation, and was a donor and supporter of St. Joseph Parish in Gowanda, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. He was recognized with awards for his contributions and service.

Gernatt was born and raised in Collins, New York, and lived there his entire life. He was one of 10 children born to John and Martha Gernatt, who were German and Austrian immigrants. He was raised on a farm, and for a 4-H project he successfully raised and sold turkeys at the age of 17. He was a member of St. Joseph Parish in Gowanda, New York, and attended the school there for several years.

Gernatt married Flavia C. Schmitz in 1938, and they began Dan Gernatt Dairy Farms in 1938. In the 1950s, the couple was identified as having the largest milking dairy herd in Erie County. As the Gernatts' farming business expanded, it was later simply known as Dan Gernatt Farms. In the 1960s, the Gernatt's transitioned their dairy farming business to one of breeding and racing Standardbred horses. The Gernatts established themselves in horse breeding and harness racing throughout a period of three decades. The horse business raised and sold more than 1,000 horses. Among the Gernatts' harness racing horses were those that were bred on their farm, identified by the presence of the last name 'Collins', the town's name.