Albert Jerard

Albert B. Jerard 1917-2012 BRATTLEBORO - Albert Basil "Jerry" Jerard, of West Brattleboro, died at home on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at the age of 95. He was born on January 22, 1917, in Haverhill, Mass., the son of Grace (Reed) and Albert Jerard. He grew up in the N.H. towns of Newport and Acworth, and graduated from Tilton School before attending Bates College and graduating from the University of Vermont in 1939. He married Lucille Clara Bristol on December 23, 1939, in Burlington. He was employed as a salesman by Real Silk Hosiery Co. in Elmira, N.Y., and then as a draftsman at Fellows Gearshaper in Springfield during the war years, before moving to Brattleboro in 1947. Mr. Jerard was a Certified Life Underwriter for New York Life Insurance Company and served a year as president of the Vermont life underwriters. He was active in the community as a member of the Kiwanis Club, and served as a Brooks Memorial Library trustee. In retirement he spent many happy hours going to auctions, flea markets, and yard sales. His interests included fountain pens, postcards, collector plates, and his informal lawn mower sales and repair business. He co-authored a book on Vermont and New Hampshire milk bottles, and attended pen and bottle shows from Los Angeles to Philadelphia well into his eighties. Mr. Jerard was a philosopher who loved a good discussion (and telling a good joke) and had a lively interest in and knowledge of many things, from mechanics to politics. He had been a member of the First Congregational Church (UCC) and in the 1950s he was a devoted member of the First Church of Christ Scientist and remained a seeker of truth all his life. He was predeceased by a son, Paul, in 1960, and a sister, Mary D. Haddad of New London, N.H, in 1985. Besides his wife of 72 years, he is survived by three sons, Albert III and wife Frances of Chesterfield, N.H., Robert and wife Charlene of Durham, N.H., Stephen and wife Renata of Grapevine, Texas; three daughters, Carolyn Jerard and husband Craig Lawler of Acworth, N.H., Mary Kenny and husband Matthew of East Burke, Deborah Jerard and husband Roger Hirt of Middlesex; a brother, Carlton Haddad of Hamden, Conn.; three sisters, Carolyn Barone of Upland, Calif., Virginia McClure of Laguna Hills, Calif., and Margaret (Spaulding) Bascom of Acworth, N.H.; 12 grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; five great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. FUNERAL NOTICE: A memorial service in celebration of his life will be conducted Sunday, March 18th at 2 p.m. at First Congregation Church in West Brattleboro with Rev. Joseph Amico, pastor, officiating. A reception will follow the services to be held in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Jerard's name may be made to Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main Street, Brattleboro, Vt 05301. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence please visit www.atamaniuk.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home Inc.