Earl Vanderbilt

Earl Fisher Vanderbilt VIRGINIA BEACH - Earl Fisher Vanderbilt, 80, died in Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk Sept. 21, 2008. Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Alfred and Ruth Vanderbilt. He was predeceased by his wife of 36 years, Audrey Heller Vanderbilt and his son, Earl Fisher Vanderbilt Jr. He resided in the New York City area until his early retirement in 1983, ending a successful career as a salesman of packaging. Moving to Virginia Beach, he became president of Amazon Cleaning Co. and Hair Flair Inc. in 1984. More than anything else, Earl was a true "people person." He never met a stranger he didn't like, never failed to extend a helping hand, never lost his sense of humor and lived a graceful, successful life. He is survived by his two daughters, Carol and her husband Charles Achord of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., and Jean and her husband Edward Jessup of La Grange, N.Y; his eight grandchildren, Randy and his wife Stephanie Achord of Beacon, N.Y., Casey and Jesse Achord, both of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., and Audreylee Achord of West Orange, N.J., Ashley and her husband Edmond Scelia and Ryan Jessup, all of Wappingers Falls, N.Y.; his son's widow, Deborah D. Vanderbilt of Fort Edward, N.Y., and granddaughters, Lori C. Vanderbilt and her son Aiden Caulfield (Earl's great-grandson) of Warrensburg, N.Y., and Kari E. Vanderbilt of Fort Edward, N.Y.; his brother, Alfred Vanderbilt Jr. of Tampa, Fla.; a host of nieces and nephews; and by his loving companion of 25 years, Anne Farrell Winter of Virginia Beach, all of whom will treasure the joy and love he gave them throughout their lives. "A Wonderful Life" celebration will be held "Earl Style" Saturday, Oct. 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. at his residence, The Chesapeake House on the Bay, 3558 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 Memorial contributions may be made to Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters in Earl's name, 601 Children's Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.woodlawngroup.com.