Gerard J. Close

1936 - 2020

Close, Gerard J.
Gerard J. Close passed away December 30, 2020 due to complications from a stroke at the McClure-Miller Respite House. Jerry was a long-time resident of Hamden, CT and parishioner of St. Rita's Church before moving to Williston, VT.
Jerry was born July 14, 1936, son of George and Elizabeth Close. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1954. He served in the US Army as a Master Tank Gunner. Jerry supported his family as a salesman selling kitchens and cabinets. His true gift and passion was using his skills as a fine woodworker and carpenter to create beautiful cabinetry for friends and family. He was a member of the Laurel View Country Club and one of the founders of the Monday Night Hamden Marketing League.
He married Gail Ann Verwholt on September 29, 1966. Together they celebrated 54 wonderful years. He was loved and cherished by his children and was a loving, caring and supportive Dad. He was raised in Momauguin, and this is where his love and appreciation for the ocean began. He passed this on to his family and we have many happy memories of summer vacations to Cape Cod and Maine. After raising their children, Jerry and Gail reignited their zest for travel and saw many beautiful sights in Europe and various National Parks across the US.
Jerry and Gail relocated to Williston, VT the summer of 2014. Here Jerry continued his carpentry, played golf, enjoyed his vegetable gardens, quiet moments at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, playing cornhole with his grandchildren and meeting new friends in the peacefulness of the Williston Woods neighborhood. They were parishioners at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Together they explored the backroads of Vermont and enjoyed sharing scenic views and favorite restaurants with visiting friends and family. They became avid fans at their grandchildren's sporting and school events.
Jerry is survived by his wife Gail, his children Jacqueline Palmer and her husband Scott; Patrick Close and his wife Lori; Amy Benoit and her husband Keith; Edward Close and his wife Margaret; by his 10 grandchildren, Jonathan, William, and Hannah Palmer; Devin Greenway-Tambini and her husband Louis, Talon and Griffin Close, Derek and Julia Benoit, Gemma and Sarah Close, by 1 great-granddaughter Nika Greenway-Tambini. By his siblings William Close, Maureen Guckin, Margaret Smith, Elizabeth Backman (John), Georgeann Hajnal (Richard). Also, many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, George and Elizabeth Close, brother Robert Close, brother-in-law Joseph Smith and nephew Brian Guckin.
Our family will miss him forever.
Due to COVID restrictions, a celebration of Jerry's life will take place later in 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's memory can be made to The McClure-Miller Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, VT 05446.
Arrangements are in the care of Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant St., Essex Junction, VT 05452.