GERALD SANTENELLO

GERALD SANTENELLO - VERGENNES - Gerald Patrick Santenello died May 24, 2012, at his home in Vergennes. Born Aug. 17, 1942, in Jersey City, Jerry grew up in Hoboken and Demarest, N.J. After graduating from Northern Valley Regional High School, he joined the Merchant Marines before attending Parsons College in 1963. Gerald began work at NBC at Rockefeller Center, New York, editing film for the syndicated viewing market and expediting and routing film network and news shows. He then worked on the Trading Desk at Spencer Trask & Co., an institutional Wall Street firm, before moving to Vermont in 1970, where he joined the brokerage firm Dupont, which eventually evolved into Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Jerry retired as First Vice President of Investments in 2006, and above all valued his relationships with his clients and worked diligently to put their welfare first. Jerry married Patricia Jane Burns on June 8, 1968. The center of his life revolved around his family and devotion to his wife. Their 43 years together began penniless and success was gauged by the well-being of their children. This was accomplished by love, creating a beautiful home and providing many opportunities. Jerry was proud of his three sons and especially enjoyed their visits and phone calls. Additionally, the arrival of his grandchildren, Max and Ava, brought about a tremendous amount of joy and ironically coincided with his retirement. In January 2011, Jerry was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor. He underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy with good remission, but this tumor took his life. Jerry was humbled by the outpouring of support and love from his friends, many who accompanied him to radiation treatments for six weeks, took him out for a special dinner in a limo, made a family portrait album, shared dinners and met every day for breakfast. Jerry, the self proclaimed "King of the Hostas," loved his house and land. This dedicated gardener paid tribute to his adopted state by creating Jerry's Park, truly a place of refuge that enhanced the natural beauty of Vermont. In addition, he utilized his outgoing, charismatic personality to volunteer on the Red Cross board and fundraising committee, Children's TV Network, and the VT Lung Association. Predeceased by his parents Helen Ann and Anthony Santenello; sister, Duane Micklas; and sister-in-law, Barbara Burns, Jerry's survivors include his wife, Patricia; son, Spencer of Bellingham, Wash.; son, Craig, and grandchildren, Ava and Max, of Morrisville; son, Peter of Reno, Nev.; brother-in-law, Lenny Burns and wife, Barbara; and brother-in-law, Mickey Micklas. A special thanks to Jess and Peter who provided Jerry with absolutely the best care possible, you guys made such a difference in his life and he greatly valued the new friendships that were spawned between each other. A celebration of Gerald's life will be held on Sunday, May 27, 2012, at 3 p.m. at the Vergennes Congregational Church on South Water Street, with a gathering to follow at the Jackman house, 15 North Maple Street, Vergennes. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Vergennes, 55 School St., Vergennes, VT 05491.