Gerald "Jerry" Bando

1935 - 2024

Gerald 'Jerry' Bando

White River Jct., VT - Gerald A. Bando, 89, died July 21, 2024, at Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, NH from complications of kidney failure. His family stayed by his side during his last weeks, talking, listening, and learning from his many stories.

Jerry was born July 10, 1935, in Quincy, MA, son of Gwerte and Nellie Bando. He grew up in Quincy, graduating from Quincy City High School in 1953.

Jerry's youth was spent in an Italian neighborhood filled with families of first and second generation immigrants and the daily life of family, friends, chores, and play - the sounds of Quincy granite industry saws, chisels, and bells in the background.

Jerry's biggest joy began when he first noticed his future wife, MaryLou, while they attended Quincy Junior High. By high school he knew she was the one for him. MaryLou & Jerry's children love this romantic story!

After high school, Jerry studied electrical engineering at trade school before volunteering for the Army draft. Jerry's electrical training led him to be stationed in Alaska where he was introduced to microwave technology. Upon his return to the lower forty-eight, he started his career at Raytheon in microwave repair and manufacturing.

High school sweethearts Jerry and MaryLou married June 30, 1957. They made their home in Framingham, MA and soon after the birth of their first child, moved to Quincy where they welcomed three more daughters.

Jerry worked throughout the US with Raytheon and moved his family to MD & then Long Island, NY. Soon after, he joined his brother's mobile home business in Oregon. The next year, Jerry's return to Raytheon brought the family to IL, where two sons were born. Soon after, the family moved again, back to MA.

The family adventures and love of exploring National Parks began early. They explored Niagara Falls, Howe and Carlsbad Caverns, the Rockies & high plains, the Tetons & Yellowstone, the shores of Oregon, Crater Lake, Mt. Rushmore, the locks of the Great Lakes and much more.

After three years, Jerry took a job with AMF in CT. Here, MaryLou & Jerry settled their family in Old Saybrook.

In 1977, AMF brought their family to Cheyenne, WY. In 1982 Jerry realized a long-standing dream and established his own restaurant and supply business. Many of his children worked with him over the years.

Mary Lou and Jerry moved to VT in 1996 to be close to their first grandchild. Jerry operated a microwave repair service in White River Junction. He serviced restaurants throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.

Jerry is survived by his daughters, Joan Bando (John Kaufhold; stepsons Brody, wife Jill, children Lucy and Weston; Alex, partner Molly, children Max and soon to be sibling); Carole Bando (sons Charlie and Andy); Ann Appleton (John Appleton, son Sam); Ellen Bando (Bill Higgins, daughter Zoe); and sons John Bando; and Peter Bando. He is survived by his siblings Pauline Bando and Maria Cerchioni, and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was predeceased by his beloved wife, MaryLou Bando; his parents; sister, Louise Erikson; and brother, Joseph Bando.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hartford Library, www.hartfordvtlibrary.org .

A full obituary and online guestbook may be found at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.