Gerald Gras

Gerald Gras

1927-2013 BENNINGTON Gerald Lee Gras (Jerry) age 85, quietly went to sleep March 16, 2013 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington with friends and family by his side.

Jerry was born on June 15, 1927 in the small farming community of Seward, N.Y. He was the second son of George and Thelma Gras. His schooling was in the Franklin, N.Y. schools. His family moved to Mt. Vision toward the end of World War II.

Jerry served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged at the end of World War II.

In November 1950, Jerry began working for what was then called G.L.F. of Cobleskill, N.Y. driving a fuel oil truck. Later companies merged and it became part of Agway, Inc.

On September 20, 1952, Jerry married Lois Thompson of Mt. Vision, N.Y., their home town. Through their years together they raised three children. Jerry continued to grow with the company, being transferred several times to different plants to educate himself in the different divisions of the company, such as feed stores, white goods (appliance stores).

In 1968 the family moved to Bennington, where they finished raising their children and building their own home in 1970, where Lois will continue to live.

Jerry and his family loved the outdoors and everything the creation had to offer. In particular he loved mowing his lawn and keeping the property looking nice. He also enjoyed boating and traveling to Maine and Florida.

Jerry retired from Agway in June 1989 as being their Lead Technician.

Jerry leaves behind his wife Lois, Gerald A. Gras and Wife Sharon of Shaftsbury, Vt. Gail E. Gras-Morin and husband Curtis of Shaftsbury, and Gary Lee Gras of Bennington; eight grandchildren, Matthew Gras, Shannon Gras and her fiance Gary Littlefield, Lindsey Gras-Carmody and husband RT, Casey Gras and fiancee Jennifer Yannotti, Jeromy Gardner and wife Heather, Michael Gardner and wife Kendra, Emma Gras, and Austin Gras; and three great-grandchildren; Matthew, Tilia and Sophia.

Jerry was loved by many people which included an extended family and many nieces and nephews.

Coming from a large family, Jerry has remaining; one brother, Donald Gras, two sisters, Shirley Montmurro and Betsy Robinson.

He was predeceased by a brother and sister.

The family wishes to thank all the nurses and doctors at the VA Clinic for their loving kindness and care for Jerry during his long illness. Also many thanks to all the doctors and nurses at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and the Bennington Rescue Squad team.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday afternoon, March 21, at 1 p.m. at the MAHAR AND SON FUNERAL HOME in Bennington. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 12 p.m. until the time of the service.

Interment will take place in the spring in Mt. Vision, N.Y.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bennington Rescue Squad, or the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses through the Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St. Bennington, VT 05201.

Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net