Gary L. Rounds Sr.

Gary L. Rounds Sr. November 10, 1952 - February 15, 2025
Much like the way he lived his life, Gary L. Rounds Sr. left this world without bothering a soul on his way out. Although, he did it quietly, which was not his normal manner of operation.
Born in Burlington the son of Edward Sr. and Sylvia (Smith) Rounds, Gary grew up in South Burlington attending elementary, middle, and high school in South Burlington, graduating as a member of the South Burlington Rebels Class of 1970, "Once A Rebel, Always A Rebel". An all around sportsman, Gary played baseball, football, basketball and hockey with various youth leagues, and played Catcher with Rebels Varsity Baseball and Goalie with Rebels Varsity Hockey. Gary continued his involvement with South Burlington Youth Sports after graduation helping to coach baseball and football in various leagues.
Beginning as a Junior Independent Merchant (JIM) with the Burlington Free Press, Gary started his working life early. After graduation, Gary began employment with the South Burlington Street Department as a laborer, working his way through training and certification on all of the department's heavy equipment. (If you knew Gary, you know that he enjoyed playing with tractors, trucks, and dozers his entire life).
Early in 1971, shortly after his 18th birthday, Gary Rounds began his lifetime commitment to public service, joining his father Eddie as an on-call member of the fledgling South Burlington Fire Department. Over the next 14 years, Gary worked his way through the ranks to the position of on-call Captain. In that time, Gary was very involved with the purchase and refurbishment of a used tower ladder apparatus from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). After Tower 77 was placed in service, four other Chittenden County fire departments purchased similar pieces, and Gary became the go to guy for questions and advice regarding operation of the Baker Aerialscope equipment, as well as their deployment. Gary's knowledge and expertise was put to use many times when he became an adjunct instructor for aerial apparatus operations classes at the Chittenden County Fire School.
In 1985 Gary stepped down as a call staff Captain and took a full-time career position as a firefighter with SBFD. Gary felt strongly that "It's Not Work If You Love Your Job", he spent the next 32 years rising through the ranks, again achieving the rank of Captain. Over those years, Gary made it a personal mission to help the South Burlington Fire Department deliver the highest level of service possible to its community. He developed the idea of a youth firefighters' program and headed a group of advisors to implement a program where local students could join at the age of 16 to experience the job of a firefighter, and all that it entailed. Some of the youth firefighter members later became career members of SBFD, and a few are still involved as leaders in emergency services in other areas of the state.
Whenever there was an effort to bring the department forward, Gary was involved. Through the training committee in Chittenden County and SBFD, the apparatus replacement committee, Fire Chief hiring committees, and fire prevention committee, Gary participated and often organized and chaired the meetings to develop the best programs possible. Gary dedicated his efforts to the Open House committee, creating an event that at the time was one of the largest fire prevention gatherings in the state, combined with a very successful Chicken BBQ, ordering his sister and brother in law, Gayle and Mike Quimby, and nieces and nephews into service. Together they were a formidable team to guarantee a top notch success.
In 2004, the South Burlington Fire Department began its own transport ambulance division. With this came the addition of 8 new Firefighter/EMT's. As a shift Captain, Gary was now in charge of mentoring and teaching eager new employees. He always took the time to get to know each new firefighter and understand their strengths and weaknesses. He was the kind of leader that trusted his firefighter's strengths and experience without the need to micromanage. While he was quick to offer advice regarding the art of firefighting, he was determined to teach the newer firefighters the art of customer service. Gary understood that the essence of being a firefighter was to help those in need, whatever and wherever their emergency may be. He impressed upon everyone that the needs of the community superseded the needs of the individual.
One of Gary's favorite pastimes at the firehouse was bonding with those that worked for him over the kitchen table in between calls. While we were never able to live up to his mother's quality of cooking, we know his favorite part of the day was "supper" at the firehouse. He was quick to offer a sarcastic critique no matter how masterful the meal turned out. Whether it was to comment that the meal was too salty or too bland, his opinion mattered. The cardinal sin in his firehouse kitchen was if the chef had not made enough food. If you underserved the captain, he would let you know and that would be the last time you made that mistake.
Upon retirement from his position as a captain, he took great pride in passing on the leadership baton to the people that worked for him on his shift. Today, there are leaders in all ranks from Deputy Chief, Captain, and Lieutenant that worked under his guidance. He would be proud to know that he passed along an immense amount of institutional knowledge to today's South Burlington Fire Department leaders.
While he certainly missed his brothers at the firehouse in South Burlington, he didn't stay retired from the fire service for long. He joined his hometown volunteer fire department in Bakersfield, Vermont in 2017. He quickly became a valued, trusted and dependable member. He spent four years on the board of directors, spearheaded their annual safety day, and he loved to cook BBQ chicken at the Bakersfield annual golf tournament. Gary had a lasting impact on the department during his short stint and his experience and guidance was greatly appreciated by his new firefighting family.
He leaves a lasting legacy that will be impossible to replicate. The stories about Captain Rounds will continue to make people laugh and more importantly, these true tales will make them appreciate the work and dedication he gave to the citizens that he served.
Following retirement, Gary ended 65 years of residency in South Burlington, a community that he loved, moving north to the town of Bakersfield and converted camp into his year-round home. The maple sugaring operation that he started with his Dad and his brother Ed Jr. grew rapidly to the thousands of taps operation that it is today. Gary was once again in a community that he committed his efforts to and quickly grew to love.
Throughout his adult life Gary very much enjoyed competition shooting with his good friend David Modica, winning championship awards in handgun silhouette target shooting.
Gary is survived by his son Craig of Eden, his sister Gayle (Mike) Quimby of South Burlington, his nephew Jason (Bobbi Jo) Rounds, his niece Samantha "Sammi" (Jim) Snyder, nephew Shawn (Lindsie)Barone, great nieces and nephews Emma, Callie and Parker Snyder, Makayla and Hunter Rounds, and Jackson, Zander, and Harlee Barone. Gary's family were all important to him, and he had a very special bond with his nephew Shawn and his great nephew Jack. Gary also leaves a surviving Uncle, George Smith Jr.
Gary was joined in life and leaves behind a soul mate, friend and partner, Rosalie Williams of Bakersfield, Gary's life and happiness was recognized by friends and family alike when his relationship with Rosalie began.
Gary leaves behind two ladies that he considered to be his daughters, Megan and Molly Weaver. While they may not have been his biological daughters, he held them both very near and dear in his heart.
We wouldn't have been able to get through all of this without you Sally, Brian and Rick, thank you so very much.
Gary was predeceased by his parents, his son Gary Jr., and his brother Ed Jr.
Gary leaves behind a lifetime legacy of friendships, through his involvement with South Burlington athletics and community and his leadership and lifetime of friends in the Fire Service. Gary will be remembered forever for the wonderful person that he was.
The family wishes to thank all of Gary's family and friends from the South Burlington and Bakersfield Communities and Fire Departments for the overwhelming support that they have received in the past few weeks. We know that our loss is shared universally by all of those that knew Gary.
A small service is scheduled for Saturday March 15, 11am until 1:30pm at Stephen Gregory & Son Cremation, 472 Meadowland Drive South Burlington.
A gathering will follow immediately after the small service at the Old Lantern from 2-5pm, 3260 Greenbush Road, Charlotte. Members of the local community as well as the Fire Services community who are unable to attend the small service are welcomed and encouraged to join family and friends to share fellowship and stories at the gathering at the Old Lantern.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary's memory can be made to Make - A - Wish, an organization that Gary held very high regards and love for, appreciating their support during the Illness of his son Gary Jr. Contact Make - A- Wish Foundation of Vermont, 6655 Shelburne Road, Suite 300, Shelburne, VT 05482. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Gary, please visit our Tree Store.