Jeffrey Hinsdale

Hinesburg, Vermont: Jeffrey Wright Hinsdale, Sr.
The family of Jeffrey Wright Hinsdale Sr. is saddened to report his passing on New Year's evening, 2025. Jeff was born on June 16, 1946, in Burlington, VT to parents Robert and Elizabeth (Page) Hinsdale. He graduated from Hinesburg High School in 1964 and went on to graduate from Champlain College with a major in Business. While attending college Jeff worked in the automotive department at Sears, continuing work there for 20 plus years. Following that, he owned an excavating business for a short time, then sharpened his business skills by managing Clark Hinsdale Properties for about two years. From that experience, Jeff bought rental buildings in Bristol, Burlington, and Hinesburg. He had an eye for property and saw potential in buildings that needed care. He transformed several distressed properties back to their former glory and enjoyed the process of revitalizing communities. An abandoned basement bowling alley was transformed into a heated self-storage business. A fire damaged building was transformed into apartments and store fronts. He was proud to earn a Townscape award for his work on Main Street in Bristol.
He enjoyed meeting many people, solving problems at all hours of the day and night, and generally being a responsible landlord of JHinsdale Properties, LLC. By fate or coincidence, he even rented to his future daughter-in-law and is responsible for Jeff Jr.'s introduction to Jen. She fondly states, that when making the choice to move there, it was because she thought Jeff Sr. was the kindest landlord she had met.
Approximately 20 years ago, Jeff was diagnosed with late-stage esophageal cancer. Through his faith, determination, great doctors and a little bit of luck, he was able to beat what seemed like the impossible. This experience ushered in a new stage of life where nothing was taken for granted. He traveled extensively, obtained his pilot's license, bought a sport airplane, bought and traded many motorcycles, sports cars, boats, and anything that went fast. It was always exciting to see what new toy would be sitting in the garage emblazoned with the "Jeff's Toy Box" sign. Jeff and Nancy also spent several years wintering at their other home in Cape Coral, Florida.
Throughout the following years, Jeff continued to run his business while he dealt with health challenges with courage and continued perseverance, never complaining or worrying about what he could no longer do, but focused on what he could. His attitude and outlook were infectious and truly amazing. Jeff returned to his home in September, following an extended hospital stay and the following months were spent surrounded by friends and family. Jeff passed peacefully in his home on the hill of over 50 years, with his wife by his side, fulfilling his final wish. Jeff was proud of his life and his family.
Jeff Sr. was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Elizabeth Hinsdale, his maternal and paternal grandparents, uncles and aunts and all eleven cousins. He was also preceded in death by his nephew Andrew Whitman. Jeff is survived by his wife of nearly 31 years Joan Nancy (Brodie) Hinsdale, his first wife and the mother of his children Marilyn Johnston Hinsdale, his daughter Elizabeth Brandt (Mark) of Divide, CO, his son Jeffrey Wright Hinsdale Jr. (Jennifer) of Huntington, Vermont, a step grandson Brodie, as well as one sister, Ann Hinsdale Whitman (Bill) of Milford, Delaware. Jeff has one living nephew, Scott D. Whitman (Susan) of Sanford, Florida. In addition, he is survived by his cat Sammy and his two sister golden doodles, Sasha and Josie, that gave him so much joy in his last year. There are too many friends and neighbors to mention but we would like to thank his lifelong friend, Bill Piette, who Jeff adored. Also, Ken Fitzgerald, who he thought of as his little brother and Nick Mullen, who helped out with the business frequently. We do not say goodbye, since Jeff is with us in our hearts and in spirit. According to Jeff's wishes, there will not be a funeral service. However, there will be graveside services in late spring with information to come at a later date. Gifford's Funeral Services, Richmond, Vermont, has final arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.