Marcus I Buddy

Marcus "Buddy" Ignatius Medlar Jr.

March 4, 1928 - February 4, 2026

BURLINGTON, VT - Marcus "Buddy" Ignatius Medlar Jr., 97, a lifelong resident of the Burlington and a decorated veteran of two wars, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, at the McClure-Miller Respite House in Colchester, surrounded by his family and the thoughts of those who loved him.

Born on March 4, 1928, to the late Marcus and Laura Medlar Sr., Marcus grew up with a resilient spirit. Marcus attended Saint Joseph's School in Burlington. At age 17, he answered the call of duty and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as a Military Policeman in both Germany and Japan at the end of World War II. When the Korean War broke out, Marcus re-enlisted, serving until the war's end. His commitment to service continued upon his return home as a member of the Vermont National Guard until 1959.

Marcus served his community as a Deputy Sheriff in Chittenden County under the late Sheriff Earl McLaughlin and worked many years for the City of Burlington. Even in retirement, he remained a familiar face in the neighborhood, working part-time at Ron's Gulf Station on North Avenue.

In 1953, Marcus married his longtime love, Carmen Gloria Garceau. He stood devotedly by her side until her passing in 2002. Throughout the remainder of his life, Marcus kept her memory alive, sharing countless stories of their life together and speaking often of how much he missed her.

He is survived by his very special pets, Zelda, Yaz, and Buddy, children: Marcus I. Medlar III and his wife Betty, Gary Medlar, Michael and his wife Toni Medlar, Rodney Medlar, Susan Medlar, and Kelly Medlar. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Joshua, Megan, and Lisa Medlar; and his great-grandchildren, Allie Medlar, Willa Oren, Kason Oren, and Mia Oren. He is further survived by his son-in-law Richard Rollins, daughter-in-law Sara Spencer-Medlar, his sister Laura Marylou McCleod, brother-in-law Raymond Hatin and very special family friends Mindy Cunningham-Kilburn and Jennifer Hall.

Marcus was predeceased by his beloved wife, Carmen; his daughter, Kristine; grandson, Marcus I. Medlar IV; daughter-in-law, Trudy Mazza-Medlar; his parents; his brother, Kenneth Medlar Sr. and wife Tina; his sisters, Rena and husband Douglas Burke and Joyce Hatin.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of the McClure-Miller Respite House. The care and support Marcus received during his stay went far beyond a job; it was truly from the heart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Joseph's Cathedral in Burlington on February 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM. followed by a burial at the Lake View cemetery in Burlington. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Marcus's memory to the Chittenden County Humane Society or the McClure-Miller Respite House.

Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral and Cremation Services. To send online condolences please visit www.readyfuneral.com