Trueman Earl Bryer

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Trueman Bryer (Poppy), who departed this world peacefully on September 9, 2025, at the age of 96 at The Arbors in Shelburne, Vermont. Trueman was a businessman and a friend, but most importantly, a family man. He was born on November 15,1928, to Charlie and Ethel (Goodwin) in the picturesque town of Woodstock, New Hampshire. Trueman led a life marked by service, dedication, and unwavering love for his family.
Trueman's early years were shaped by the rugged beauty of Northfield, Vermont and the values instilled by his close-knit community. He shared these times with his siblings, Mildred Chapman and Adelfred Bryer while playing basketball and earning the elite Eagle Scout Award. On August 1, 1946, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy while still in high school. After graduating from Northfield High school in 1944, he became an active member in the Navy.
Before his deployment, he married the love of his life, Therese Gaboriault on October 8, 1948, with whom he spent 70 wonderful years of marriage. He was stationed in Boston, Norfolk, Bermuda and Italy. Trueman sailed on the USS Fargo and the USS Albany. He was honorably discharged November 14,1949, with distinction during a transformative period in our nation's history. He received the WW11 Victory Medal, American Area Award and Good Conduct Medal during his tenure. His service not only reflected his commitment to his country but also laid the foundation for the resilience and work ethic that would define his later years.
Following his Naval service, Trueman embarked on a fulfilling career with the Central Vermont Railway as a telegraph operator and dispatcher. For 17 years, he worked diligently, contributing to the nation's transportation network and ensuring that communities stayed connected. They made their home in Montpelier with their children until being transferred to St. Albans in 1956.
Following his time with the railroad, Trueman started a State Farm Insurance Agency, that he operated successfully for more than 30 years serving the Franklin County area. During that time, he became a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) which required extensive coursework, experience and ethical requirements for insurance, financial planning and risk management. He retired from the company in 1990.
Trueman was a Vermonter through and through, and in 1989 he and Terry built a home on Shantee Point overlooking Lake Champlain. In 2001, they purchased a beachfront property in N. Redington Beach, Florida where they wintered and had many family and friend gatherings.
Together, they raised four beloved children: Charlotte (Jim), Cathy, Pamela (Peter), Steven (Patti Kenney). Trueman's love and dedication extended beyond his immediate family, as he cherished his role as a grandfather to five grandchildren: Julie (Brent), Heather (Matt), Andrew (Nia), Kelly Vliet and Cassidy Jordyn. He was also Great-grandfather to Alexander David, William Sebring, Jonathan Trueman, Lilliana Jo, Jenna Marie, and Katherine Charlotte.
His legacy is reflected in the laughter and memories shared by his family, each of whom carries forward the lessons and values he imparted.
Trueman was known for his religious beliefs, generosity and kindness, stories of life in the Navy, working for the railroad, and his relentless love and support for his family. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was watching the waves of Lake Champlain or N. Redington Beach, fishing, playing horseshoes, building the camp, sharing a meal with loved ones, or reminiscing about his times of yesterday.
He was a member of St. Mary's Church, Kiwanis International Club, American Legion and CLU.
Trueman is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will remember him fondly, along with nieces and nephews, and special niece, Donna Andrews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Terry, who now reunites with him in eternal peace, his son-in-law David and grandson Patrick.
A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Trueman's life will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at The Immaculate Conception Parish Holy Angels Church in St Albans with military honors to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. A reception will follow after the services.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Trueman's honor to Martha's Kitchen or Hard'ack Recreation Department. These charities reflect his lifelong commitment and service to the community.
We are very thankful for the generous support and assistance that our dad received from his caregivers Dawn, Polly and Bobby, UVM Hospice and the phenomenal staff at The Arbors.
Arrangements are entrusted to Jeffrey Levesque and Brady and Levesque Funeral Home, where fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with his family and friends at www,bradyandlevesque.com