George T. Gerdon

The life of George Thomas Gerdon, of 69 Clarendon Springs Lane, who passed away peacefully June 7, 2015, at the age of 85, was celebrated quietly by his immediate family at his home in Clarendon Springs, Vermont.

Those who knew George well and shared his long and interesting life were truly blessed. His love of Vermont, family, sports, his land holdings, cars and all their parts was legendary. Until his 84th year, he was still driving cars back and forth to auction for his car-buddies, whom he counted as some of his best friends.

Then George battled crippling spinal stenosis, resulting in lower body paralysis. His successful surgery and long rehabilitation was fueled by his desire to be independent again. George wanted to drive, visit his friends, and most of all, return to his long-time home in Clarendon Springs with Persis, his partner of 55 years.

Despite the doctors saying he would never walk again, through his iron determination and dedication to physical therapy George succeeded.

Other than his three remaining siblings Tom Gerdon, Marie Sweeney, Sally Tenson, and nieces and nephews, George is survived by his lifelong partner/wife Persis Brooks Fucci, and loving family members: stepdaughter Debra Fucci Wisell and her husband Allen Wisell of Chippenhook VT, stepson Scott Holbrook of Florida and his wife Jody and daughter Sophia; and step-grandchildren, Jason Wisell and wife Ingrid of Shrewsbury VT, Lane Wisell and partner Courtney Dumas of Pittsford VT; and Brooke Wisell of Mendon VT.

George is predeceased by his parents Thomas and Juliana Gerdon and sister Julia; stepdaughter Vicki Fucci; and his son Robert Kennebeck of Virginia, yet survived by grandson Hunter Kennebeck, granddaughter Lindsey Kennebec Alphonso and great-granddaughter Alana Alphonso.

George's circle of close friends included Scotty, Mariah, and their boys; the Twelve Tribes community of Rutland who operate the Back Home Cafe; and his buddies with the McDonald's breakfast club whom he was so glad to meet up with again before his unexpected passing.

Everyone's expressions of sympathy, George tales, and other kindnesses have been so appreciated by all of us, thank you.