GERALD EUGENE WAGER
Addison, VT
After a tough fight with illness, Gerry Wager, 83 passed away in the loving embrace of his wife, Pat on January 29, 2016. Born on September 21, 1932 in Bennington, VT, Gerry was the youngest son of Everett Wager and Florence Mason of Bennington. After graduating from Bennington High School (Go Catamounts!) Gerry graduated from St Joseph’s College and then joined the U.S. Army and proudly served his country stationed in Germany during the Korean War.
Gerry met and married Mary Jane Pollard and they raised their children Bill and Peggy in North Ferrisburg during his 32-year career as a credit manager at Simonds Precision in Vergennes. Gerry was an active member of the community and served the church, as well as his contributions as a Free Mason and proud member of the American Legion. Gerry was a dedicated father and husband and enjoyed traveling with his family and hosting countless barbeques featuring his famous BBQ Chicken recipe. He was by Mary Jane’s side and cared for her during her battle with cancer.
Gerry enjoyed a second career for almost ten years at the Shelburne Museum where he drove the “jitney” and worked on the security team.
In 1997 he married Priscilla “Pat” Cousino and started his new life in Addison. Gerry and Pat lived a full life. He joined St Peter’s Parish in Vergennes and they were active members of the church, served the community delivering meals on wheels and visiting shut ins. Gerry was always smiling and was always dancing at every opportunity. He loved all things Irish, especially Irish humor.
Gerry now joins his first wife Mary Jane who passed away in 1995, his sisters Eileen, Florence, Frances and Nancy and his brother Everett. He is survived by his wife Priscilla “Pat”, brother-in-law Thomas, brother-in-law Winfred, sister-in-law Anna and children Bill and Lori Wager of Ferrisburg, VT, Peggy and Frank Iafrate of Boston, MA, Michelle and Paul Arthur of Moriah, NY, five grandchildren Nicholas, Olivia, Tyler, Samantha and Brandon as well as nieces and nephews.
A Mass will be celebrated at St Peter’s Church on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 10:00 am. A reception will follow at the parish hall. Arrangements are by Brown-McClay Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Ferrisburg Fire Department, PO Box 25, North Ferrisburg, VT 05473, Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (support.pdf.org) or The American Heart Association (donatenow.heart.org).