Larry Kenneth Gile
Bristol
Larry Kenneth Gile, 73, died peacefully Sunday, June 3, 2018 at Helen Porter Health Hospice and Rehabilitation services after a 5-year battle with COPD with his family by his side. He was born in Burlington, VT the eldest son of the late Homer and Virginia (Phelps) Gile October 12, 1944. He was raised in Richmond, VT with his three brothers and graduated from Richmond High School in 1964.
Larry began his apprenticeships in funeral services in Richmond, Rutland and Bristol, VT. He then served four years in the U. S. Navy including a one-year tour in Vietnam as a hospital Corpsman receiving the Navy Achievement Award for Bravery. After graduating from the New England Institute in 1971, Larry began his long career in funeral service in St. Johnsbury, VT. In 1973, he became associated with the Brown-McClay funeral home and purchased it in 1986 where he remained until retiring in 2007. His profession was far more than a career for Larry; it was his calling to serve as a source of strength, support and comfort for many over the years.
Larry served as president of the Vermont Funeral Directors Association. He is the current chairman of the Vermont Funeral Service Board of Professional Regulations and Licensing. As a FEMA employee, he served in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Larry was a 40-year member of the Bristol Federated Church serving on various committees, a member of the Libanus Lodge # 47 F. & A. M., and the Bristol Rotary Club where he received the Paul Harris Award. He was a loyal member of the Old Farts Club until his illness. Larry considered being a co-founder of the Great Bristol Out House Race, along with the late Bill Paine, one of his greatest accomplishments and was its announcer every year until his illness. Larry and four fellow Vietnam servicemen were recently honored at Mt. Abraham High School for their annual presentation to the American Studies History class on their experiences in Vietnam.
Larry is survived by his wife of almost 49 years, Donna Parent Gile, his two sons Carl (Theresa) and Neil (Suzanne), four grandchildren Colby, Madison, Ava and Grace. He is also survived by three brothers, Dennis (Sherry), Bradley (Barbara) and Bryant. He is also survived by his sister in law Adelaide Shepard and several nieces. He is predeceased by a sister-in-law Judy Gile and brother-in-law Dr. Harley Shepard.
Calling hours will be on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Brown-McClay Funeral home in Bristol from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be Friday, June 8, 2018 at The Bristol Federated Church at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bristol Federated Church or Bristol Rescue. To send online condolences to his family please visit brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com