Harold “Hal” Bingham Bauerle, age 45, died unexpectedly and too young on February 4, 2026, at his home in Winooski, Vt. Born in Hartford, Conn., on November 13, 1980, Hal was the cherished son of Graham and Annette Bauerle. He was always bright and adventurous, and people crossed the street to say what a beautiful baby he was.
Hal and his two younger siblings spent their earliest years near the Atlantic Ocean in Newburyport, Mass. Then they migrated north to a farm in Cambridge, Vt. There, they sledded on the hills, built tree houses in the woods, waded in the stream, rode bikes on dirt roads and helped raise animals. The menagerie included dogs and cats and goats, of course, but also chickens and ducks, horses and bunnies, and the occasional ox. It was always a battle to see who would get to name the next baby goat kid, but when Hal, Gray and Lizzie were together, hilarity frequently ensued.
After completing Lamoille Union High School, Hal attended Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, Québec. Pursuing his deep interest in the human condition, he graduated with a double major in psychology and sociology. Hal later received an MA in psychology from the University of Vermont.
Working in community mental health, Hal supported many clients through the rough patches in their lives, kindly, compassionately and with a sense of humor. Hal spent the majority of his career in various roles at the Howard Center, first as a residential counselor at Lakeview, then in supervisory roles, and most recently as a crisis clinician at First Call. Hal was also a crisis clinician at Lamoille County Mental Health Services. Hal took tremendous pride in his work with the AFSCME union. He was treasured by his Howard Center colleagues and respected by his community collaborators.
It was through the Howard Center that Hal met his delightful colleague Patricia “Patti” Cilwik, with whom he fell in love. They married on June 14, 2014, afloat Lake Champlain aboard the Northern Lights. For 10 years, Hal and Patti lived happily at Fort Ethan Allen, sharing adventures, trips, interests and cats. They parted ways amicably in 2024.
An incredibly imaginative and creative individual, Game Master Hal developed engaging and well-researched role-playing scenarios. His props, map-making skills and accent work in support of his games are unforgettable. Hal was also an enthusiastic member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, a medieval study and reenactment organization. He delighted in hand-crafting authentic costumes in natural fibers. Hal’s myriad interests included camping, canoeing, bushcraft, sewing and especially cats. He was a witty conversationalist and a wonderful writer; his haikus were memorable.
Hal will be missed terribly and remembered with great love and affection by his family and many friends. Hal leaves his ex-wife and dear friend, Patricia Cilwik of Colchester, Vt; mother, Annette Bauerle of Cambridge, Vt; brother, Graham Bauerle, his wife, Brighid, and their children, Annette, Michael and Eileen, of Chicago; and sister, Elizabeth Bauerle, her husband, Nicholas Arensmann, and their daughters, Eleanor and Josephine, of Cambridge, Vt. He is also survived by his beloved cat, Inky. Hal was predeceased by his father, Graham Williamson Bauerle.
Instead of flowers, Hal would be pleased if you made a donation to the Humane Society of Chittenden County, the North Country Animal League (ncal.com/get-involved/donate) or the Howard Center .
We will celebrate his life on February 20, 2026, 1 to 3 p.m., at the A.W. Rich Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Essex Junction, VT. Please join us to share your memories of this unique and wonderful person. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.