Jeremiah “Jerry” Beecher of Shelburne, Vt., passed away on October 8, 2025, at Helen Porter Rehabilitation and Nursing Home.
Jerry was born on November 4, 1937, in Middlebury, Vt., to Henry and Evelyn Shea Beecher. He graduated from Middlebury High School in 1956. After high school Jerry entered the navy in the administrative command and served until 1960. Upon discharge he refined his trade and became a journeyman carpenter.
On May 18, 1963, he married Claire Vaillancourt at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Burlington, Vt. He worked on many commercial projects while building our family home and finished his career at Fletcher Allen UHC Campus, though he always remained active with carpentry for loved ones. In his free time, Jerry enjoyed all sports, especially local college basketball, and made a hobby of refereeing CYO and high school games. He was a member of the Carpenters Union, IAAB 105 Basketball Official Organization and the Rutland Elks 345. He will be remembered for his love of sports, passion for polka music and insatiable sweet tooth.
Jerry leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Claire; and his three children, Melissa Bonebo Hensen (William Hensen), James Beecher (Caroline Daniels) and Betsy Beecher. He also leaves his three grandchildren, Olivia Bonebo, Vanessa Bonebo and Reid Atwood (Erin Langevin); his sister Marge Beecher Cole; brother-in-law David Vaillancourt (Annie Audet); nephew Christopher Cole (Rose Burroughs); and niece Alison Vaillancourt Telgenhoff (Michael Telgenhoff and children, Jacob, Emily and Joshua).
He was predeceased by his daughter Sarah Beecher; parents, Henry and Evelyn Beecher; sister Ellen Beecher; and brothers-in-law Paul Vaillancourt and Phillip Cote.
The family is very grateful to the staff for the care given to Jerry in the Memory Care Unit. They treated him like he was a member of their own family.
There will be a graveside service at the family’s convenience.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Helen Porter Memory Garden at Helen Porter Nursing Home, 115 Porter Dr., Middlebury, VT 05753.
beecher family, I am so very sorry for your loss. i have been a friend of james for over thirty years. i just wanted to send my condolences and to let you all know i’m thinking of you all and sending love and prayers.