Walter “Gator” Mumford, 73, of Underhill, Vt., passed away at home on August 6, 2026. Gator was born on March 30, 1953, in St. Johnsbury, Vt., one of seven children of George Mumford and Virginia (Moulton) Mumford. He graduated from Lyndon State College in 1977.
He was known to all as “Gator,” a nickname that stuck with him throughout his life; those who knew him would describe him as playful, easygoing, kind and warm to everyone he met.
For many years, Gator and his wife, Mary-Jo, owned and operated Gator’s, a convenience store in Bristol, Vt. He was also active with the Bristol Rotary Club, where he was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow award, and involved in the Fourth of July outhouse races. They also lived in New Haven, Vt., where Gator worked at the University of Vermont Medical Center, before later settling in Underhill, Vt.
Gator was a laryngectomee and volunteered with Bud’s New Voices to support others in Vermont going through the same experience. He also visited many patients in the UVM Medical Center who had recently undergone a laryngectomy, offering encouragement and reassurance to them and their families. Gator loved hunting, fishing, playing cribbage and walking his dog, Gerti. He cherished family vacations in Maine and the time spent with his children and grandchildren.
Gator is survived by his wife, Mary-Jo Mumford; and his three children: Andrew Mumford, wife Alison, and their children, Geoffrey and Nora Mumford; Anna Mumford, husband Jon Kennedy, and their children, Maeve and Ronan Kennedy; and Kaylee Mumford and husband Jason Hartman. He is also survived by his siblings Milton Mumford, Frances Douglas and husband Mark, Leroy Mumford, George Mumford and wife Delores, and Timothy Mumford and wife Gina; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, George and Virginia Mumford, and his brother Stephen Mumford.
A celebration of life will be held on August 29, 2026, 11 a.m., at Rock Point Center in Burlington, Vt. Arrangements are under the care of Stephen C. Gregory & Son Cremation in South Burlington, Vt.