Gordon Rochelle

Gordon "Gordy" David Rochelle , 89 died Saturday May 6, 2017 at Bennington Health and Rehab. Following a period of declining health. Prior to that he had lived in Sunderland since the late 1960's. He was the son of the late Earl and Jennie (Gokey) Rochelle and was born at the family home in Richmond on October 7, 1927. He was the last survivor of six children, although not quite the youngest, his twin Garland was born about 15 minutes after him. Gordon served 2 years in the US Army during the end of World War II. In his younger years he worked various jobs including construction and for Wm. E. Dailey. He retired in 1989 after working 20 years for the Vermont Department of Transportation, which was by far his favorite job. Gordon's main interests were spending time with family and friends. He was also an avid deer hunter during rifle season and over the years had many fun tales to tell. From the moment of their birth, grandchildren Andrea and Gary were the light of Gordon and Shirley's lives. They lived for them and beloved grandson Matthew Rochelle. Gordon was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Shirley (Gillette) Rochelle in 2013, son Shane Rochelle, grandson Matthew Rochelle, daughter in law Frances Rochelle and siblings Lester Rochelle, Emma Andrews, Joseph Rochelle, Edna Parro and twin Garland Rochelle. Gordon's survivors are : daughter Wendy Croft of Arlington, grandchildren Andrea and Gary Croft of Bennington, several step grandchildren, brother in law Fred Taylor of Rutland, sister in law Martha Blythen of Long Beach, CA, former son in law Lester Croft of Wilton, NY, several adoring and devoted nieces and nephews and very dear loving devoted friends Norman and Sharon Brown and family and Doug and Janet Webster. Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 13 at 3pm at the Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home – Arlington Chapel with Reverend Kathleen Clark officiating. Friends may call at the Arlington Chapel on Saturday from noon until 3pm. Gordon will be buried with Shirley in the family lot in West Arlington Cemetery on Sunday May 14 at 1pm. Memorial gifts may be made to Lenny Burke's Farm (a facility for traumatic brain injuries)in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 528, Arlington, VT 05250. Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 13 at 3pm at the Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home – Arlington Chapel with Reverend Kathleen Clark officiating. Friends may call at the Arlington Chapel on Saturday from noon until 3pm. Gordon will be buried with Shirley in the family lot in West Arlington Cemetery on Sunday May 14 at 1pm.