Obituary: Donald Baird Gile
October 27, 1942 – February 16, 2024
February 20, 2024
Donald Baird Gile, October 27, 1942 – February 16, 2024. Courtesy photo
Donald B. Gile, 81, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, February 16, 2024, at Heaton Woods in Montpelier. Born on October 27, 1942, in Barre City, he was the son of the late Roy M. and Olive (Baird) Gile. He was previously married to Charlanne Izor.
He attended Waterbury High School and in December 1959 he joined the U.S. Air Force. After serving four years of active duty, he returned to Waterbury. He began his working career at the Rock of Ages Corporation in Barre, working in the quarries. He later worked in construction for the E.F. Wall Company of Barre and the Vest Construction Company of Waterbury. For several years, he was in the Maintenance Department for the Sugarbush Inn in Warren. His last employer before retirement was Dynapower of South Burlington.
Don was a very active member of the Harry N. Cutting American Legion Post # 59 in Waterbury for 38 years and its Sons of the American Legion chapter for 25 years. For over 30 years, he held many positions at the local and state level. He was honored with a lifetime membership in 2023. He was a member of the Waterbury Fire Department & Rescue from 1970-1975, the Blush Hill Country Club in Waterbury, and he enjoyed skiing with his grandson. He also umpired many local baseball games over the years.
He is survived by his daughter Ann Gile Commo and her husband Mathew of Waterbury, two grandsons Damien and Taggert Gile of Waterbury, great-granddaughter Aubrey Gile of Waterbury, siblings Sandy Griffith and her husband Rodney of Severn, Maryland, Sharon Talbert of Nashville, Tennessee, Melissa Osborne of South Berwick, Maine, David Gile and his wife Yumi of Merced, California; a sister-in-law Linda Gile of Provo, Utah; as well as extended family. He was predeceased by a brother, Wendal “Skip” Gile.
On Sunday, Feb. 25, friends are invited to join the family at Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury from noon to 2 p.m. for a time of visitation. Afterward, are invited to the Harry N. Cutting American Legion Post #59 in Waterbury for a reception. Inurnment with military honors will take place at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph in the spring. For those who wish, memorial gifts in Donald's memory may be made to either Josh’s House, 162 Hegeman Ave., Colchester VT, 05446, online at the Josh Pallotta Fund, or The Dodge House 95 Cresent St., Rutland, VT, 05701.
To send online condolences please visit perkinsparker.com