Vernon H. Trudo

February 25, 2022: Vernon (Vern) Hazelton Trudo (96) died peacefully at home after a lengthy decline, surrounded by loving family, friends and caregivers. His death follows that of His cherished wife of 76 years, Chris, by less than two weeks. Born May 1, 1925 in Woodstock, VT to LeRoy Trudo and Ruby (Hazelton) Trudo, his family moved to Suffield, CT in his early years. He met Chris while enrolled as a Navy ROTC student at Yale University (and famously told friends, “Tonight I met the girl I’m going to marry!”). After their wedding on July 12, 1945, he served as an Ensign on the hospital ship Benevolence, returning to earn a degree in Economics from Yale following his service. He moved with his family to Amherst, NH in the late 1960s. Vern is remembered as a wonderful husband and father, supportive and playful. Survivors include David Trudo, of Weare, and partner Erin Headley; Christy Trudo of Amherst; Laurie (Trudo) Howard of Milford; Scott Trudo of Milford and his wife Jan Trudo; his treasured grandchildren Andy Trudo of Milford and Hanna Trudo of Washington, D.C.; and their mother Pandora Trudo. He is also survived by his sister Margaret (Trudo) Williams of Suffield, CT, and nephews Richard and Bruce Williams and their families. He was predeceased by his sister Gwendolyn Trudo; brother-in-law Al Williams; nephew Robert Williams; David’s late wife Janis Headley Trudo; and Laurie’s husband Wayne Howard. Most of his working years were spent in the insurance industry, including many with the Holt Agency in Milford. He also spent a decade as director of promotions for Church World Service, an overseas relief organization. He is known in the community as a man who worked to help others, with infectious enthusiasm and no concern for personal recognition. He was a founding member of the Amherst Lions’ Club, serving with dedication for dozens of years. He was known as “King of the CROP walk”, raising funds to fight hunger locally and internationally. He delivered donations for SHARE for over nearly two decades. He also regularly gave blood, over 30 gallons in his lifetime. Deeply involved in service leadership, Vern was a founding board member of Ann Marie House, serving homeless families; board member of the former Visiting Nurse Association of Milford; and volunteered widely in many other capacities. He and Chris were jointly named Amherst’s “Citizen of the Year” in 2010. Vern was a person of profound faith, which underpinned his entire life. Much of his service was performed through the church. He was eternally optimistic, and saw the positive in day-to-day interactions and in other people. He had a lively sense of humor and enjoyed wordplay. In retirement he delighted in traveling widely with his beloved Chris. A memorial service will be held at the Congregational Church of Amherst at a date to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to that congregation, or to Home Health and Hospice, SHARE, Ann Marie House (or Family Promise of Southern NH), or Church World Service (or CROP walk.)