Bradford, VT – It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved family member Frank J. Laundry, otherwise known as Jerry Laundry. Frank departed this world on December 23, 2025, at the age of 79, following a long and valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease.
A resident of Bradford, Vermont, Frank was born on October 6, 1946, to his parents Frank and June Laundry, in Montpelier, Vermont. Frank (Jerry) had a fantastic sense of humor; he regaled many with his animated storytelling and hilarious comments, usually aimed at himself. He graduated from Bradford Academy in Bradford, Vermont. He was the very first male graduate from Vermont Community College, and later graduated from Johnson State College with a BFA in Fine Arts. He enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Denver, Colorado and Alamogordo, New Mexico; where he was assigned to work in a Gyro Laboratory, which researched and developed gyros later used in the Apollo space missions.
Frank had a distinguished career in television broadcasting that spanned decades, beginning with his position at Vermont’s WCAX in Burlington, Vermont; operating a tower at the top of Mount Mansfield. His path later led him across the country to Albuquerque, New Mexico; where he joined the crew at KOAT-TV. After that, he became a valued member of the team of professionals at Vermont Public Television, in Colchester, Vermont. His position there was that of Master Control, which involved switching programs and commercials in real-time. During the final years of his career, he took a position at Dartmouth College as a media specialist, there he helped many grateful students, faculty and guests set up their media. During that time he also worked in the film booth at Dartmouth’s Hop Theater.
Beyond his work life, Frank (Jerry) Laundry’s life was rich with passion and diverse interests. He enjoyed attending many auctions and collecting nostalgic items. He possessed a mechanical curiosity, spending endless hours acquiring
and working on vintage automobiles. His love for the outdoors led him to the slopes for skiing and to the lakes for sailing. His fascination with space exploration was lifelong. He closely followed NASA missions and discoveries. In his last days, he listened to reports about 3-I Atlas; a comet transversing through our solar system at that time.
His commitment to building a life reflective of his passions was evident in the lovely house he built with his own two hands in Huntington, Vermont.
Frank was courageous. In one remarkable act of bravery, he saved an unconscious man from a burning, overturned Mack Truck, pulling him to safety just moments before the vehicle exploded. Frank’s heroic act exemplified his instinct to help those in danger.
Frank was a family man. His wife, Linda Laundry, survives him. They were married July 19th, 1969, which was also the day Commander Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed the first Lunar Module, Eagle, on the moon. Together, Frank and Linda had three sons, all of whom survive Frank. They and their significant others are: Michael Laundry and his partner Kelly McGovern of Corinth, Vermont; Ryan Laundry of Seattle, Washington; and Kristopher Laundry and his wife Brittani Ross of Port Orchard, Washington. Frank is also survived by his brother Donald Laundry and his wife Susan Laundry of West Warwick, Rhode Island and his sister Nancy Laundry and her husband Jim Thayer of Lions, Oregon.
Frank Laundry will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His charm and unique character will always be in our hearts and minds.
A mass will be dedicated to Frank Laundry on Tuesday, January 20th, at 8:30 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Bradford, Vermont. Later in the spring, at a time not yet determined, a Memorial Celebration of Frank’s life will be held.
Many thanks to all the capable and caring people who made Frank’s final chapter as good as it could be. These include the staffs at: Veteran’s Hospital in White River, Vermont, Lebanon Center Genesis Care Home in Lebanon, New Hampshire and the folks at Hospice.
To honour Frank’s legacy, the family suggests making a memorial donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Your gift will support their mission of advancing research and improving patient care for the Parkinson’s community.
To offer the family an online condolence, please visit www.rickerfh.com
Ricker Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
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