Earle J. Ellingwood 

EAST MONTPELIER — Earle J. Ellingwood, 92, of East Montpelier, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, at Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, surrounded by the love and care of his family and the devoted staff.

Earle was born on July 11, 1933, to Mearle R. and Flora (Silloway) Ellingwood of Montpelier. He grew up in central Vermont and carried a lifelong love for his community and the outdoors. Earle proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an aerial gunner on a B-29 during the Korean War. During his four years of service, he flew 13 combat missions, an experience that reflected his courage and dedication. Following his military service, Earle attended Babson College and went on to build a long and respected career with National Life Insurance Company, where he worked for 30 years. After taking early retirement, his strong work ethic continued as he spent another 20 years with the Vermont Appraisal Company, conducting town-wide reappraisals throughout the state.

On October 1, 1960, Earle married Caroline Stockfisch. Together, they had three children: Brian Ellingwood of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; Karen Maugans of Black Mountain, North Carolina; and Diane Ellingwood of Waterbury, Vermont. In November 1998, Earle married Louise Groleau, with whom he shared many happy years. Through this marriage, he welcomed his stepson, Reuel, and three stepdaughters, Lorraine, Christine, and Ellen, into his extended family. Earle was a devoted and proud grandfather to Arielle, Ayla, Sean, and Lynn, and a great-grandfather to Brayson. He also cherished his step-grandsons, Brendan, Rj, and Cullen.

Earle had many interests and talents, from horseback riding and snowmobiling to fishing, hunting, carpentry, and wood carving. He found his greatest joy working with his hands, spending time outdoors, and sharing stories with family and friends. Earle will be remembered for his kind, quiet, and gentle nature and for his strong, skillful hands that seemed able to build or fix just about anything.

Earle is survived by his loving wife, Louise; his children; his grandchildren and great-grandchild; and his extended stepfamily. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Edgar Ellingwood, and his sister Elaine (Gasper). A graveside Celebration of Life will be held on July 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Middlesex Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at VFW Post 792 in Montpelier. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Earle’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or Disabled American Veterans. Funeral arrangements are being provided by Guare & Sons Funeral Home.