GRAFTON - Gerald O. "Jerry" Beattie, 70, of Grafton, VT, died unexpectedly Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012, at home.

He was born in Londonderry, VT, on May 19, 1941, son of Ray C. and Zoe E. (Gates) Beattie, and attended schools in Londonderry and Chester.

Jerry owned and operated Beattie's Upholstery in Newfane and later in Grafton, for the past 32 years. Previously, he worked for American Stratford in Brattleboro as a linotype operator and foreman.

An avid lover of music, he enjoyed playing all types of guitars. Jerry loved watching his grandchildren perform in all of their sporting events, and was especially proud of them. His big love in life were his two horses, Dylan and Capella, and his two dogs, Dominick and Buddy.

Survivors include two daughters, Terri Druke and her husband Edward, and Vickie Beattie and her husband Brett Bills, all of Newfane, VT; a son, Wayne Beattie and his wife Michele of Jamaica, VT; three sisters, Minnie Smith of Randolph, VT, Florence Smith of Jamaica, VT, and Maxine Beattie of Burlington, VT; a brother, Gordon Beattie of N. Grosvenordale, CT; eleven grandchildren: Joshua Druke and his wife Jamie, and Ryan Druke, Brittany and Colton Bills, Devon Crowther, Victoria Crowther, Jake Beattie, James Crowther, Adam Beattie, Maddie Crowther, and Sam Crowther, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by eight brothers: Raymond, Robert, Warren, Clifton, Walter, Wallace, Roger, and Wendell Beattie, and by two sisters, Marjorie Torrey and Marion Desilets.

A celebration of Jerry's life will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at the NewBrook fire house from 6 to 8 p.m. Private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Vermont, 100 Dorset St., Suite 14, South Burlington, VT 05403.

Adams Funeral Homes & Cremation Service of Chester is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Published in Rutland Herald on February 25, 2012