Bernard McGee

Bernard Earl McGee, 83, of North Chittenden, VT, passed away on November 16th, surrounded

by family. He was born on August 1, 1942, in Rutland, VT, to Bertha (Leavitt) and H. Earl

McGee. He graduated from Pittsford High School in 1960.

A respected businessman and a tireless servant of his community, Bernie started his career in the

mechanical contracting industry with the Randall Corporation. In 1980, he started B.E. McGee

Inc., which he owned and managed for over 30 years, with all three of his sons working by his

side. He retired in 2012. Known for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to

excellence, he earned the admiration of colleagues, employees, and customers alike. His work

was not only a career but a calling—one that strengthened the local economy and brought people

together.

Beyond his professional life, Bernie was deeply involved in his hometown. Other than a brief

few years living in Center Rutland early in his marriage to his wonderful wife, Jeanette, he lived

the rest of his life in his beloved North Chittenden. He served as the town Health Officer for

over 50 years. He was a member of the Planning Commission, was an original member of the

North Chittenden Grange Hall Renovation project, spending hours of his time seeing it to

completion, an Emergency Management Committee member since its start in 2013, and saw the

town through COVID as the Town Safety Officer, rarely missing an Everyone Eats meal

distribution, even during blizzards. Holding an office or having a title wasn’t what mattered to

him; the town, its history, success, and future were what did. No matter the project, he always

gave generously of his time, resources, and incredible knowledge. His unmatched dedication left

a lasting impact on countless individuals and the Chittenden community.

Above all, Bernie was devoted to his family. He is survived by Jeanette, his wife of 63 years, and

his three sons and their wives, whom he loved dearly, Jeff and Susan, Dean and Tammie, and

Mark and Kim. His sons are the best example of his legacy. All three have carried on with the

work ethic and commitment to doing things the right way that their father instilled in them. His

grandchildren were so special to him, and he loved to sit and talk with them and about them.

Max McGee, Trajan McGee, Molly Hoyle (Nathan), Megan Mazzariello (Josh), and Amy

McGee. They will forever remember his wisdom, kindness, and steady guidance, and work to

pass on their memories to his great-grandchildren, Shepherd Hoyle and his soon to be born

sibling. He is also survived by his sister and her husband, Muriel and Harley Soulia, his niece,

Marie Meiman (Michael), nephews Chris Philipsen (Jen), Kevin Philipsen (Joanna), great nieces

and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bertha McGee (Leavitt), his father,

H. Earl McGee, his sister, Barb Philipsen, her husband, Bill Philipsen, and his nephew, Brian

Soulia.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, December 9th at 11 am at Christ the King in

Rutland, VT, with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that

donations be made to the Town of Chittenden for continued projects at the North Chittenden

Grange Hall.

Bernie leaves behind a legacy of service, generosity, and leadership. His spirit will live on in the

community he helped shape and in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him.