Andre Demers

Andre J Demers passed away on Sunday October 22, 2023 surrounded by his family following a long hard- fought battle with leukemia.

Andy was born on March 28, 1947 in Berlin NH to David and Anne Marie (Gourtay) Demers. Soon after completing school, he moved to Burlington VT to begin a career at General Electric. A machinist by trade, he next assumed a management role as supervisor of Research and Development. Following a twenty-five year career with GE, he then assumed a similar job with Tri Tech USA where he remained until he retired in 2007.

Andy very proudly served his country for over twenty-two years in the United States Army, both in active duty and the National Guards. He retired as the Command Sargent Major of the Mountain Battalion in VT, retiring in 1989.

During his lifetime he assumed many other roles within the community. He enjoyed many years of coaching his kids in both softball and hockey, and then came out of retirement to coach his grandkids hockey team. He also assisted Cheryl in teaching a lively religion class for years as well as being on the St Ann’s Cemetery Committee. He was a Past Exalted Ruler of the Burlington Elks Lodge 916, and a Ten-Year Secretary for the Arrowhead Eagles 4216 in Milton, serving both places with many volunteer hours over the years.

His greatest joy was his family. He married his soulmate and the love of his life, Cheryl Fay Demers and together they raised their family in Milton. They followed all the sports and activities of the kids and grandkids, enjoying all these events thoroughly and proudly.

Andy and Cheryl always kept time for plenty of traveling, enjoying many, many trips over the years, including a cross country trip which completed their goal to visit to all the lower forty-eight states. Many more trips and cruises were taken over the years which included the kids and grandkids as well.

Andy is survived by his loving wife Cheryl and his children, daughter Tina Barnes (Joel) and children Joel (Lisa and child Audrey), Alex, and Cody (Gabrielle); daughter Jennifer Charbonneau (Edward) and children William, Kylie, and Samantha; son Eric (deceased) and child Nathan; son Derek and children Colin, Haileigh, and Emma; and daughter Karen Hammond (Matthew) and children Riley and Brody.

Andy is also survived by his brothers Paul (Louise) and Ivan (Sheila), a special brother-in-law Jim (Laurie) Fay, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Eric in 2015, his parents, his in-laws Henry and Emma Fay, and his brother Leo.                                    

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to his Doctors Barbara Grant and Julian Sprague and the hematology/oncology team, as well as to the doctors and nurses from Miller 5 at the UVM Medical Center who became much like family over the numerous hospital stays this past year. They would also like to express their deep gratitude for the most appreciated outpouring of love and support they have received from family and friends during this long difficult time.

Per Andy's request, there will be no public visiting hours. A small intimate service will be celebrated for the family at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are in the care of Minor Funeral and Cremation Center in Milton Vermont.