Donald Ernest "Skippy" Stearns Jr.

Donald Ernest "Skippy" Stearns Jr., 57, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 17th at the SVMC hospital in Bennington with his loving wife, daughter and sister by his side. Donald was born in Bennington, Vt. On January 21, 1967, son of the late Donald Stearns Sr. and Donna (Ribeck) Matthews. He graduated from Cambridge Central School, class of 1986. He went to college at CCV, graduated 2008, he also went to Johnson State for the BA, graduated in 2012. Donald was formerly employed at Carol's Construction for many years along with other various factories in Vermont and New York. He enjoyed reading, playing cards, wood working, gardening, mowing the lawn, and getting lost going to tag sales with his wife and daughter. Survivors include his loving wife of 15 years Lena (Pierce) Stearns, of Bennington VT, his sons Tony Mangano, Zachary (Elizabeth) Gardner and daughter Jamie Gardner all of Bennington VT His sisters Cassandra Sue (Donald) Gardner of Hoosick Falls, NY, Margaret Stearns of Franklin, MA, and Stephanie (Donnie) Tedesco of Milton, VT. Nieces and nephews Anthony Wescott, Christopher (Elizabeth) Wescott, Dominik Wescott, Andrew Gardner and Lynda Gardner. Great-nephews Bradley (Emma) Wescott, Chaton Wescott, Damien Wescott, and Great-Great Niece Maevyn. Donald is predeceased by his grandson Vinny Mangano. There will be no services. A celebration of life will be private with his immediate family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Activities Department at the Vets home in Bennington, VT.