SALISBURY — Gerry Francis Gossens of Salisbury died on Jan. 18, 2024, in Middlebury, Vt. A man for every possible season and a world traveler, Gerry kept his family laughing, loving, and together for a lifetime.

Gerry was dedicated to the service of his country and fellow humans. Born in Texas in 1933, he moved to Beirut in 1947 when his father took a job with the Trans-Arabian Pipeline. As a high schooler in Beirut, Gerry met his first wife, Nancy James.

A true Cold Warrior, Gerry entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952 and graduated in 1956. He then joined the U.S. Air Force as a pilot and intelligence officer before transferring to the Central Intelligence Agency in 1960. He remained with the CIA until 1984, serving as Chief of Station in multiple postings across Africa before closing his career as Deputy Chief of Station in Paris.

In his “retirement” in Vermont, Gerry served on the Salisbury Selectboard, in the Vermont State House of Representatives, on the University of Vermont Board of Directors, and in the Vermont State Senate. He also met and married his second wife, Margaret “Betsy” Strolle.

Gerry was pre-deceased by Nancy as well as by his three siblings (Charlotte Mitchell, Phillip Gossens, and Peter Gossens). He is survived by Betsy, his three children (Jim, Christine, and Joanne Gossens) and their spouses, two stepsons (Carl and Tom Stolle) and their spouses, and eight grandchildren.

A life well-lived and a great loss, not just to family and friends, but to all. ◊