GEORGE T. SAGUI

STAUNTON, Va. — George T. “Sag” Sagui, 98, was born on March 12, 1926, in Belmar, N.J., to Italian immigrants, Walter & Charlotte (DeLuca) Sagui. After graduating from high school in 1943 and winning the heart of Jean Pratt, he served in the U.S. Army, 9th Armored Division, from 1944-1946.

After George’s military service, he and Jean were married on Sept. 15, 1948.

Between 1949 and 1958 they had six children, Devida, Patricia, Susan, James and twins Richard and Robert. Seeking a better life, the family moved to Vermont in 1961.  George, better known as “Sag,” had many gifts. He could fix anything, played several instruments, and loved storytelling and jokes. Woodworking was his beloved craft. An avid reader, curious thinker, he was interested in one’s thoughts and opinions.

George supported his family with his business, M. George Hair Fashions and a handyman/kitchen cabinet making business from the mid 1960s to the late 1970s. After becoming empty-nesters, George and Jean moved to Weybridge, Vt., where George purchased an electric motor repair business which he renamed Union Bridge Motor Repair. The business soared and created long bonds with farmers, restaurant owners and neighbors. George loved to fish and had a deep love of nature, especially trees. In Weybridge, he started a Christmas tree farm, which brought great joy as families and friends came to cut their own trees.

He also shared his love of trees by serving the town of Weybridge as its Tree Warden for many years. His love of trees sparked an interest in helping bring back the American Chestnut, devastated by an imported fungus in the early 1900s. For his part, George propagated and gave away chestnut saplings to be planted by the residents of Weybridge.

In the early 2000s, looking to move away from the Vermont winters, George and Jean relocated to Staunton, Va., in the Shenandoah Valley. Their final years were quiet. George continued to garden, grow fruit and chestnut trees. Sag continued to work in motor repair until he was not physically able to do so anymore. While not being able to work in motor repair, he did become a member of Makerspace, a community space for all kinds of people looking for space to be able to create and work. He cherished every moment he spent there.

He only “retired” to care for Jean, who passed away on Aug. 8, 2013. They had been married for 65 years.

Sag continued to live life to the fullest — his way. He passed away on Oct. 23, 2024. He is survived by his six children, Dee, Pat, Sue, Jim and his wife Liz, Rich, and Rob and his wife Karen. Sag is also the proud grandfather of Will Young and his wife Carrie and their daughter, Sag’s great-granddaughter, Neoma.

There will be a graveside service at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Middlebury, Vt., at 1 p.m. on June 7, 144 Hillcrest Road, Middlebury, Vt. A gathering will follow the service at Town Hall Theatre, 72-76 Merchants Row, Middlebury, Vt. Please come and share memories of George/Sag. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. ◊