WALTER “GATOR” MUMFORD

UNDERHILL — Walter “Gator” Mumford, 73, of Underhill, Vt., passed away at home Aug. 6, 2026. Gator was born March 30, 1953, in St. Johnsbury, Vt., one of seven children of George Mumford and Virginia (Moulton) Mumford. He graduated from Lyndon State College in 1977. He was known to all as “Gator,” a nickname that stuck with him throughout his life; those who knew him would describe him as playful, easygoing, kind, and warm to everyone he met.

For many years, Gator and his wife, Mary-Jo owned and operated Gator’s, a convenience store in Bristol, Vt. He was also active with the Bristol Rotary Club, where he was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow award, and involved in the 4th of July outhouse races. They also lived in New Haven, Vt., where Gator worked at the University of Vermont Medical Center, before later settling in Underhill.

Gator was a laryngectomee and volunteered with Bud’s New Voices to support others in Vermont going through the same experience. He also visited many patients in the UVM Medical Center who had recently undergone a laryngectomy, offering encouragement and reassurance to them and their families. Gator loved hunting, fishing, playing cribbage, and walking his dog, Gerti. He cherished family vacations in Maine and the time spent with his children and grandchildren.

Gator is survived by his wife, Mary-Jo Mumford; his three children: Andrew Mumford and wife Alison, and their children, Geoffrey and Nora Mumford; Anna Mumford and husband Jon Kennedy, and their children, Maeve and Ronan Kennedy; and Kaylee Mumford and husband Jason Hartman; his siblings, Milton Mumford, Frances Douglas and husband Mark, Leroy Mumford, George Mumford and wife Delores, and Timothy Mumford and wife Gina; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, George and Virginia Mumford, and his brother, Stephen Mumford.

A celebration of life will be held Aug. 29, at 11 a.m., at Rock Point Center in Burlington, Vt. Those who wish may make a donation in Gator’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, via the family’s Alzheimer’s Association Walk team (Team Mumford).

Arrangements are under the care of Stephen C. Gregory & Son Cremation, South Burlington, Vt. ◊