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Obituaries

Jerry Vernon, 98, Television Network Executive

August 30, 1914-September 21, 2012

Jerry Vernon, a 57-year resident of Darien, passed away at Stamford Hospital on Sept. 21, 2012. Born on Aug. 30, 1914 in Unsan, Chosen (Korea), he was the son of Joseph Angier Vernon and Blanche Marie Monnerat Vernon. He was 98.

In addition to his childhood years in Chosen, Jerry lived in Vevey, Switzerland, Newport, RI, Mexico and Wyoming before settling in Allendale, NJ in 1921. He graduated from Colgate University in 1937, with a degree in psychology.

At Colgate he served on the Salmagundi Yearbook board, and was Captain of the Varsity Wrestling Team. He was a member of the Colgate Varsity Lacrosse Team and was inducted into the Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

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Jerry was an Account Executive for CBS Network Radio for 36 years. He started his career at NBC Network Radio in New York, and when television arrived, he was promoted to General Manager of NBC TV Network in Chicago. In 1947 he became Director of the ABC TV Network in Chicago, where he met his future bride, Mary Moorhead, whom he married in 1950.

Jerry enjoyed sailing and golf for most of his life, and raced Ensigns on Long Island Sound. He was a member of the Darien Senior Mens' Association, the Innis Arden Golf Club and the Noroton Yacht Club. He was a volunteer driver for the American Red Cross.

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Jerry especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. For many years he enjoyed several meals a week with his wife Mary at their favorite restaurant, Cafe Silvium, in Stamford. He was a parishioner at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Stamford.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Vernon, his son Gerald and wife Anne of Fairhaven, NJ, his daughter Ann Vernon of Fairfield, daughter Margot Sullivan and husband Daniel of Darien, son William and wife Jill of Darien, his sister Bianca Vernon Nealley of Montclair, NJ, eleven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He was pre-deceased by his brother Ferol Bruce Vernon.

A funeral service was held Sept. 28 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church in Stamford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Stamford Hospital Foundation 1351 Washington Blvd. Suite 202, Stamford, CT 06902.

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