Stephen Andrew Carr

November 13, 1949- April 12, 2026

It was on a beautiful, sunny Sunday morning when, in the loving company of his wife and children, Stephen Andrew Carr left this world to join those who have gone before him. 

Steve was born to Yvonne Theresa Kennedy Carr and Marcus Andrew Carr Jr. on November 13, 1949, the first of their six children, born in Rutland, Vermont. After spending a couple of years in West Palm Beach, Florida, Yvonne and Marc ultimately made their home in Brandon. Steve was a member of the first class to attend Otter Valley Union High School in completion, graduating in 1967. While there he managed the varsity basketball team, a team on which his baby brother, Marc, would eventually play on in later years. His first job was as a bellhop, night clerk and elevator operator at the Brandon Inn. A feared foe of Richard Nixon, Steve was the President of the Student for a Democratic Society at Castleton State College, a member of Kappa Delta Phi fraternity, and graduated with a degree in history and psychology. 

Steve lived a dedicated life of service from the very beginning. He was the Senior Vice President of the Montpelier branch of the Chittenden Bank as well as the Lending and Business Development Manager. Before long, he also became the Senior Vice President of the Waitsfield Branch. Steve’s successful career path soon brought him home to Brandon where he was the Senior Vice President and Senior Loan Officer of First Brandon National Bank from 1981-1997. He then set out to start his own financial consulting business. While at FBNB, Steve volunteered at numerous community-based organizations. He held a seat on the Board of Directors of Porter Hospital; President of the Brandon Industrial Corporation; President of the Board and the Treasurer of Neshobe Golf Course and helped lead the way while the “Back 9” was designed and executed. Steve was also President of Visiting Nurses Association; was a board member of BROC Community Action; an elected member of the Select Boards of both Moretown and Brandon; a founding member of FOVM (Friends of Otter Valley Music); assisted Sheri Sullivan to bring Dinners with Love to fruition; a member of the board of the Stephen A. Douglas House. Notably, in 1982, Steve began work on what ultimately became the Segment 6 Project by writing the “Brandon Workbook”. This involved 15+ years of planning with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns to eventually receive federal funding in 2005. This project came to fruition after Hurricane Irene, and was finally completed in 2020. When Steve was not working to help customers finance their dreams, or at one of the many evening meetings, he could be found golfing with his brothers on Thursdays at men’s night, or at the annual Whalen golf tournament—having golfed in the very first Whalen and participating for 40+ years. Steve took two weeks every November to go to deer camp in Bridgewater to recharge, read, spend time in the woods and especially enjoy his best buddies from college. Steve loved music and proudly sang with Brandon Festival Singers for over 20 years. In 2011, Steve ran for the Rutland-6 seat for the Vermont Legislature, and not surprisingly, he won. Steve proudly served Brandon, Pittsford and Sudbury for three terms where he was Chair of the Committee of Economics and Technology. 

Steve’s warm smile, huge hugs and hearty laugh were well known, but his love and pride for his family was even bigger. He was a fierce protector of, and role model for, his five siblings: Carol Labrecque (Hans Johnson), “Mickey” Carr (Christine Carr), Bernard Carr (Beth Carr), Mary Stanley (Michael Senecal), and Marcus Carr III (Shari Carr), and his nieces and nephews. On August 26, 1978, Steve married his soulmate and love of his life, Jane Ellen Thomas. Together they built the most beautiful life supporting and loving each other beyond measure. They raised two children, Kristen Carr and Joseph Carr (Emily Carr). Not only did they foster a devotion to family, but their shared love for Vermont, music, dogs, and the outdoors. Ultimately, it is Aaron Carr Perlow, James Ashley Carr, Meredith Carr Perlow and Scarlett Carr— his four grandchildren—who brought him the most immense pride and joy. Steve’s legacy and spirit lives on in them, in all of the best ways. 

Steve possessed a unique gift of appreciating all different views and experiences. He did not let a disagreement change the way he treated or cared for another person. He always saw the best in people, and was willing to give everyone a chance. Whether in the State House or in his own home, his inquisitive kindness and open arms remained a constant. Steve’s early work with Dinners with Love and VNA/Hospice of the Southwest Region came full circle when he, in turn, was supported by their compassionate care. 

Donations in Steve’s memory can be made to VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region. A celebration of Steve’s life will take place on Father’s Day, Sunday June 21, 2026. Location to be decided and shared by word of mouth and social media.