Vernon G. Reuss
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Vernon G. Reuss was a husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great grandfather, and patriot to his country as he served in World War II. Vernon passed away early Sunday morning, August 21st, at 99 years old, just four months shy of his 100th birthday on December 31st.
He was the oldest living resident in his hometown of Stockbridge, Massachusetts, having lived here since 1983, with his family and loving wife, Diane, whom he shared a love of entrepreneurship and hospitality, serving guests from around the world at their business, The Stockbridge Country Inn, where Diane continues on, as Vern wished so. "Keep moving forward," was his motto he shared with many.
Born in Blue Island, Illinois, Vernon was one of six brothers and one sister; five of the boys plus a brother-in-law all served in various roles in World War II. For Vernon, he joined the U.S. Army as a paratrooper, serving his country from 1942-1946 as a Staff Sargent. He commanded 38 men and was responsible for the oversight of two military planes while in the Pacific for the 188th regiment, 11th Airborne Unit. Vernon also participated in paratrooper exercises and jumps with fellow military as they presented to Winston Churchill. While overseas, surrounded by fellow military while located on the USS Missouri, Vernon witnessed the signing of the surrender of WWII by General MacArthur.
Although asked by senior ranking officials to remain employed in the Army, Vernon chose to return home to the Midwest. He held various entrepreneurial roles there and thereafter the Northeast. An avid skier, Vernon opened and ultimately maintained four sporting goods stores in the Chicagoland area, Reuss Sport & Ski and subsequently relocated to the Town of Stockbridge to open up Reuss Audubon Galleries, featuring the work of John James Audubon, along with the Inn with his wife, Diane.
One of Vernon's favorite pastimes at the Inn was to greet guests in the breakfast rooms after they had eaten to share with them the local town and nearby events so they might plan their day. A true Renaissance man and patriot who not only loved his country, his family, the businesses he established and the town he lived in, he held deep convictions about his faith in God to see him through life's challenges. The wisdom he shared with family and friends encouraged many; the phrase his family will remember the most is, "You grow old too soon and smart too late."
A lover of dogs, in addition to the poodles he and Diane brought into the home over the years, Vernon once raised Labrador and golden retrievers, since he also loved to hunt and fish. His appreciation of the outdoors was evident as he loved the Berkshires and the quality of life the region offered to him, his wife and family members. He also loved books, especially about history, as he loved to read about and remember the strength and fortitude of the country he served.
His family misses him dearly and as promised will keep moving forward.