Thierry F. Guerlain, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and community leader, passed away peacefully in Burlington, Vt., on September 30, 2026. He was 74.
Born in New York, N.Y., on December 17, 1951, Thierry lived his life with enormous energy, curiosity, generosity and joy. He had an extraordinary ability to become part of every community he joined — not simply as a participant, but as someone who rolled up his sleeves, brought people together and made things better.
Thierry grew up in Redding, Conn., and graduated from the University of Windsor in Ontario. He worked in sales and marketing with companies including Hearthstone, started and bought companies of his own, and spent time as a business consultant.
In Montpelier, Vt., Thierry served on the city council and was deeply involved with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, both on the board and as board chair. He believed strongly in giving back to the communities he loved. His generosity extended well beyond financial contributions: Among his many gifts was a water fountain at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, a fitting reflection of his belief that even small acts of generosity could benefit many people.
Thierry loved being active and sharing the things he loved with others. Pickleball became one of his great passions. He taught countless people how to play and was instrumental in helping bring courts to both Joe’s Pond and St. Petersburg, Fla., where he and his wife, Julie, had residences.
He was also an early adopter of technology and loved sharing what he knew. An enthusiastic iPhone user, Thierry taught classes at the Montpelier Senior Center, helping others discover the possibilities of technology with his characteristic patience and humor. Thierry was passionate about music of all types and later in life took up the stand-up bass and enjoyed playing music with others.
But perhaps nothing captured Thierry’s spirit more than his love of bicycling. He could ride thousands of miles in a year and traveled far and wide by bike, including memorable trips to France, where he tackled legendary climbs such as Alpe d’Huez and Mont Ventoux. He also treasured cycling adventures with his friends along the Natchez Trace and Blue Ridge Parkway. His passion for bikes extended into his garage, where he created his own workshop and could often be found repairing bicycles for friends and neighbors. If someone had a bike that needed fixing, Thierry was likely to be there with the tools — and a story.
Thierry had a wonderfully curious mind and an eclectic range of interests. He was passionate about the writing of Jane Austen and even started a men’s Jane Austen book group. He approached life with a playful irreverence and was never afraid to have fun with himself. At one point recently, in a wonderfully Thierry-like gesture, he decided to dye his hair purple.
He was young at heart — playful, mischievous, quick with a joke and genuinely fun to be around. Thierry brought a sense of lightness wherever he went. He was generous not only with his resources but with his time, his energy, his knowledge and his friendship. He taught, encouraged, fixed, organized, laughed and showed up for the people around him.
He leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Julie Hendrickson, and their blended family: Antoine Guerlain and his wife, Ashley, and their children, Emile and Ines; Maddie Guerlain and her partner, Tim Sider, and their children, Arlowe and Felix; Ben Schneible and his wife, Nuvid Bhuiyan; and Elena Schneible. He is also survived by his siblings, Nick Guerlain and his wife, Cindy; Natalie Denoyer and her husband, Eric; Claude Karpuck and her husband, Scott; Peter Guerlain and his wife, Kimberly; and Caroline Feroleto and her husband, Tommy; as well as many beloved friends whose lives he touched deeply. Thierry’s sisters Elizabeth Talbot and Stephanie Guerlain predeceased him.
Thierry was a true shining light in this world. He lived with enthusiasm, generosity, curiosity and an open heart. He made communities stronger, friendships richer and ordinary days more fun. His laughter, kindness, energy and unmistakable spirit will be deeply missed — and joyfully remembered by all who had the good fortune to know him.
A celebration of Thierry’s life will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, 3 p.m., in Alumni Hall, 45 College St., Montpelier. Donations in Thierry’s memory can be made to the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier, VT 05602.
The post Obituary: Thierry F. Guerlain, 1951-2026 appeared first on Seven Days.