GILDING: Victor C. Sr. , 68, of 4104 Mayo Street, Brooksville, Fla., 34601, died Sunday, Jan. 5, 2002 at his home in Brooksville. He was born in Portland, Maine, May 1, 1934, the son of David Gilding and Ruth (Nelson) Gilding. At the age of 14 he moved with his family from Portland to St. Johnsbury. He attended St. Johnsbury Academy, graduating with the Class of 1952. On Aug. 17, 1953 he married Rita J. Sheltra of Newport. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1958 and was later recalled during the Berlin crisis from 1960 to 1961. Vic worked at The Caledonian-Record and was a car salesman for Warren Motors, Inc. and then later Rambusch Ford. He later worked for Mardon Industries, Inc. and in 1982 was a co-founder of A & G Metalfab, Inc. In 1985, Vic and his wife Rita founded "Party Tyme" and worked there for 15 years, finally reaching their well-deserved retirement in March 2000. Vic was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church in St. Johnsbury and after moving to Florida was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Brooksville. During his lifetime, Vic was very active in the community. While his children were growing up he was active in St. Johnsbury Little League and the Lyndon Outing Club. He was a member of the St. Johnsbury Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, St. Johnsbury Parent Teacher Group, St. Johnsbury Elks Club, and the Clover Leaf Homeowners Association. In addition, Vic was also very active at St. Johnsbury Academy as a member of the Class of 1952. He served on the SJA Alumni Council from 1984 to 1999 and as president the SJA Alumni Association from 1993 to 1997. In June 1999, he was awarded the Duane B. Sherrer Alumni Distinquished Service Award. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Rita J. Gilding; their six children, Victor C. Gilding Jr. and wife Brenda of Littleton, N.H., Patricia J. Halpin and husband Phillip of West Danville, William N. Gilding and wife Kim of St. Johnsbury, Robert D. Gilding and wife Lori of South Burlington, Barron P. Gilding and wife Patricia of St. Johnsbury, and Peggy A. Remick and husband Charles of Danville; 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three brothers, William E. Gilding and wife Dorine of Newport, Albert Gilding of Carmichael, Calif., and Reginald Gilding of Reno, Nev.; a sister, Gloria of Sacramento, Calif.; a sister-in-law and husband, Irene and Bruce Slater of Charlottesville, Va.; and a brother-in-law and wife, Harvey "Pete" and Bonnie Sheltra of Spring Hill, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, David Gilding; and a sister, Virginia Delworth. A memorial Mass celebrating Vic's life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist Church. Friends will be invited to meet the family following the Mass at the Father Joseph A. Lively Parish Center. Should friends desire, contributions in Vic's memory may be made to the Good Shepherd School, P.O. Box 146, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.