Earl Gordon, 66, husband of Laureen Trotto for 35 years, passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at his home in Newtown, Conn.

Born Steven Earl Gordon in Charlottesville, Va., to Norma and Earl Gordon, he grew up in Wilmington, Del., and Chattanooga, Tenn. Earl attended The University of Tennessee, where he majored in forestry and completed an MBA. Growing up in Tennessee, Earl developed a love for the outdoors, which blossomed during college with camping, hiking, and hunting trips. After college he worked for forest products company Temple Eastex, taking him to East Texas, Colorado, and improbably, Newtown in 1980.

In 1984 he met a beautiful, dynamic woman named Laurie Trotto, who he wooed with intricate romantic gestures, like old-fashioned picnics. They were married November 1, 1986, at Trinity Episcopal Church, which continued to play an important role in his life. Trinity gave Earl a strong faith and community. There he built lifelong friendships, ushered countless services, and mentored young parishioners through the confirmation process.

Earl and Laurie had two boys, Greg and Zach, in 1988 and 1991, respectively. He loved his “buddies” dearly and showed it by singing his best rendition of “Moon River” at night, supporting their interests and creative endeavors, and passing along his sense of character.

He was giving of his time to his community, too. He served as president of Newtown’s Hook and Ladder fire department from 1984 to 1987, and sat on the Newtown Board of Education from 1999 to 2003. He made friends there and wherever he went, be it at Andrea’s Bakery when picking up fresh bread, at the general store for morning breakfast sandwiches with his sons, or at restaurants in town.

Earl loved traveling the world, cooking, dining out on the town, and crafting an inventive cocktail, always with his wife and family. He made family gatherings joyous — frying calamari on Christmas Eve, playing games (sometimes reluctantly) around the table, soothing babies with his calming presence, or goofing around with his nieces and nephews.

He was empathetic, detail-oriented, and highly organized. He brought these talents to his long and varied career, culminating as global product development lead for Origin Point Brands. In this role, he lived part-time in Shijiazhuang, China, and traveled to Italy, Mexico, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Charleston, S.C.

Above all else, Earl will be remembered for his endless compassion and integrity, as a role model to his sons, and a loving companion to his wife. The world needs more people like Earl in it, and his presence will be missed by many.

Earl is survived by his wife, Laurie; his sons, Greg (Cristina) and Zach (Maura); his brothers, Eric (Lois) and Scott (Patricia); his mother, Norma; and a long list of loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

Friends and family may gather for a celebration of Earl’s life at Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, April 9, at 11 am with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church Memorial Garden — in Memory of Earl Gordon.

Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown is serving the family.