Robert T. Gannett

Robert Tileston Gannett was an American politician and lawyer born on September 26, 1917, in Boston, Massachusetts. He completed his secondary education at Milton Academy, graduating in 1935. He pursued higher education at Harvard University, earning his undergraduate degree in 1939, and subsequently obtained a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1942.

During World War II, Gannett served in the United States Army, enlisting in 1942. He was assigned to the field artillery and served until 1946. His military service included combat operations in Europe during 1944 and 1945. Gannett attained the rank of major before his discharge.

Following his military service, Gannett practiced law in Brattleboro, Vermont. He entered politics as a member of the Republican Party, serving in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1953 to 1961. Later, he served in the Vermont State Senate from 1972 until 1993.

Gannett was married to Sarah Alden "Aldie" Derby, born on December 11, 1920, and deceased on May 17, 1999. She was a granddaughter of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. The couple had three children.

In recognition of his contributions, Gannett was selected as Man of the Year by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce in 1986. Both he and his wife received honorary degrees from the University of Vermont. Throughout his life, Gannett was involved with multiple organizations, including Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, the Prouty Center, the Southern Vermont Arts Council, the Vermont Community Foundation, Youth Services, the Green Mountain Club, the Brattleboro Retreat, the Snelling Center, Harris Hill, and the Brattleboro Rotary Club, the latter of which he helped to found.

Robert T. Gannett passed away in Brattleboro, Vermont, on August 26, 2012, at the age of 94.