Edward J. Sbardellati, 77, of Middlesex, VT passed away at his home on April 17, 2024.
Edward John Sbardellati Jr. was born in Derby, CT on December 3, 1946 to his parents Edward Sr. and Genevieve Sbardellati Bilcz, He grew up and attended schools in Ansonia graduating in 1964.
Ed earned an BA in History from Norwich University in 1968, and Master’s degrees in from Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Vermont. In 1980 he earned a Doctorate degree from the University of Pittsburgh. After that, he served as faculty at both the University of Vermont and Northern Vermont University.
Ed started teaching as a middle school teacher at Willis School in Ansonia before moving to Vermont where he was a consulting teacher in Special Education. In 1981, Dr Sbardellati joined a team at Washington County Mental Health Inc. where he played a key clinical role in the successful effort to close the largest state institutions in both New Hampshire and Vermont for individuals with autism and developmental delays. The first states to do so in the country.
Dr. Sbardellati is credited with bringing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) to the state of Vermont by helping to establish and maintain the first ABA graduate training programs in the state through Washington County Mental Health, and the University of Northern Vermont. Ed continued to support individuals with special needs and their families throughout all the years of his career.
In honor of his leadership, the Vermont Association of ABA and Washington County Mental Health Services, Inc. established the Ed Sbardellati Award for Excellence and Innovation in School-Based Mental Health Services, also known as “The Eddie”. The award is granted to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field in Vermont.
Ed had many interests and hobbies, including a long-time membership in the VT Association for Applied Behavior Analysis, snowshoeing with his friends, golfing, skiing, gardening, traveling, kayaking, and history.
He is survived by his loving wife Clare McFadden, daughter Sarah Sbardellati, sons Adam and Ian Sbardellati, and four grandchildren Bayley, Maya, Hazel, and Celia.
Ed was predeceased by his parents Edward Sbardellati, Sr. and Genevieve Bilcz Sbardellati and his brother August Sbardellati.
Arrangements are in the care of Guare and Sons Funeral Home in Montpelier, VT.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to World Central Kitchen at donate.wck.org, or Washington County Mental Health Children, Youth, and Family Services at www.wcmhs.org, or P.O. Box 647 Montpelier, VT 05601 – 0647 (attn CYFS programs).
Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.
