Phillip “Jeffrey” Ladd, born in Montpelier, VT on January 7, 1943, passed away peacefully at Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont, FL on November 20, 2023.
Jeff grew up in Worcester, VT with his parents Wendell and Lucia (Thorington) Ladd. He graduated from Montpelier High School in 1960 and Ricker College in New Hampshire in 1964. He met his wife, Diane (Rich) Ladd in 1965 while teaching at Northfield High School in Vermont. They were married in 1967 and moved to Florida, where they both began teaching at Clermont High School. Jeff continued in education and administration in Lake County schools until 1982, when he became a Human Resources Professional for Sprint Telecommunications Corporation. He worked there until he retired from Sprint in 2000. Upon his retirement from Sprint, Jeff returned to education, teaching at East Ridge and Umatilla High Schools until 2006. After retiring from teaching, he and Diane spent every summer in Vermont, where he worked part-time at Cabot Creamery until 2022.
Jeff actively participated in several service organizations, including the Masons and the Clermont Kiwanis Club. He also enjoyed fellowship in several Lake County Methodist churches in Clermont, Altoona, Eustis, and Mount Dora. Finally, he pursued a lifelong love of cars, collecting and restoring classic cars for many years.
Jeff is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 56 years, Diane (Rich) Ladd, their son Todd Ladd, and grandchildren Griffin, Grayson, and Sadie Ladd.
Friends are welcome for visitation from 5 to 8 PM on Monday, December 18, at Becker Funeral Home in Clermont. A funeral ceremony will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at Mount Dora Methodist Church, with interment to follow at 2 PM at Oak Hill Cemetery, Clermont.
The family suggests in place of flowers, donations may be made to the Mount Dora Methodist Church Memorial Fund in Jeff’s name.
