BARTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Roy Gero brings machinery back to life.
He works for a man in Brownington who collects vintage tractors. On this day, it’s a 1938 Case. “I got a note there, I got to tune it up,” Gero said.
After starting up the tractor, Gero comes up with a diagnosis in short order — the engine’s running rich. “Sputtering a little bit,” he said. “Too much gas… ‘tain’t burning all of it.” The plugs need a little cleaning to get the spark back. “I say, everything looks pretty good in the distributor.”
He’s a man who likes to work on machines, but when he’s not in the shop, you’ll likely see him hit the road with a little footpower, speedwalking back at home in Barton. Gero is a man in motion, “This is not real fast,” he said on one of his strolls.
Reporter Joe Carroll: Everyone know you in town?
Roy Gero : Oh yes. Red hat, red hat walker.
He may not be the fastest these days, but he’s consistent. His routine is about five miles a day. He’s a man about town, and beyond. “These are most of the medals that I’ve taken in trophies in the last 30 years,” Gero points out.
The Super Senior started speed walking to lower his blood pressure and weight and has achieved success. He’s raced 7.5 miles to the top of Mount Washington — three times. Gero, who turned 85 this week, says those days are over, but not an event coming up in July. The Run to Home Base, a fundraiser for veterans, is put on by the Boston Red Sox every year. The fun run starts outside Fenway and ends at home plate. Gero and his wife, Millie have raised thousands for the charity over the years.
“I would say, right now, over $20,000,” Millie said. She has made seven quilts for the run. One of them was raffled and raised close to $900 for the vets. “All my quilts go to benefits.”
The couple will also get tickets to the greatest rivalry in baseball. “It will be Red Sox-Yankees.
Reporter Joe Carroll: You a Red Sox fan?
Roy Gero : Yes, I have been for years.
Back outside, the man with the red hat powers on.
“It is torn, it is dirty, it is everything,” Millie comments.
“That’s my racing hat,” Gero said. “That’s pretty good for 85.”
I would say so…