Gerald "Jerry" Edgerton Talbot

Augusta - Gerald Edgerton Talbot, affectionately known as “Jerry,” devoted his life to public service, civil rights, education, and the preservation of Black history in Maine. Born in Bangor, Maine, in 1931, Jerry grew into one of the state’s most respected, influential leaders, and beloved Statesman breaking barriers and creating opportunities for our current leaders and generations to come. Gerald passed away on May 9, 2026 at the age of 94.

A gifted athlete throughout his youth, Jerry excelled in football and track and graduated from Bangor High School in 1952. On July 24, 1954, he married the love of his life, Anita J. Cummings of Portland. Together, they built a remarkable partnership that spanned nearly 72 years and raised four daughters: Sharon Renee, Rachel Ann, Regina Lynn, and Robin Marie.

Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Army for three years, stationed at Fort Dix, Fort Devens, and Thule, Greenland. His deep patriotism and commitment to justice would later guide his work as one of Maine’s most important civil rights leaders.

During the 1960s, Jerry traveled throughout the American South helping register Black voters and working alongside civil rights activists despite the dangers involved. In 1963, he was among the few Mainers who attended the March on Washington. Upon returning home, he helped revive the NAACP in Maine and became the first president of the Portland branch, later serving two additional terms.

Known throughout Maine and New England as a tireless advocate for equality, Jerry played a leading role in the passage of the Maine Fair Housing Act after personally experiencing racial discrimination in housing. In 1968, he was appointed to the governor’s human rights task force, helping lay the groundwork for the creation of the Maine Human Rights Commission and the passage of the Maine Human Rights Act.

While building his legacy in public service, Jerry worked many jobs to support his family, including as a chef like his father, co-owner of a cleaning business, compositor at the Maine Printing Company, and eventually at Guy Gannett Publishing Company, where he enjoyed a 25-year career before retiring.

In 1972, Jerry made history when he became the first African American — and first person of color — elected to the Maine Legislature since statehood. During his time in office, he became the first African American to chair a legislative committee, serving as chair of the Human Resources Committee for two terms, and later became the first African American Speaker Pro Tem. He sponsored legislation establishing a Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in Maine years before it became a federal holiday. In 1977, he introduced Maine’s first gay rights legislation through amendments to the Maine Human Rights Act and sponsored legislation removing racist slurs from geographic place names across the state. Jerry sponsored landmark legislation including gun control measures and many other legislative pieces over his 6 years.

Jerry’s commitment to education led to his appointment to the Maine State Board of Education in 1980. Four years later, he became the first African American to chair the board. Throughout his life, he remained deeply involved in educational and civic institutions, serving for decades on the boards of the University of New England, the Muskie School of Public Service, AARP, and numerous state committees.

A passionate historian and collector, Jerry dedicated himself to preserving Maine’s African American history. In 1995, he donated his extensive personal archive of historical materials and memorabilia to the University of Southern Maine, creating the foundation for the African American Archives of Maine. His efforts ensured that invaluable stories and artifacts would be protected and accessible for future generations. He later co-authored Maine’s Visible Black History: The First Chronicle of Its People with Harriet H. Price in 2006, one of the first books on Maine Black history written and published by African American Mainers.

Jerry’s contributions earned him widespread recognition, including honorary doctorates from the University of Southern Maine, Colby College, Saint Joseph’s College, and the University of New England. USM established the Gerald E. Talbot Fellowship in 2019 to examine race in Maine, and in 2020 Portland Public Schools renamed Riverton Elementary School the Gerald E. Talbot Community School. Bangor also honored Jerry and his family by renaming Second Street Park as Talbot Park and will soon dedicate a citywide walking trail in his honor.

Outside of public life, Jerry cherished time with his family. He loved fishing, canoeing, camping, athletics, art, woodworking, drawing, and painting. Even into his 80s, he continued competing in the Maine Senior Games. His creativity, warmth, and love of learning touched everyone who knew him.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Wilmont E. Talbot and Arvella McIntyre Talbot, and his sister, Elaine Burks.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Anita; daughters Sharon Renee Verloo and husband Koert Verloo, Rachel Talbot Ross and partner Dawud Ummah, Regina Phillips and husband Walter Phillips, and Robin Talbot and husband Greg Long; grandchildren Wellington Verloo, Washington Verloo, Dennis Ross, Walter Phillips, Nicholas Phillips and wife Becky, Kelsey Phillips, and Monica Thomas and husband Sam; as well as five great-grandchildren, sister Beverly Talbot Scott, brother Robert E. Talbot, and a sister Elizabeth A Talbot along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Gerald E. Talbot leaves behind an enduring legacy of courage, justice, leadership, and compassion. His lifelong dedication to preserving humanity, dignity and human rights in the state of Maine which inspired countless people to continue the work for equality dignity for all.

Services will be celebrated on May 21st at 10:00 am at The Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St, Portland, ME. Burial will be at a later date. Flowers may be sent to Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St, Portland, ME for delivery on Wednesday.

You may offer your memories, condolences and stories of Jerry at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com