2011 Obituaries

Today's Rutland Herald Obituaries

Deaths in 2011 having some connection to Springfield, Vermont:

Donna Jean "D.J." Fusonie, 66, of Springfield, died Dec. 29, 2011. Mrs. Fusonie was the former director of the Reference Center for the Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, for 10 years. Prior to her position with the Economic Research Service, she served on Capitol Hill as special assistant and caseworker to the late Congressman Gillis Long from Louisiana. She retired in November 1994 to work the 46-acre farm that she shared with her husband Alan and to write children's books. They were active volunteers in the program Progressive Equestrian Therapy, a riding for the handicapped program. She is survived by her husband, of Springfield.

Elizabeth M. Hewey, 79, of Springfield, died December 23, 2011. She lived in Valdez, Alaska, for 17 years, moving to Springfield five years ago. She is survived by her eight children, including Clifford Doughty of North Springfield, Sharlene Allen and Andrew Liberty both of Springfield, and Melissa Barrow of Proctorsville.

John T. “Jack” Thurber Jr., 70, of Springfield, died Dec. 18, 2011. He was born in Springfield, the son of John T. and Pauline (Tarbell) Thurber. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1959. He worked as a technician at the family business, Thurber’s Audio-Video in Springfield, and as a self-employed carpenter in the area for many years. Survivors include three siblings, James, Sandra, both of Springfield, and David Thurber of North Springfield.

Junette Bjorgo Johnson , 84, of Springfield, died December 16, 2011. Born and raised in Minnesota, she married Charles R. Johnson in 1947 in Springfield. She worked as a cook at the Springfield Senior Center in Springfield, at the Springfield Convalescent Home in Springfield, and at the Stoughton House in Windsor. She was a very active member of the VFW Post 771 Ladies Auxiliary and a den mother leader for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for over 15 years.

John T. Peterson Sr, 71, of Springfield, died December 14, 2011. He was born in Springfield, the son of George T. and Annie (Kazak) Peterson. He graduated from Springfield High School. He was employed at Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield, before relocating to the Carolinas, where he worked for many years in the plastics industry. Survivors includea brother in Springfield, Edwin L. Peterson.

David Bates Russell, 98, of Springfield, died December 12, 2011. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1932. Over the next 51 years, he worked at J&L, Lovejoy’s, Bryant’s and Bryant Computer Products as a machinist, draftsman, methods man, liaison engineer, cost estimator and personnel administrator. He also owned and ran a farm on Parker Hill. Writing was always important in his life. A collection of his poems entitled "Verses from a Vermont Hilltop” was published in 2005. Dave is survived by Marjorie, his wife of 71 years and their three children. [photo]

Raymond Sidney “Sid” Benson, 74, of Weston, died December 7, 2011. He was born and raised in Chester. Club. Sid worked most of his life as a master machinist at J&L in Springfield, about 38 years, and then on to Parks & Woolson, Mac Molding, The Stove Depot, Car Quest and was presently at NAPA delivering parts.

Francis R. “Boomie” Knight, 77, of Springfield, died December 7, 2011. H e was born in Springfield, the son of Alberta Knight.
He attended Springfield schools. He was employed for several years as a roll tender at paper mills in Bellows Falls. Later, he was employed by Vermont Talc Mill in Chester, and the Wiggins Block Plant in North Springfield. Survivors include two sons, Dennis Knight of Springfield, and Timothy Knight of Rockingham; two daughters, Dayle Brown of Springfield, and Cheryl Trumbull of Windsor.

Nina M. Flood, 68, of Pittsford, died December 1, 2011. She was born in Springfield, the daughter of Herbert and Gertrude (Rabtoy) Spaulding. Nina spent over thirty years in the Rutland City school system, impacting many children’s lives. [photo]

Carlos F. Welch, 83, of Springfield, died Nov. 27, 2011. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea. He was employed as a truck driver for Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield for 28 years, retiring in 1981. Survivors include his wife Constance of Springfield; three sons, Lloyd, Gregory, both of Springfield, and Randall Welch of Colorado [photo]

Donald E. Miller, 79, of Springfield, died November 27, 2011. He was born Nov. 7, 1932, in Springfield, the son of Susan (Abbott) McGill Miller and his adoptive father, Ernest J. Miller. He was a 1950 graduate of Springfield High School. Mr. Miller retired as senior executive vice president of First National Bank of Springfield. Survivors include his wife, Anne Laliberte.

Helen Elizabeth “Bette” Day, 86, of Springfield, died November 20, 2011. She attended schools in Waterbury Center, Perkinsville and Springfield. Mrs. Day worked as a waitress for many years in several Springfield area restaurants. Survivors include a sister, Lorraine Zigman of Perkinsville.

Ruth B. Verge, 85, of Springfield, died November 24, 2011. She attended Springfield schools. she married Joseph G. “Joe” Verge in Springfield. He died in 1994. Mrs. Verge was employed as a sales clerk at Newbury’s, Britt’s and Wheeler’s Pharmacy in Springfield for many years, retiring in 1984.

Eleanor M. Hilliard, 86, of Springfield, died Nov. 22, 2011. Mrs. Hilliard was employed as secretary to the Springfield schools’ superintendent for several years. She was predeceased by her husband, John E. Hilliard, in 2010.

Edith A. (Jarvis) Randle, 75, of Weston, MA, died November 16, 2011. She spent her formative years in Tenafly, N.J., and Springfield, VT, and graduated from Springfield High School. She was an accomplished freelance artist and photographer and specialized in pet portraits. Survivors include her brother Richard Jarvis of Springfield.

Ruth Ella Adams, 92, of Andover, died Nov. 17, 2011. Mrs. Adams worked as a dietitian at Springfield Hospital until retiring in 1995.

Amelia Frances Obuchowski, 85, of Bellows Falls, died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011. She was born in Springfield, the daughter of Frank and Helen (Rachiski) Gierko. She was a graduate of Springfield High School. She worked for Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield and the Central Elementary School in Bellows Falls. Survivors include two sisters, Caroline Aiken and Adeline Benson, both of Springfield.

Carl G. Rice, 81, of Sunderland, passed away peacefully November 16, 2011. Carl was born in Springfield, the son of Cleon George and Dorris Allen Rice. At an early age, he moved to Chester. Carl attended Castleton State College where he was a standout athlete and still holds the single game home run record in baseball. He earned a degree in teaching and taught at several Vermont Schools. Upon retirement, he became a lay minister.

Leighton E. Allen, 75, of Springfield, died November 13, 2011. He worked at Fellows Corp. for 38 years. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Allen, son John Allen, daughter Heather Allen, and three grandchildren, all of Springfield.

Frances D. “Faye” Hill, 94, formerly of Springfield, died November 12, 2011. Mrs. Hill enjoyed the family cottage on Lake Sunapee, the Springfield Senior Center and her independent senior living residence in San Diego, Calif.[photo]

Kory A. Colburn, 48, of North Andover, Mass., died November 13, 2011. He was raised and educated in Springfield, Vt. He graduated Springfield High School, where he was a member of the Varsity Football Team. A longtime painting contractor, he operated Classic Painting in Vermont and Kory Painting in New Hampshire for several years. Survivors include his parents Kenneth and Lillian (Cote) Colburn of Springfield. [photo]

John L. Connell Sr., 84, of Proctor, died November 12, 2011. He was born in North Springfield, Vt., the son of Joseph and Margaret (Grant) Connell. He was self employed as John Connell Television Repair and later as a driver for the Rutland City Bus, retiring in 2002.[photo]

Margaret Hill Audette, 92, of Durham, N.H., died November 3, 2011. She and her husband Creighton Audette lived in Springfield from 1957 until his death in 1994. Margaret worked at the Springfield Town Library.

Paul A. Woodward, 96, of Bozrah, Conn. died November 6, 2011. He was employed by Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield, Vt., for 18 years.

Joseph B. Michaud, 69, died November 5, 2011. Born in Maine, he worked on several farms there and for lumber companies in Vermont and New Hampshire. Survivors include his wife, Ella (White) of Springfield, whom he married in 1985 in Bradford.

Mitchell A. Bedi , 45, died November 7, 2011. He was born Sept. 6, 1966, in Springfield, the son of Mitchell and Doreen (Colby) Bedi.
He graduated from Springfield High School in 1984. Mr. Bedi was employed as a truck driver with KB Trucking in Maine for 14 years. He also held a journeyman’s license in plumbing and heating. Survivors include his mother, Doreen Jarvis of Westminster; his father of Whitefield, N.H.

Helen Mae Cram, age 81, of Brandon, died November 3, 2011. She was a Home Care Provider for more than 35 years. Survivors include a sister, Beulah Fournier of Springfield. [photo]

Brenda E. (Derby) Alexander, 82, of Londonderry, died October 31, 2011. Brenda worked as a housekeeper in several area homes. She is survived by her 5 children including a daughter Kathy Smith and her husband Ron of North Springfield. [photo]

Ruth Angelia Johnson (Lucius) Cannistraci, 94, of Springfield, died October 24, 2011. Ruth will be forever remembered for her passion in life of caring for her animals, including those injured and/or unwanted by others. Survivors include her son Robert C. Lucius of Springfield.

Albert Charles Kerr, 93, of Port Orange, Fla., died October 20, 2011. He managed stores for Montgomery Ward in several Vermont communities and had served as Rotary district governor in Vt. /N.H., District 787, from 1987-1988. Survivors include his son, John “Jack” Kerr and his wife Georgeanne of Port Orange, Fla.; his daughter, Joan (Kerr) Sorrentino and her husband Joseph of Springfield, Vt. [photo]

Katherine M. Heald Rock, 89, of Springfield, died Oct. 25, 2011. She was born in Reading and graduated from Springfield High School in 1941. Mrs. Rock was a mother and homemaker and a former member of the VFW Auxiliary. Survivors include a son, Errol Heald of Ascutney; two daughters, Sharon Hannah of North Springfield and Judith Brown of Jamaica, Vt.[photo]

Richard Davis Dunning, 91, of Weathersfield, died Oct. 22, 2011. He attended schools in Springfield and Cornell University. In 1964, he became an independent sales representative working in iron, steel and fabricating industries until his retirement in 2007. Survivors include his wife, Ruth (King) of Weathersfield. [photo]

Sarah M. Garofano, 99, of Springfield, died Oct. 25, 2011. She was born and raised in Rutland. Mrs. Garofano and her husband operated Al’s Cleaners drycleaning business in Springfield for many years. Survivors include a son, Sal Garofano, and a daughter, Therese Burton, both of Springfield.

Judith Chambers Chapin, 72, of Goldsboro, N.C., died October 17, 2011. Judith was born in Springfield, Vt. to the late Arthur Chambers and Barbara Hunt Chambers.[photo]

Drusilla M. Williams, 51, of Springfield, died Oct. 14, 2011.

Mary A. Aldridge, 92, of Springfield, died Oct. 18, 2011. She was born and raised in Barton, Vt. She had lived several years in Bellows Falls before moving to Springfield. She was a member of the Springfield Senior Center, where she was a Songster for 22 years.

Charlotte E. Bishop, 86, of Springfield, died October 13, 2011. Mrs. Bishop worked at Springfield Hospital for more than 50 years, including 25 years as a diet tech supervisor. Survivors include her husband Ralph; a son, Donald Bishop of Springfield; two daughters, Gale Alger of Weathersfield and Diana Brown of Franconia, N.H.[photo]

Priscilla B. Connery, 81, of Hudson Falls. N.Y., died September 27, 2011. Born in Bellows Falls, she was the daughter of the late Camille and Jean (Spencer) Bruneau. She graduated from Springfield High School. In 1954, she married William H. Connery in Springfield. She worked for the Hudson Falls schools system and the First National Bank in Glens Falls, N.Y. [photo]

Doris F. Kamel, 79, of Weathersfield, died Oct. 11, 2011. Born in Springfield, the daughter of Arte J. and Agnes B. (Ballard) Fairbanks. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1949. Mrs. Kamel worked doing childcare as well as a mother and homemaker to her own two children and husband who survive her. She was a member of Springfield Community Players where she also did costume design.

Elizabeth M. Chase, 48, of Springfield, died October 5, 2011. In 1980, she moved to Springfield with her parents, Edward A. and Anne M. (Goff) Johnson. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1981. She attended New England School of Hair Design and worked in Springfield, having owned and operated Elizabeth’s Classic Designs. Survivors include her husband Douglas M. Chase.

Norma W. Rice, 80, of Springfield, died October 6, 2011. She worked in several banks over the years in Ludlow, Boston and Springfield. She was very active at the Springfield Senior Center.

Barbara E. Nichols, 68, of Springfield, died October 2, 2011. Survivors include her mother Anna Schomber of Springfield and three children, Jeffrey Arrigoni of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Jennifer Farrar of Springfield, and Joshua Nichols of San Diego, Calif.[photo]

Virginia Mary “Ginny” (Paton) Gates, 65, of Springfield, died October. 3, 2011. She was born Sept. 6, 1946, in Springfield, the daughter of Thelma and Wilbur Paton. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1964 and Thompson Nursing School in Brattleboro in 1966. She worked for 35 years at Springfield Hospital where she began as a licensed practical nurse, studied to become a registered nurse and finally a CCRN. Survivors include her husband, Stacey Gates; two daughters, Erin Todd of Springfield and Heather Todd-Perham of Perkinsville; a son, Michael Todd of Strafford, N.H.; also of Springfield, a sister, Judith Blish and a brother, Christopher Paton. [photo]

Carolyn A. Brown, 51, formerly of Springfield, died Sept. 23, 2011. She was born in Springfield, the daughter of Ruth (Digby) and Edward Milton Brown. She graduated from Austine School for the Deaf in Brattleboro in 1979 and earned a two-year certificate in graphic arts from Vocational Tech College in 1982. Ms. Brown designed posters and emblems for various organizations, worked for years at Building Blocks Preschool and taught American Sign Language to children and adults.

Lisetta D. Howe, 99, of Springfield, died September 30, 2011. Survivors include a daughter, Pamela of Milford, Conn. and a son, Douglas of Springfield.

Yvonne Marie Therese Brassington, 83, of Springfield, died September 25, 2011. Born and raised in Claremont, N.H., she attended Keene State College in music training. In Springfield, she was organist at United Methodist Church and later at St. Mary’s Catholic Church for 12 years until retiring in 2007. Survivors include her grandson and caregivers, Timothy Alexander and his wife Elizabeth of Springfield.

Roland E. Edwards, 92, of Franklin, NH, died September 18, 2011. He farmed in Cambridgeport, Vt., and developed a national award-winning registered Jersey herd. Later he worked as a machinist at Jones and Lamson Machine Tool Co. in Springfield, Vt., retiring in 1981. [photo]

Marianne Bruce Gorman, 75, of Springfield, died September 27, 2011. After graduating high school, Marianne attended Saint Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in New York City, N.Y. Upon completing her training she stayed on at the hospital and ran one of the busiest and most exciting emergency rooms in the country. While at St. Vincent’s, she met Dr. Donald Gorman. They married in 1963 and moved to Germany, where Dr. Gorman was stationed as a flight surgeon. [photo]

Susan J. Chambers, 57, of Rutland, died September 22, 2011. Survivors include her husband, Eric Chambers, of Springfield.

Annmarie Wyman, 42, of Steamboat Springs, Co., died September 16, 2011. She was born in Springfield, Vt. , the daughter of Paul and Judith (Warner) Wyman. Ms. Wyman was an athlete and especially enjoyed skiing. Survivors include her grandmother, Olive Wyman of Chester, Vt.

Enid S. Barr, 81, of Perkinsville, died Monday, September 19, 2011. She attended Springfield schools, and graduated from Springfield High School, Class of 1948. Mrs. Barr was employed as a secretary at the Perkinsville Elementary School for 17 years. She had also been employed at the Perkinsville Store for several years, and also as a dental assistant. Mrs. Barr was named Weathersfield Citizen of the Year. Survivors include a brother, Roy Stearns, and a sister, Joan Carey, both of Springfield.

Paul J. St. George, 79, of Fair Haven. died Sept. 13, 2011. Mr. St. George was self employed as a custom sign painter for many years until retiring. He was a member of Fair Haven Rescue Squad and Fire Department. Survivors include a sister, Alice Villemaire of Springfield.

Dorothy E. Matulonis, 81, of Springfield, died Sept. 10, 2011. Mrs. Matulonis was a mother and homemaker, as well as head cook for the Meals on Wheels program for many years. Survivors include her husband Mitchel of Springfield; two sons, Greg Matulonis of Weathersfield and Brad Matulonis of Essex Junction. [photo]

Kenneth C. Dodge, 97, of Springfield, died Sept. 6, 2011. Mr. Dodge served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and in the U.S. Army during World War II. In Springfield, he worked at B.K. Barlow & Co., E.R. Wiggins Inc. and Fellows Gear Shaper Co., retiring in 1979. He was a member of Springfield United Methodist Church.

Theodore E. Shastany, 88, of Laconia, N.H., died September 8, 2011. A lifelong resident of Laconia, he worked at Jones and Lamson in Springfield, Vt. after high school until enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942.[photo]

Myretta Elizabeth “Betty” (Wilkins) Westine, 87, of Chester, died Tuesday, September 6, 2011. She married Wayne Westine in 1948. They lived in Springfield before moving to her home in Chester in 1959.

William H. “Sam” Pitts, 79, of North Springfield, died September 4, 2011. He had varied careers, ranging from the oil fields in Texas, to the woolen mills in Ludlow. Survivors include his wife, Joan; seven children including a daughter in Springfield Lorie Scott.

Jonis Lee Karvonen, infant son of Dustine Lombard and Michael Karvonen of North Springfield, died August 24, 2011. He was born Aug. 5, 2011, and has a twin brother Karl.

Lesleigh J. Perry, 84, of Hancock, died Aug. 31, 2011.
Mrs. Perry worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a clerk in Hancock for more than 25 years, retiring in 1989. Survivors include a daughter, Jean Middleton of Springfield.

Richard D. Hunt, 50, of North Springfield, died August 29, 2011. Mr. Hunt worked for many years as a carpenter and self-employed roofer, owning his own business in Arlington for many years. He was also employed as a home inspector for many years. He resided in North Springfield for the past 11 years. Survivors include his four sisters, B.J. Sterrett of North Springfield, Julie Young of Mullica Hill, N.J., Pamela Hunt of Springfield, and April Manney of Rutland.

Judith B. Barton, 79, of Perkinsville, died August 28, 2011. She was born Oct. 29, 1931, in Springfield, the daughter of Edward and Arlene Boyle. She was married for more than 60 years to Tylar “Clyde” Barton. Along with her husband, she owned Vermont Soapstone Co. in Perkinsville. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Diane Sanford of Springfield, and Maureen Shattuck of Perkinsville.

Myrtle C. Baker , 81, of Weathersfield, died Aug. 25, 2011. Mrs. Baker, a graduate of Springfield High School was self-employed cleaning houses in the Weathersfield and Springfield area, as well as a journalist and babysitter. Survivors include two sons, Robert Baker of North Springfield and Richard Baker of Springfield.[photo]

Wendell “Timer” Coburn, 85, of Springfield, died Aug. 24, 2011. He attended Springfield schools, and graduated from Springfield High School, class of 1944. He was employed at the John T. Slack Co., and Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield for several years. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Gladys (Carey) Coburn of Springfield.

Joan B. Morrill Clark Kranak, 88, of Spring Hill, Fla., died Aug. 22, 2011. Born in Woodsville, N.H., she married Chandler G. Clark in Springfield, Vt. in 1942. She raised a family, was a school volunteer and worked for Visiting Nurse Assoc. Survived by her 5 children including one son in the Springfield area, John Clark. [photo]

Steven James Bromley, age 61, of North Charleston, S.C., died August 20th, 2011. He was the owner of Sea Island Building Systems Inc., Beaufort, S.C.; salesman with Highland Home Brokers Inc., Charleston, S.C.; owner of Vermont Precision Products; owner of Metronics Inc., Manchester, N.H.; and owner of Ocean Industries Inc. Survivors include two daughters, Jennifer Lynn Power of Springfield, Vt., and Kelli Suzanne and husband Josh Dufresne of Springfield, Vt.

Marilyn Irene (Costello) LeDrew, 83, of Springfield, died July 31, 2011. She was born in Springfield, the daughter of Vivian and James Costello. She became a high school graduate as an adult student in 1987. Mrs. LeDrew worked for Springfield Visiting Nurses, the Adult Basic Education Center, and Springfield Meals on Wheels. Survivors include a daughter, Sheryl Smith of Perkinsville; a son, Brent LeDrew of Springfield.

Richard H. Briggs , 86, of Ludlow, died Aug. 20, 2011. Mr. Briggs was employed by General Electric for 34 years, retiring in 1985. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Ella S. (Northland) Briggs; his twin sister, Rachel Clark of North Springfield, Vt. [photo]

David Rosaire Choiniere, 58, of Fairfield, died Aug. 18, 2011. A native of Highgate Center, he moved to the Springfield area in 1975, where he was the founder and owner of Profile Engineering, Inc., from 1989 until 2010. [photo]

Lena M. Cady, 97, of Springfield, died Aug. 17, 2011. She was born in Springfield, the daughter of Walter W. and Paulina (Schaluka) Westney. She graduated from Springfield High School and married Neal Cady in 1946.[photo]

Mary L. Becker, 47, of Springfield, died Aug. 16, 2011. Mrs. Becker was employed by the state of Vermont in maintenance. Survivors include her husband Christopher, two children, Robert and Tina Howard, and her mother Agnes Jones, all of Springfield. Two brothers,Richard Jones of Presque Isle, Maine, and Robert Jones of Springfield; two sisters, Carol Aiken of Charlestown, N.H., and Donna Jones of Tasmania.

Fenwick W. Kingsbury, 68, of Ludlow, died Aug. 10, 2011. He worked 38 years for Bryant Grinder Corp. in Springfield, retiring in 2002.

Russell A. Spurr, 65, of Cavendish, died Aug. 5, 2011. He was born in Springfield, the son of Alden R. and Barbara (Pelkey) Spurr. Mr. Spurr served in the Vermont National Guard in Springfield and Windsor. He worked on area farms and for several years, was employed at mills in Ludlow and Bellows Fallsl. Survivors include his parents of Cavendish; a brother, Jeff Spurr of Perkinsville, and a sister, Julie White of Springfield.

John H. Romano, 83, of Bellows Falls, died Aug. 3, 2011. He worked at Fellows Gear Shaper and Bryant Chucking Grinder in Springfield. Survivors include a sister, Ann Hamel of Springfield.

Audrey C. Warner, 95, of Chaumont, N.Y., died August 6, 2011. Surviving are two grandsons, Brian J. Bourquin, Boston, Mass., and Christopher L. Bourquin, Springfield, Vt. [photo]

Arnold M. Shatney, age 92, of Riviera Beach, Fla., died July 23, 2011. He was born in Springfield, Vt. A WWII Army veteran and former POW, Arnold served with the 79th Infantry Division earning several decorations including the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during battle. Despite losing both legs in the war, he never regretted serving his country. After his discharge in 1946, he moved to Palm Beach County, Fla. with his wife and worked as a pattern maker/machinist at Florida Aluminum Foundry for 29 years.[photo]

Stuart A. Snow, 67, of Ludlow, died August 4, 2011. Stuart was a toolmaker for General Electric for 42 years, retiring in 2006. Survivors include his wife of 10 years, Elaine (Aldridge) Snow; two daughters, Ann Marie Veysey and her husband Rick of Springfield, and Lesley Veysey and her husband Alan of Cavendish.

Donald J. Napsey, 73, of Springfield, died Aug. 3, 2011, He sold real estate in the area for many years, owned and operated a Century 21 branch and most recently, Pedden Acres Real Estate with his wife. He was named Realtor of the Year twice. Mr. Napsey was a Boy Scouts of America leader, serving as Vermont state commissioner and receiving awards for his support. Survivors include his wife of Springfield; two sons, Michael of Tomah, Wis., and John of Claremont, N.H.; a daughter, Deborah Napsey of Peterborough, N.H.; a stepson, Michael Josselyn of White River Junction; two stepdaughters, Sharon Bruce of Springfield and Teresa Heinl of Saxonburg, Pa.

Melissa M. Barratt, 31, of Brattleboro, died July 29, 2011. Daughter of Sandra Duby and David Barratt Sr. She attended Springfield High School. Survivors include a sister in Springfield, Erica Duby. [photo]

Gordon M. Jacobs Jr., 61, of Springfield, died July 31, 2011. Born and raised in Bellows Falls, he worked at Jones and Lamson Machine Tool Co. in Springfield for 10 years. He married Donna Emerson in Springfield in 1978. Survivors include his wife and a son, Gordon III, both of Rockingham; a stepsister Stephanie Wing and a stepbrother, Paul Palumbo, both of Springfield

Asahel F."Ace" Lee, 74, of Avon, Conn., died July 15, 2011. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a firefighter for the West Hartford Fire Department for over 20 years. Survivors include his wife of 51 years and a brother Fred Lee of Springfield Vt. [photo]

Keith B. Bates, of Springfield, died July 23, 2011. Mr. Bates served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was employed as an engineer with Jones & Lamson Machine Tool Co. in Springfield for 42 years. Survivors include his wife Leola and a daughter, Cheryl Sanborn, both of Springfield.

Paul W. King, 62, of Springfield, died June 27, 2011. He was born in Springfield, the son of David C. and Harriette (Wilbur) King. He was a 1967 graduate of Springfield High School and a 1971 graduate of the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in geology. Mr. King worked as a machinist at Jones and Lamson Machine Tool Co. in Springfield for many years. Survivors include two brothers, Lawrence King of Springfield and Chester King of Fortuna, Calif.

Jon George Lindsey, 72, of Rock Hill, S.C., died July 20, 2011. A native of El Paso, Ill. Survivors include a daughter Nancy Ellen Lindsey of N. Springfield, Vt. [photo]

Anthony M. Spaulding, 46, of Westminster, died July 20, 2011. He worked for Love Joy Manufacturing in Springfield.

Doris "Dot" Williams Higgins, 93, of Springfield, died July 18, 2011. She was born in Springfield, the daughter of Clyde J. and Sadie (Bridges) Williams. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1935 and from Castleton Normal School. She then taught grades one through eight in the Tarbell Hill one-room schoolhouse in Cavendish. In 1939, she married F. Ward Higgins in Springfield. Survivors include a daughter, Gail LaBuda of Manchester, N.H., and a son, Ronald Higgins of Springfield. [photo]

Richard Andrew Gordon, 63, of Franklin, N.H., died July 16, 2011. Born in Springfield, VT, he was the son of the late Paul and Phyllis (French) Gordon. He was educated in Springfield but lived most of his life in Franklin where he worked at Franklin VFW Post 1698. [photo]

Patricia D. Richardson , 82, died July 12, 2011. Born in Springfield, Vt., she and her husband moved to Charlotte in 1952. She was a homemaker and raised 3 children.

Raymond L. Crawford, 61, of Springfield, died July 6, 2011. Raymond was born to Herbert and Ruth Crawford. He lived his entire life in Springfield, except for serving four years in the Army. Raymond was a self-employed talented carpenter/builder for many years. Survivors include his wife Cynthia Brown Crawford; his son Randy Crawford of Chico, CA; and his daughters Erin Crawford of Springfield, VT, Meghan Fratini of Springfield, VT, and Rebecca Edmonds of Dubuque, IA; a brother, David Crawford of Springfield, VT; and sisters Patty Lynch and Kathy Knoras, both of Springfield, VT.[photo]

Lynn Johnson Rasch, 54, of Madison, Ga., died July 2, 2011. Born in Springfield, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Bernice Johnson. Mrs. Rasch had made her home in Madison, Georgia for 28 years. She and her husband owned and served as the Innkeepers of “The Brady Inn” Bed and Breakfast.

Edward H. Stokes, 83, of North Springfield, died July 6, 2011. He was born in Springfield, the son of Harold E. and Fern (Patrell) Stokes. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Mr. Stokes was a machinist and programming engineer at Jones & Lamson Machine Tool Co. in Springfield for more than 40 years. Survivors include a son, Douglas E. Stokes of North Springfield. [photo]

Max A. Emery, 47, of Rutland, died July 4, 2011. Mr. Emery worked as a mason for many years. Survivors include his parents Max and Joyce Emery and a brother, Dale Emery, all of Reading; a sister, Julie Pawlikowski of Perkinsville; four daughters, Kara and Ember Rushford-Emery of Springfield, Tiffany and Toshia Bushway-Emery of Ascutney.

Floyd John Regan, 88, of Springfield, died July 4, 2011. He was born in Springfield, the son of Walter and Myra (McLam) Regan. He graduated from Springfield High School and the Co-op Course in 1941. Mr. Regan workeded nearlly 40 years as a machinist at Fellows Gear Shaper after serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Survivors include his wife Viola.

Mary L. Bisson, 81, of Springfield, died July 3, 2011. Born in Springfield, the daughter of Edward H. and Hilda (Reid) Labonta. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1948. She married Arthur M. Bisson in 1965. Mrs. Bisson was employed at Fellows Gear Shaper Co., and then at the Springfield Family Center for many years. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and Women of the Moose 679. Survivors include a son, Edward Bisson, and a sister, Martha Lucas, both of Springfield. [photo]

Edward Carroll Huse, age 77, of Brookfield, Conn., died June 30, 2011. He was an Operating Engineer for the Local 478 Construction Union and a race car driver. Survivors include his son Edward M. Huse of Springfield, Vt.

Angelina Krupinsky, 91, of Springfield, Vt. and Jensen Beach, Fla., died Friday, July 1, 2011. She was employed by Bryant Chuckling Grinder Company in Springfield for more than 30 years. After retiring in 1976, she worked as a home health aide for The Visiting Nurse Alliance of Vermont and New Hampshire. She was an avid golfer, and a member of the Crown Point Country Club. Angelina is survived by her two sons, Walter Krupinsky of Springfield and Joseph Krupinsky of Annapolis, Md. [photo]

Richard A. Bentley, 84, of South Reading and formerly of Ludlow, died Sunday, June 19, 2011. He was a cryogenics engineer for Liquid Carbonic, traveling throughout New England and New York. He later worked in the maintenance department at Springfield Hospital, retiring in 1994.

Gladys Audine Billings, 86, of Springfield, died Wednesday, June 22, 2011. Born in Springfield, she was the daughter of the late Harold C. and Gladys (Lawrence) Billings. Miss Billings graduated in 1942 from Springfield High School. She attended UVM and the Vesper George School of Art in Boston, Mass. She worked in Boston, Mass., Montpelier, Vt., and at J&L in Springfield, Vt. Gladys will be remembered for her involvement in government and local politics. She was an accomplished portrait artist and sang for a time in the Methodist Church choir.

Brian Ives, 57, of South Hamilton, Mass., died June 28, 2011. Born in Springfield, Vt., the son of the late Roger and Betty (Longo) Ives. He enjoyed mountain climbing and astronomy. Brian is survived by his wife, Deborah and his daughter, Jessica.

Stuart “Stu” Husband, 69, of North Springfield, died June 23, 2011. He grew up in Westboro, Mass., where he was an outstanding athlete, and was inducted into the Westboro High School Hall of Fame. After graduating from college with a degree in chemistry, he spent 37 years as a supervisor at MassElectric and Granite State Electric. He and his wife and children moved to Springfield, Vt. in 1987 where he volunteered his time as a PeeWee football coach, Little League baseballcoach and a Little League umpire. He worked winters at Okemo Mountain and summers at Crown Point Country Club in Springfield. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Linda. [photo]

Mary T. Chehy, 99, of Rutland and Framingham, Mass., died June 22, 2011. She was once employed by Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield as an inspector.[photo]

Joyce V. LaPlante, 74, of East Wallingford, died June 22, 2011. Mrs. LaPlante was employed at Lincoln Street Inc. in Springfield in respite services.

Maximus Gabriel Chiari, two days old, of Ludlow, died June 22, 2011. Survivors include his grandparents, Bill and Cathy Buskey of Springfield. [photo]

Robert A. Hains, 71, of Springfield, died June 20, 2011.
Mr. Hains served in the Vermont National Guard and in the U.S. Navy.
He joined the Vermont State Police in 1964 and retired as captain in 1989.
Survivors include his wife Linda and a son, Shawn Hains, both of Springfield.

Elma Jean Lamphron (Roberts) Ward, 69, of Duncanville, Tex. died June 13, 2011. She was a registered nurse. Survivors include a sister, Jane Kelly of Springfield, Vt.

Karl F. Sanborn, 71, of Springfield, died June 17, 2011. He was born in Springfield, the son of Benning B. and Gertha M. (Ross) Sanborn. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1958 and served in the U.S. Army. He was employed at Carey’s Super Market and First National Grocery Store, both in Springfield, and at the Vermont Country Store for many years, retiring in 2004. Survivors include three brothers, Neal of Springfield, Kurt of Midlothian, Texas, and Kent Sanborn of Millington, Tenn.; a sister, Kathleen Abbott of North Springfield; and longtime companion, Judy Greene of Springfield.[photo]

Nancy M. (Kinne) MacPherson, 87, of Needham, Mass., died June 11, 2011. She was born in Springfield, Vt., the middle child of Ray Kinne and Mattie Stoddard Kinne. Nancy moved to Needham Mass. four years later, where her father founded Kinne’s Pharmacy, the business her future husband would run.

Olin C. Bartley, 87, of Springfield, died June 9, 2011. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1942. Mr. Bartley served in the U.S. Marines during World War II. He married Marjorie A. Warwick in 1946. He was employed as a machinist at Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield for 40-plus years, retiring in 1986. Survivors include two sons, Steven Bartley of Fitchburg, Mass., and James Bartley of Chester; and a daughter, Lynette Mullen of Claremont, N.H. [photo]

Michael A. Hook , 52, of South Hadley, Mass., died June 8, 2011. He was employed as a finishing sorter at Sullivan Steel Company in Holyoke. Survivors include a sister Pauline Partalitis of Springfield, Vt.

Joseph D. Martin, 83, of Holyoke, Mass., died June 7, 2011. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Korean War, and was a 23 year Machine Tender at Technifax Corp. in Northampton, retiring in 1988. Survivors include a son, Joseph R. Martin of Springfield. Vt.

Alice P. Craigue, 87, of Springfield, died June 9, 2011. She graduated from Springfield High School. Mrs. Craigue was employed for many years as a bookkeeper at Furman’s Department Store in Springfield and Wilson Jewelry Store. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Survivors include a son, Dennis Craigue, and two daughters, Patricia Belknap and Debra Craigue-Stepno, all of Springfield.

Valerie P. Asonevich, 49, of Springfield, died June 4, 2011. Valerie had an associate’s degree in accounting and had worked for Drew’s All Natural in Chester; also Chittenden Bank, Profile Engineering, Crown Point Country Club, Kelley’s Chrysler Plymouth & Dodge and First National Bank, all in Springfield. Survivors include her husband Bernard and two daughters, Anna and Rose, all of Springfield; a brother and three sisters including Deborah Putnam of Springfield. [photo]

Patricia (Robinson) Molignano, 69, of Nashua, N. H., died May 28, 2011. Pat is remembered by those who loved her for her generous heart, her joyful spirit, and her cutthroat cribbage game. Survivors include a son in Springfield, Vt., Eric Husser.

Frances C. Flanders, 99, formerly of Springfield, died May 30, 2011. She was personal secretary to U. S. Sen. Ralph Flanders and his wife for several years. In October 1974, she married the senator’s brother, Ernest Vincent Flanders, who died in 1986. Mrs. Flanders was a member of Springfield United Methodist Church. She was also secretary of the Springfield Chapter of the American Red Cross; board member of Friends of the Springfield Town Library; and active in the Springfield Garden Club, Springfield Art and Historical Society, and Altrurian Club.

Faith Arlene “Faifie” Robillard, 86, of North Springfield, died May 28, 2011. Born in Colchester and educated in North Adams, Mass., Mrs. Robillard taught elementary school in Stamford, Vt. for many years until her retirement.

Rodney E. Griffin, 60, of Springfield, died May 24, 2011.
Rodney earned master’s degree in natural resource and regional planning from UVM. He worked for the Northeastern Vermont Development Association in St. Johnsbury for many years and spearheaded such projects as the Waterfront at Island Pond, the Central Street Revitalization in Newport, the Willoughby Lake Beach. Later, he worked for Dufresne-Henry in Springfield. Survivors include his former wife Margaret Hammond of Springfield.

Friedrich Weigand, 96, formerly of Tyson and Springfield, died May 29, 2011. He was born in Berlin, Germany. He graduated from the German Air Force Academy (Dresden) in 1938 and served in the German Air Force as a bomber pilot and captain of a bomber squadron. He immigrated to the United States in 1950 and was employed as a designer of gear cutting machines by Fellows Gear Shaper Corp. in Springfield for 28 years, retiring in 1981.

John R. Koch, 60, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisc., died May 27, 2011. He had worked as a welder. Survivors include a brother Norman Koch of Springfield, Vt.

Daniel G. Blake Sr., 68, of Westfield, N.Y., died May 16, 2011. Dan was born in Springfield, Vt. to George and Fredricka Blake. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1960. Dan was a long distance trucker and had the distinction of delivering the granite from his beloved Vermont to the Statue of Liberty during its renovations. Dan's poetry and writings have been published all over the country under his pen name and handle, "Diesel Dan."

Elaine B. Masure, 74, of Bellows Falls, died May 13, 2011. Elaine leaves her husband Donald of Rockingham, two sons Warren and wife Shirley of Springfield, Vt. and Wade and wife Katrina of Bellows Falls.

John Francis "Jack" Donegan, 92, of Springfield, died May 28, 2011. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He taught for 36 years in the Springfield School System.

Peter E. VanAlstyne, 58, of South Londonderry, died May 24, 2011. He attended Springfield High School. He worked at Luzenac America for many years and was currently employed at Bear Paw Landscaping in South Londonderry. [photo]

Frederick George Richard “Dick” von Roth II, 61, of Weston, died May 21, 2011. He founded Acrylic Designs which grew into a large-scale manufacturer of promotional displays, now operating out of North Springfield.

Ruth Childs Ross, 84, of Manchester, died May 22, 2011. She was born in Perkinsville, the daughter of Horace Z. and Mary (Cady) Childs. She graduated from Springfield High School. In Manchester, Mrs. Ross worked as a telephone operator for New England Telephone Co.

John P. Barry, 86, of Bellows Falls, died May 19, 2011. He taught in public elementary and secondary classrooms, instructed in college, was assistant superintendent of schools. Four Vermont governors selected Mr. Barry to serve on education committees and he also served two terms on the National Education Association Board of Directors, representing all Vermont teachers in Washington, D.C. Survived by his wife and five children, including a daughter Barbara Janiszyn of Springfield. [photo]

William E. “Jake” Archambault, 85, of Framingham, Mass., died Feb. 13, 2011. He was born in Palmer, Mass., the son of William and Eva (Riopelle) Archambault, and attended Springfield, Vt., schools. [photo]

Abbie Bertha (Nichols)Gorecki, 88, of Springfield, died May 15, 2011. In 1983, she married Kaz Gorecki in Springfield. Survivors include three daughters, Linda Barber of Lady Lake, Fla., JoAnn Pelkey of Charlestown, N.H., and Susan Ferguson of Springfield.

Hazel M. (Noyes) Gallagher, 85, of Springfield, died May 14, 2011. She is survived by three daughters, Carole Ann Hoskins, Colleen J. Greenvall and Maureen J. Martin.

Shirley Brown, 67, of Granby, died Friday, May 13, 2011. Survivors include a sister Linda Hunter of Springfield.

Jean Adel Bittner Robinson, 58, of Springfield, died May 13, 2011. Jean worked as an LNA at the Gill Home in Ludlow and a cabinet maker at Bellows Falls Woodworking. Survivors include her husband, Ronald Robinson of Springfield.

John Garfield Potter, 62, of Wallingford, died Friday, May 13, 2011. He was born in Springfield, the son of the late James Garfield and Cassie (Flanders) Potter. John grew up in the Belmont-Mount Holly area. He was an Emergency Medical Technician. [photo]

Victor James Mazzella, 70, of Chester, died May 9, 2011. Victor was born in Springfield in 1940 to Joseph and Adeline Mazzella. He served in both the U.S. Army and Navy. He retired from Fellows Gear Shaper Co. in 2004. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy (O'Dell) Mazzella. [photo]

Robert P. Morton, 68, of Bennington, died May 8, 2011. He was a 1961 graduate of Springfield High School. Mr. Morton was a truck driver for several companies. In earlier years in Springfield, he worked for S.R Young, Bryant Grinder, Fellows Gear Shaper, and did painting for Jack Robinson. Survivors include a sister, Stasia Carey of Springfield.

Brian Scott Cheney, 60, of Reading, died May 6, 2011. He was born in Springfield, the son of Vernon and Irene (Coffey) Cheney. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1968.

Alice B. O'Hearn, 72, of Alstead, N.H., died May 7, 2011. Mrs. O'Hearn taught at Springfield High School and later, at Green Mountain Union High School in Chester, teaching Latin, Greek and English for 26 years, retiring in 2007.

Ruth Edna (Clough) Spaulding, 87, Of South Londenderry, died May 6, 2011. Mrs. Spaulding retired in 1985 after 22 years at Jones & Lamson Machine Tool Co. in Springfield. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary of Springfield.

Geraldine Marie Snow Willis, 55, formerly of Chester, died April 13, 2011. Geri’s passion in life was the care of others, and this she pursued in her career as a home health aide. She worked with clients in the Springfield area. [photo]

Spiro Charles "Spike" Gokas, 78, of Newport, N.H., died May 4, 2011. For 32 years he taught American history and western civilization at Springfield High School in Springfield, Vt., and also served as the director of guidance and school counselor until his retirement in 1995.

Barbara Ann Howard, 84, of Springfield, died May 3, 2011. She was the daughter of Ralph E. and Alice M. (Dewey) Hillman and graduated from Springfield High School in 1945. She married Harry E. Howard in 1951. Mrs. Howard was employed as head of Springfield Hospital Medical Records Department for many years and also worked as a medical secretary for area doctors. Survivors include a son, Keith Howard, and a daughter, Lisa Ann Stearns, both of Springfield. [photo]

Elbert George “Al” Moulton Jr., 85, of Townshend, died May 1, 2011. He served as the state’s chief economic development leader under Governors Hoff, Salmon, Snelling and Kunin. He served as executive director of the Springfield Regional Development Corp. from where he retired in 1994. [photo]

Evelyn Warren, 89, of Ludlow, died April 27, 2011. She worked at Jones & Lamson in Springfield in the 1940s where she met her future husband LeRoy "Lee" Warren. When her family was grown, she resumed work with a position at Vermont Research in North Springfield.

John G. Hickey, 59, of Ascutney, died April 25, 2011. He was born in Springfield, the son of William E. and Gloria (Frazier) Hickey. John graduated from Springfield High School in 1969. He worked for Bryant Grinder Co. after serving in the U.S. Army.

Helen R. Barrett, 89, of Keene, N.H., died April 25, 2011. Born in Rutland, she lived in Springfield prior to moving to Keene about 60 years ago. She graduated from Springfield High School.

Gardner R. "Ben" Benson, 81, of Hampton, N.H., died April 24, 2011. Mr. Benson was a former town manager of Springfield, Vt. A Navy corpsman during the Korean conflict, he received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was an extensive traveler and loved the outdoors. As "Backcountry Ben" he published a memoir, "Just By Accident: Adventures of a Modern Vagabond."

George F. Thompson, 61, of North Springfield, died April 24, 2011. The son of Thomas Sr. and Rachel (Armstrong) Thompson, he graduated in 1968 from Springfield High School. He was employed as a truck driver and certified propane technician employed with Johnson & Dix, Irving Oil and most recently with Cota & Cota Oil Co. Survivors include his wife Mary (Lavoie) of North Springfield. [photo]

Kenneth Alan Hall, 64, of Homosassa, Fla. died April 21, 2011. Born in Springfield,VT, he moved to Florida 27 years ago. He was a retired machinist and carpenter. Survivors include a sister, Ellen Shepard, of Springfield.

Mark “Sparky” Whitcomb, 54, of South Woodstock, died Friday, April 22, 2011. Mr. Whitcomb created logos for numerous companies in Vermont. He was most recently employed by Rauhau and Kiosko in North Springfield.

Tiffany Ward Messer, 41, of Springfield, died April 19, 2011. Born in Springfield, she was the daughter of Patty and Jay Clark of Ludlow and Bill and Mary Ward of Springfield. Tiffany loved cooking, needlework and charity work. Survivors include husband Kirk Messer, daughter Alison, sister Jill Palmer, brother Eric and her parents. [photo]

Mark H. Densmore, 50, of North Springfield, died Monday, April 18, 2011. Mark was the son of Harold and Janet (LaBelle) Densmore. He attended Springfield High School. Mark worked at several jobs but enjoyed his 18 years at Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Co. the most. He could always be seen riding his bike throughout town. He is survived by one brother, Doug Densmore of North Springfield, and two sisters, Marie Barton of Newport, N.H., and Donna Knight of North Springfield. [photo]

Frank A. Berry, 62, of Springfield, died April 16, 2011. Frank served for two years with the United States Air Force. He enjoyed playing the guitar and was known for his beautiful singing voice. Survivors include his son Brian of Springfield, and daughter Renee Phelps and her husband Jason of Springfield. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2011, at 10 a.m. at the Davis Memorial Chapel, Springfield.

Peter E. Reasoner, 51, of Loretto, Minn. died April 7, 2011. Born in Springfield, Vt., he was the son of Lloyd E. and Lucille B. Reasoner. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1977. Mr. Reasoner spent many years teaching information technology at area colleges in Minnesota and worked as a freelance information technologist. [photo]

David Lars Allison, 53, of Perkinsville, died , April 16, 2011.
David was a graduate of Springfield High School Class of ‘75. In 2009, at the United Methodist Church in Springfield, David married Janet Ellen (Bryant) Allison, who survives. David served for four years in the United States Army. He was the chief operations manager at the Claremont Water Plant. Survivors include a sister Wendy DeCelle and husband Fred of Springfield.
[photo]

Ruth E. "Betty" Adams , 83, of Weathersfield, died April 14, 2011. Throughout life, she was very active in the United Church of Christ at both the national and state levels. Betty was a community volunteer for more than 60 years. She was one of the founding directors of Upper Valley Haven and served on the board of directors for Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA). Survived by her eight children, including a son in Springfield, Yout Suong.

John Jewett Little, 82, of Rutland, died April 14, 2011. He worked on Wall Street as a security analyst. Survivors include a niece, Diana Collins and her husband Christian of Springfield.[photo]

Carol Fullam, 63, of Chester, died April 2, 2011. She was born in Claremont, N.H., the daughter of Francis Sr. and Louise Lavender Kennett, and attended Springfield High School.

Forrest E. "Brownie" Brown, 92, of Proctorsville, died April 6, 2011. Mr. Brown was employed for many years by the Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield, until his retirement.

Bette A. Flore, 82, of Springfield, died April 8, 2011. Mrs. Flore was employed with Mass Mutual Insurance and assisted her husband Olaf H. "Bud" Flore for many years with his business, Standard Industrial of North Springfield. She volunteered with the Santa Claus Club in Springfield, Springfield Hospital Auxiliary and the Family Center. Survivors include a son, William Flore of Springfield; two daughters, Joanne Booraem of Essex and Christine Fullam of North Springfield.

Muriel 'Sybil' Dutton Snell, 92, of South Paris, Me., died April 7, 2011. Muriel was born May 29, 1918, in Springfield to Herbert W. Dutton and Lillie Mae Felch Dutton. She married Hial P. Snell in 1936. She and her husband ran a dairy farm in Springfield for many years. She was always very active in the church. [photo]

David Leon Park, 71, of Granville, N.Y., died April 5, 2011. For many years, Dave was employed in machine maintenance at J&L in Springfield.

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