Obituaries

Today's Rutland Herald Obituaries

Deaths in 2013 having some connection to Springfield, Vermont:


Thomas D. Daly, 73, of Springfield, died December 29, 2013. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., and attended schools there. He served in the U.S. Army Infantry in Vietnam and continued in the Army with a 20-year career as a drill sergeant. Mr. Daly married Erika K. Stenglein Aug. 19, 1961, in Bamberg, Germany. He was later employed as a machinist for 18 years at Bryant Grinder Co. in Springfield. Survivors include six children, John of Claremont, N.H.; Daniel, Anthony, Cecelia Brown, Caroline Sullivan, all of Springfield; and Albert of San Diego, Calif.

Lester W. Butterfield Sr., 93, of Chester, died December 29, 2013. He was born in Springfield, the son of Lucius and Lizzy (Bowen) Butterfield. He graduated from Chester High School. In 1950, he married Marie A. Yates in Chester. Mr. Butterfield was employed as a machinist and supervisor with Bryant Grinder Co. in Springfield for 30 years, retiring in 1985. Survivors include his wife; a son, Lester Butterfield Jr. of Derby; and an adopted daughter, Deborah Haskins of Lebanon, N.H.

Janice E. Ryan, 81, of Springfield, died December 26, 2013. She was born in St. Albans, the daughter of Harold F. and Marjorie (Wilder) Ovitt. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1951. Mrs. Ryan was employed at the former Cone Blanchard Machine Tool Co. in Windsor and later worked with the kitchen staff at the Gill Home in Ludlow. She most recently was a self-employed housekeeper.Survivors include two children, Kathy Ryan of Springfield and David Ryan of Chester; and a brother, Steve Ovitt of Reading.

Rebecca J. Thurston, 78, of Springfield, died December 26, 2013. She was born in Springfield, the daughter of Frank J. and Blanche I. (Baker) Penn. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1953. In 1973, she married Everett C. Thurston in Springfield. Mrs. Thurston worked for several years as a nurse’s aide at Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center. Survivors include her husband of Springfield and a son, Gary Derosier, of Weathersfield.

Mark S. Whitney, 64, of Herkimer, N.Y., died December 18, 2013. He was born in Springfield, Vermont, the son of Donald S. Whitney and the late Corinne (Bingham) Whitney. Mark was a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1967, and also attended Parsons School of Design in New York City. Mr. Whitney was a United States Army veteran, enlisting on April 1, 1969, and was honorably discharged on November 21, 1973, with the rank of Private First Class. Mark was a very gifted artist and had been employed doing what he loved, making artistically designed signs throughout the valley. Survivors include his father, Donald, of North Springfield; three sisters, Melanie A. Whitney, of St. Augustine, Florida, Paula Whitney, of Springfield, and Lisa M. Whitney, of Burlington.

Russell E. Blodgett, 92, of Westminster, died December 14, 2013. He was born in Charlestown, N.H. During World War II, he served in the Army, 172nd Infantry Combat Team, 43rd Division. He married Florence Forrett of Brattleboro in 1947. Together, they had three children, and through the years they took in 88 foster children. Mr. Blodgett worked at Jones & Lamson Machine in Springfield, retiring in 1983 after 28 years. He also worked for Keil Lock Co., Toussaint Painters, and the Army Corps of Engineers, where he helped build the North Springfield Reservoir. He lived in Bellows Falls for more than 30 years, owning and residing in a four-apartment house. For the past seven years, he lived in Westminster. Survivors include his children, Arlene Boehmler and husband, Larry, of Springfield, Lyanne Woodward and husband, Thomas, of Westminster and James Blodgett of Dummerston.

Robert F. Blake Sr., 66, of West Rutland, died December 8, 2013. He was born in Springfield, the son of Louis and Nicola (Barbetti) Blake. Mr. Blake attended the Springfield schools. He was employed by the Jones and Lamson machine shop in Springfield, Coca Cola Co. for 24 years and for many years in the vending industry, retiring in 2005. Following his retirement, he worked at Main Street Cash Market in West Rutland. He also owned and operated an office coffee service for many years. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Blake, a daughter, Mia Genovesi, and his former wife, Nancy Lemire Basile, all of West Rutland. [photo]

Marie Ann (Duquette) Weldon, 60, of Springfield, died December 4, 2013. She was born in Springfield, the daughter of Leo and Eva (Dion) Duquette. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1971 and later, from hairdressing school in Connecticut. In 1973, she married Howard Weldon in Springfield; they later divorced. Mrs. Weldon worked as a hairdresser for over 30 years, in salons in Connecticut, Vermont and Florida. Survivors include her mother of Springfield; three children, Miranda Weldon of Bolton, Conn., Philip Weldon of Jacksonville, Fla., and Kyle Brown of Florida; 12 siblings, Leona Blodgett of Englewood, Fla., Helen Berguin of Haysville, N.C., Raymond of Shrewsbury, Alfred of West Charleston, Lena Stocker, Linda Usle, Sandra Holt, Nancy Barbour, Eileen, Wayne, Roger and David Duquette, all of Springfield.

Leland “Terry” Chase III, 64, of Charlestown, N.H., died November 27, 2013. Terry was born in Springfield to Dr. Leland G. Chase and Mary (Marcotte) Chase. He attended Springfield schools. During his life he worked in several machine factories in Springfield and Claremont, N.H. He moved to Charlestown in March of 1987. Terry was an organ music enthusiast and spent many years of his life building and repairing pipe organs, then went digital. He helped bring an Allen digital organ into St. Lukes church in Charlestown where he was the organist for several years, and was eventually able to put one in his own home where he hosted a few small concerts for family and friends. His other interests included photography, waterskiing, hunting, golf and muscle cars. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Debi (Purmort) Chase; daughter, Heather (Chase) Marsh; brother, Douglas Chase (Springfield); and a sister, Marti Jackson (Claremont).

Brahm E. Muther, 73, of Baltimore, died November 29, 2013. Born in Newton, Mass., he graduated from high school in Massachusetts. He later graduated from East Coast Aero-Tech. He worked for many years as an automotive mechanic in Massachusetts, before moving to Baltimore in 1966, working as an automotive mechanic in Vermont for several years. He then worked as a machinist at the Fellows Gear Shaper, and later with the Bryant Grinder Co. in Springfield for more than 30 years. For the past 12 years, he was a shuttle bus driver for Okemo Mountain in Ludlow. In 1978, he married Shirley Metcalf in Perkinsville. Survivors include his wife, of Baltimore; three sons, Donald Muther of Germany; Geoffrey Muther of Baltimore, Vt.; and Adam Muther of Unity, Maine; a sister, Dale Allison of Hawaii; and stepchildren, Sharon Knight of Springfield, Darlene Knight of Chester, Marcellus Knight of Chester, Richard Knight of North Springfield, and Shawn Knight of Springfield.

Jason Michael Walker, 41, of Bridgewater, died November 25, 2013. He was born in 1972 in Springfield, the son of Bruce and Mary Jean (Greiner) Walker. Jason graduated from Springfield High School in 1990 and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1991 as a firefighter/EMT. He served four years in England, two years in Illinois, and four years in Arizona and was deployed to Iraq during his service. In 2010 Jason returned to Vermont and helped care for Reginald Hoisington and later became involved with the Rutland VNA. He loved to play his guitar as well as writing music and songs. He is survived by his two children; Ashley and Courtney and their mother Tiffany; His two older brothers Douglas and Steve; his wife Michelle; and a younger sister Shannon.

Rene Stephen Gosselin, 74, of Springfield, died November 16, 2013. He was born in Springfield, the son of Rene R. and Pauline (Rolfe) Gosselin. He attended Springfield schools. He served in the United States Navy. He married Loretta F. Smith in 1957. He was employed as a welder with the Fellows Gear Shaper Company of Springfield, retiring after 37 years of service. Survivors include his wife of Springfield and five daughters and one son.

Bonnie B. Schmartz, 61, of Springfield, died November 14, 2013. She was born in Springfield, the daughter of Neil and Anna (Gillman) Bibens. She graduated from Glastonbury (Conn.) High School in 1971 and later attended Manchester Community College. On April 28, 1973, she married David Schmartz in Glastonbury. In Springfield, Mrs. Schmartz was employed for many years with VTel as an accounting technician and with Weight Watchers. Survivors include her parents of Prince George, Va.; her husband of Springfield; two daughters, Jill Schoffner of Carolina Beach, N.C., and Donna Schmartz of Leland, N.C.

John Anthony Fortunato, 68, of Springfield, died November 14, 2013. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and graduated in 1962 from John Jay High School in Brooklyn and later, from the IBM school for technicians. Mr. Fortunato married Cathi Dunderman in 1966; they divorced in 1994. He later married Marianne Marolda in 1999. He was a drummer for The Manhattans and worked for the Port Authority as a runway flagger in earlier years. He was later employed as an electrician with Lipton Co. in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and then as a division manager for Electrolux, retiring to Vermont. He volunteered for the town of Englewood Cliffs, N.J., as a firefighter, including serving as chief. Survivors include his wife; two children, Steven Fortunato of Fort Lee, N.J., and Dianne Braatz of Stamford, Conn.; and three stepsons.[photo]

Lena W. Ostrowski, 86, of Springfield, died November 6, 2013. She was born November. 6, 1927, in Springfield, the daughter of Peter Michael and Mary Sophie (Klimczyk) Ostrowski. She attended Springfield schools, graduating from Springfield High School, class of 1945. She graduated from Becker Junior College in Worcester, Mass., with an executive secretarial degree, class of 1947. She was employed as a secretary at the Bryant Chucking Grinder Company in Springfield for over 25 years. She enjoyed traveling and was an avid photographer. Survivors include her sister, Stella Dempf of Delmar, N.Y.; and nieces and nephews.[photo]

Donna (Wallace) Nakhla, 54, of Springfield, died November 9, 2013. She was born in Springfield, the daughter of Fredrick and Mary Wallace. After graduating from Springfield High School in 1977, she worked for the Town of Springfield for many years before moving to California. She returned to Springfield in 1998 to be closer to family. Survivors include a daughter, Jennifer Nakhla; her mother, Mary Wallace of Springfield; two brothers, Jim of Chicopee, Mass., and Tim of Springfield; and a sister, Diane (Wallace) Johnson of Weathersfield.

William Edward Seaver, 89, of Springfield, died November 2, 2013. He was born and raised in Wallingford. and graduated from Wallingford High School, class of 1942. After graduation, he worked at Chane Vought Aircraft in Stratford, Conn. He served in the United States Army 8th Air Force as a gunner during WWII, and flew in 30 bombing missions. Following his discharge from the military, he worked for the Ford Motor Co. in Michigan. He returned to Vermont, and worked as a machinist at Jones and Lamson Machine Tool Company in Springfield, where he was employed for 36 years. In 1976, he married Mildred Reynolds in Springfield. Survivors include a sister, Joan Campbell of Virginia; and a step-daughter, Patricia Riviezzo of Charlestown, N.H.

Donald Tiernan, 82, of Springfield, died October 22, 2013. He was born in Jersey City, N.J. After living a short time in New Jersey, the family moved to New York City, and then to Pennsylvania. He graduated from Montrose High School, class of 1949. He earned an undergraduate degree and also a master’s degree at New York University, in addition to a master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire. He did graduate work at the University of Vermont, Fordham University, City University of New York, University of California, Berkeley, Franklin & Marshall College, Keene State College, Castleton State College, Boston University, RPI and Columbia University. After teaching for two years at De La Salle Institute in Manhattan, he moved to Vermont in 1956 to join the Springfield school system. He taught general science, biology, chemistry and physics until his retirement in 1993. He also taught for the Community College of Vermont and for the Okemo Mountain School. Survivors include five cousins.

Shirley “Toodie” Doane, 104, of Springfield, died November 4, 2013. She was born November 8, 1908, in Springfield, the daughter of Dr. Isaac R. Doane and Lucy W. Doane. She attended Springfield schools, and graduated from Bradford College in Boston in 1928. She subsequently received training in laboratory and radiology technology at Worcester Memorial Hospital. After touring Europe with friends in 1939, she was a medical assistant until 1950, when she joined her mother in their gift shop on Main Street in Springfield. She later worked as a bookkeeper for Woodruff Motors, and retired from Vermont Research in North Springfield. Sports were her passion. She lived to see the Red Sox win the World Series again, and she was a Patriots fan. Survivors include nephews and nieces.

Thomas E. McDermott, 84, of Springfield, died October 31, 2013. He was born and raised in Gardiner, Maine and graduated from Gardiner High School. He served in the Army National Guard during the Korean War era, and was stationed in Japan. He married his wife Marilyn in 1960. She predeceased him in 1976. He was employed as superintendent of music for the Portland (Maine) school system for many years, retiring in 1980. He moved to Vermont in 1984, and lived in Chester for 12 years before moving to Springfield. He played piano at the Chester Congregational Church for 12 years. He also played piano at several Vermont resorts and inns, and for the Springfield Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, Adult Day and on SAPA-TV. Survivors include a son, Shawn McDermott of California; three daughters, Mara Johnson of Louisiana, Maya McDermott of New York, and Stacey McDermott of California.

Margaret I. Stocker , 86, of Springfield, died October 28, 2013. She was born in Nashua, N.H. She enjoyed her gardens, braided rugs, and cooking. Survivors include two sons, Steven A. Stocker of Fall River, Mass., and Stuart A. Stocker of Chester; and a daughter, Sandra Stocker of Lyndon. She was predeceased by her husband of many years, Clifford A. Stocker in 1990

Paul E. Liberty, 85, of Springfield, died , 2013. He was born and raised in the Colchester area. He served in the United States Army in Korea, in the construction and engineering division. He was married to Constance C. Flynn. She predeceased him in 1989. He was employed as a machinist at the Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield, for 29 years. Following his retirement from Fellows, he worked as a pruner at Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, N.H. Survivors include a brother, Arthur Liberty of Illinois; and a sister, Marlene Hill of North Springfield.

Philip M. Anderson, 64, of Marble Falls, TX, died October 26, 2013. “Phil” attended school in Ludlow and Springfield, Vt. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving two tours in Vietnam. Phil was a great cook in several local restaurants, including Ruth’s Lunch, Country Girl Diner, Grafton Inn, and Springfield Lunch, and his own Phil’s BBQ in Blanco, TX. He was the owner of Anderson Locksmith. Survivors include his two brothers and two sisters.[photo]

Eraldo “Joe” Spinelli, 98, of Springfield, died October 27, 2013. He was born and raised in Barre and graduated from Spaulding High School. In 1938, he married Frances Bishop. They divorced and he later married Georgia Romano of Bellows Falls in 1954. He was employed as a machinist by the Fellows Gear Shaper Company in Springfield most of his life. Survivors include two sons, Michael Spinelli of Waterbury Center, and Norman Spinelli of Springfield; a daughter, Martha Bruce of East Greenbush, N.Y.

James “Ducky” Bedi, 68, of Bethel, died October 27, 2013. He was born in Springfield, the son of Gabriel and Olga (Neronsky) Bedi. He attended Springfield schools and graduated from Springfield High School, class of 1963. He served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966, during the Vietnam Era. He married Bonnie L. Fuller, Dec. 18, 1976. He was a master electrician, and worked at Jones and Lamson Machine Tool Company, Springfield High School, and Smith Inc. in Londonderry. He owned and operated Bedi Construction, and from 2000 until his retirement in 2012 (due to his health), owned and operated Just Ducky Electric. He was also an insurance agent for MetLife. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Jason Bedi of Albany, Ga., and Michael Narushof of Burlington; a daughter, Katherine Bedi of Hartford, Vt.; and a sister, Barbara Weaver of Charlestown, N.H.

Ethel Mary Pfenning, 65, of Springfield, died October 22, 2013. She was born in Claremont, N.H. She was employed at Jones and Lamson Machine Tool Company in Springfield for several years, and for the past 20 years she was employed as an inspector with Mack Molding in Cavendish. Survivors include a son, Preston Pfenning and his wife, Justine of Springfield.

Willard H. Watson Jr., 85, of Perkinsville, died October 19, 2013. He was born May 28, 1928, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He attended grammar school in Connecticut, and graduated from Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, New Hampshire, in 1948. He attended the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Conn. He served in the United States Army, and was stationed in Alaska. Following his honorable discharge, he and his wife Joan returned to Huntington, Conn. where, he joined the family business, Watson’s Department Store in Bridgeport. After several years of working at Watson’s, Bud took a job as a traveling salesman. After his retirement, he and Joan moved to Perkinsville, Vermont, where Bud was active in the Springfield Lions Club, Springfield on the Move, Yesteryear Car Club, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and Crown Point Country Club. In 2002, he was honored by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year. In addition to his wife Joan, he is survived by his four children: Jody Dodge of Keene, New Hampshire, Willard H. Watson, III of Dorset, Kimberly Lewis of Perkinsville, John Watson Lisa of Perkinsville. [photo]

Colleen F. Martin, 48, of Bloomfield, Conn., died October 11, 2013. She was born in Springfield, Vt., the daughter of Neil and Patricia (Follett) Martin. She was a graduate of Springfield High School in 1983 and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in health, physical education and recreation, from Springfield (Mass.) College in 1987. She participated in high school sports and played collegiate field hockey and lacrosse. She also obtained her Master of Education degree from Boston University and Master of Science degree in marketing management from Rensselaer. For the past 26 years, Ms. Martin was a physical education teacher and coach at Avon (Conn.) Middle School. Survivors include a sister, Sandi Prescott, and a nephew.

Pamela Klimenok Parsons, 62, of Northampton, Mass., died October 13, 2013. She was born in Springfield, Vt., March 29, 1951, the daughter of John and Valentina (Skalaba) Klimenok. She graduated from Springfield High School, earned a Bachelor of Art degree from Middlebury College and received the title of Vermont State Junior Miss in 1969. Mrs. Parsons was a Tupperware and Jafra Cosmetics agent for over 30 years in the Northampton area, as well as a certified master gardener for over 15 years. Survivors include her husband, Michael R. Parsons; a daughter, Melissa P. Coady of Easthampton; two siblings, John Klimenok of Plainfield, Vt., and Janet Klimenok of Springfield, Vt.[photo]

Albena Mary “Bea” Albano , 96, formerly of Glens Falls, N.Y., died October 4, 2013. She was born in Springfield, one of five siblings born to the late Anthony and Maria (Petraska) Smolnik. Bea Albano spent 40 years happily married to John L. Albano who passed away in 1983. She and her husband worked and raised their family in Ludlow, Vt. they moved to Glens Falls, N.Y.in 1987. Survivors include her two sons, John Albano of Fountain Hills, Ariz., and Joe and Albano of Glens Falls, N.Y [photo]

Florence Margaret Doyle Stankevich , 96, of Springfield, died September 30, 2013. Born in Rumford, Maine, she moved with her family to Bellows Falls at age 9. She attended St. Charles Catholic School and Bellows Falls High School. During the Depression, she worked for a number of years at the Superset Brush Company in Bellows Falls. In 1940, she married Leslie Stankevich of Springfield. She and her husband had three daughters and she devoted her life to raising them. After they were grown, she worked part-time at Springfield Dry Cleaners. She was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Springfield. Survivors include her daughters, Joan Golding of Tustin, CA, Pat Palmer of Freeport, ME, and Kathleen Stankevich of Springfield.

Elizabeth Lovell David, 63, of Old Saybrook, Conn., died September 29, 2013. She was born in Beverly, Mass., to Dr. E. Sherburne Lovell and Marjorie Kohr Lovell. Liz graduated from Springfield (Vt.) High School in 1968, and received a B.A. from Wellesley College in 1972. In 1990, Liz married Henri M. David, Jr., and they made their home in Old Saybrook, Conn. Liz’s career included several senior management positions within the financial sector. She was a Senior Vice President at Connecticut Bank and Trust and at Fleet Bank. She also was a Mortgage Banker at Sanborn Corporation, a Mortgage Originator at Advest Bank, a Regional Financial Specialist at Solomon Smith Barney, and, lastly, a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch. Liz served on the boards of the Greater Hartford Easter Seals, the Hartford Ballet, and Kurn Hattin Homes in Westminster, Vt. Her love of horses and the therapeutic effect of riding brought her to be an advocate for and longtime board member of High Hopes. An avid golfer, she was the first woman to play in the Hartford Pro-Am Tournament. Liz had first pick of the pro to play with and chose Fuzzy Zoeller. They won their flight by Liz’s sinking a long putt. Survivors include her husband Henri; step-daughter Kimberly Martin and her husband, Major Daniel Martin, of Virginia Beach, Va.; her sister, Melissa Lovell Post and her husband, Irwin Post, of Chester.[photo]

Marilyn J. Guy, 80, formerly of Springfield, died September 20, 2013. She was born in Hardwick. She grew up in West Danville, Vt. and graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1951. She moved to Pennsylvania with her brother; she was employed at Kaiser Metal where she met and married the late Herbert L. Guy. They had five children together and had lived in Levittown, Pa. for 25 years. She was the owner operator of Guy's Beer Distributor in Richboro, Pa. In 1977 Marilyn moved to Springfield, Vt. and retired from Bryant Grinder Co. after 25 years of service. her five children, Patricia Russell (Charles) of Paonia, Colo., Victoria Long of Levittown, Margaret Havens (Fran) of Feasterville, Pa., Wendy Rabon (Mike) of Parker, Colo., and Earl Guy of Springfield.[photo]

Russell J. Farmer, 89, of Springfield, died September 15, 2013. He was born in Windsor and graduated from Chester High School in 1942. Mr. Farmer served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. In 1952, he married Joan Hendrickson in Perkinsville. He was employed as time study manager with Jones and Lamson Machine Tool Co. in Springfield, retiring in 1986 after 30 years of service. In North Springfield, he then worked consulting for Fellows Gear Shaper Co. for a few years and later driving for Woodbury Florist for nine years. Survivors include his wife of Springfield and a grandson.

Rodney Harold Childs, 77, of Buxton, Maine, died September 3, 2013. He was born in Springfield, VT, son of the late Leighton and Rachael (Barrows) Childs. After graduating from Springfield High School in 1955, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He served in Vietnam and several other duty stations throughout his 20+-year Naval career. In 1974, he retired as a Chief Petty Officer. Later, he was employed at Carl Subler’s Trucking and three retail stores. Survivors include his wife Marge (Duprey) Childs and their four children. [photo]

Barbara M. Dubanevich, 90, of Springfield, died September 3, 2013. She was born in Franklin and graduated from Holy Angels High School in St. Albans, class of 1941. In 1946, she married Victor Joseph Dubanevich in St. Albans. She was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Springfield. Survivors include a son, Anthony Dubanevich of Springfield; a daughter, Barbie Pine of Springfield.

Anne H. Simone, 70, of Springfield, died August 28, 2013. She was born in Bridgeport, Conn. and graduated in 1959 from Stratford (Conn.) High School, attended the University of Bridgeport and graduated in 1962 from the Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing where she received the Rose Shine Award for excellence in bedside nursing. After working at the Bridgeport (Conn.) Hospital, Ms. Simone was employed in Springfield at local nursing homes and the Visiting Nurse Association for a short time. From 1980 until retiring in 2006, she worked at Springfield Hospital, in the Emergency Department for many years and in the Clinic the last few years.After retirement, she volunteered at the Red Cross blood drives, the Senior Center and the voting polls, all in Springfield. Survivors include two children and a sister.

Willard Leland Lawrence, 89, of Springfield, died August 27, 2013. He was born in Springfield, the son of Lawrence and Mary Leland Lawrence. He was a 1941 graduate of Springfield High School, and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northeastern University in Boston. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving with the Glider Division during WWII. Following his honorable discharge from the service, he married Ruth Becker of Bellerose, N.Y., in 1948. They moved to Springfield, where he worked at Lawrence & Wheeler Inc., beginning an insurance career that lasted more than 40 years. He was president of the Vermont Association of Insurance Agents (1962-63), president of Springfield’s Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the Vermont Industrial Development Authority, as well as the Springfield chapter president, and district governor of Rotary International. He was also a founding member of the Crown Point Country Club. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Ruth Lawrence, now of East Providence, R.I.; and a daughter and four sons.

Stanley P. Lafko, 60, of Weathersfield, died August 25, 2013. He was born in Springfield, the son of Walter and Nathalie (Stariknok) Lafko. He attended Springfield schools, graduating from Springfield High School, Class of 1971. He was employed as a machine tool mechanic at Bryant Grinder, Jones and Lamson, and Vermont Machine Tool in Springfield. He also worked at Okemo Mountain as a lift operator. Survivors include a daughter, Nicole Lafko of Colchester; two sisters, Catherine Didero of Springfield, and Janis Kiehle of Brattleboro. [photo]

Robert C. Morse, 87, of Guilford, died August 25, 2013. Bob was born and raised in Brattleboro. In 1944, he graduated from BUHS, president of his class. He served stateside in the USAAF, from 1944 to 1946. He married Sylvia Smith in 1947. Together they raised five children (Sheila, Claire, Dale, Paul, and Charles). In Brattleboro, he worked with his brother at Harry's Auto Body Shop. Later he worked with CVPS Corporation, repairing electrical appliances. In 1963, CV transferred Bob to Springfield where he later started his own appliance repair service, retiring in 1991. He and Sylvia then operated their Springfield home as a Bed and Breakfast. In 2006, they moved to Guilford. Survivors include his chidren, his elder brother, Harry Morse of Vernon, and his sister, Marion Bemis of Indianapolis, Ind.

Erma L. Haley, 91, of Jericho, died August 21, 2013. She was born in New York City, N.Y. She graduated from the school of nursing at Rutland Hospital, and then continued her studies at Mass General in anesthesiology. She married Cecil H. Haley in 1944. Erma was one of the first female nurse anesthetists at Springfield Hospital, and ran a farm while raising three children. She also worked at the infirmary at St. Michael’s College. Survivors include her four children and a brother Ted Lindgren and his wife Flossie of Springfield. [photo]

Janet C. Baldwin, 87, of Springfield, died August 21, 2013. She was born Jan. 3, 1926, in Springfield, the daughter of Frank E. and Avis (Hartley) Cheever. She attended Springfield schools, graduating from Springfield High School, Class of 1944. She later graduated from Wheaton College in Norton, Mass., with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. she was employed as a social worker, as a teller with the Springfield Savings and Loan for many years, and as a substitute teacher in the Springfield school system. Predeceased by two husbands, she is survived by two sons, Gary F. Lewis of Shoreham, and Brian L. Lewis of Copper Hill, Va.; and two daughters, Deborah A. Young of Weathersfield, and Valerie L. Bibens of Hot Springs, Ark.

Michael J. Kamel, 85, of Springfield, died August 21, 2013.

Mary L. Hodgson, 72, of Springfield, died August 20, 2013. Norn and raised in Meriden, Conn., she graduated from the University of Connecticut, with a master’s degree in both speech therapy and special education. In 2003, she married William Hodgson in Ludlow. She was employed as a special education teacher in the Springfield, Vt., school system for more than 20 years, retiring in 2003. Survivors include her husband, William of North Springfield; a son, Michael Michalke of Cavendish.

Paul C. Magoon, 88, of Springfield, died August 10, 2013. He was born in Burlington and grew up in Gilman. He served in the 10th Mountain Division, U.S. Army, during WWII.Following WWII, he graduated from the University of New Hampshire, with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture (forestry). He moved to Springfield in the early 1950s, where he was employed by Jones and Lamson and Fellows Gear Shaper, until his retirement in 1986. Survivors include two sons, Peter C. Magoon of Georgia, and Charles J. Magoon of Colorado. He was predeceased by his wife, Carolyn J. “Cardy” Magoon in 2006.

Brittany Marie O’Rourke, 18, of Hartford, died August 14, 2013. Brittany was born in Springfield. At the age of nine, Brittany was adopted by Kerry O’Neill and Michael O’Rourke, and resided in Marshfield, Vermont, where she attended Twinfield Union School. She relocated to Hartford, Vermont, with her mother and was continuing her high school education at Hartford High School. Survivors include her mother, Kerry; her father, Michael; her grandmothers, Frieda O’Neill and Betty O’Rourke; her three sisters: Tonya Hamilton, Kimberly McLaughlin, and Brooklyn O’Rourke; and a brother, Dylan Anderson.[photo]

Shirley Petraska, 84, of Chester, died August 14, 2013. She was born and raised in Springfield, the daughter of Earl and Wilma (Willard) Farnsworth, She graduated from Springfield High School with the class of 1948. She married Walter Petraska in 1950, living in Springfield until 1962. In Chester, she owned and operated Ceramics By Shirley, a ceramics studio, for more than 26 years, retiring in 1986. Survivors include three sons, Thomas Petraska of Andover, Daniel Petraska of Chester, and Leonard Petraska of Marathon, Fla.[photo]

Maurice E. Cooper, 87, of Springfield, died August 10, 2013. Born in Boston, Mass., he graduated from Springfield High School in 1944 and served in the U.S. Naval Air Force during World War II. Mr. Cooper was employed at the A&P as a young man, at First National Store for several years as a meat cutter, at Jones & Lamson Machine Tool for a number of years and at Young’s Furniture and Appliances for nearly 50 years in sales, all in Springfield. He was a member of several area music bands including the Springfield Community Band. Survivors include his wife, Shirley, of Springfield; two children, Deanna Dexter of Springfield and Curtis Cooper of Charlotte.

Donna Lee Snide, 61, of Springfield, died August 5, 2013. She was born in Cobleskill, N.Y. Survivors include two sons, Kenneth Cooper and Chad Snide; four brothers, Robert H. Shepard, Donald L. Shepard Jr., and Clayton Perry, all of Springfield, and Philip Shepard of California; two sisters, Phyllis L. Sanborn and Rodgina, both of Port Reliey, Fla.; a stepbrother, Larry Beach of Springfield; a stepsister, Jan Rodgers of Swanzy, N.H.

Patsey “Pat” E. Pignato, 80, of Springfield, died August 1, 2013. He was born in Springfield, the son of Rosario and Laura (Buskey) Pignato. He attended Springfield schools, graduating from Springfield High School, Class of 1952. He served in the United States Army during Korea. He was employed as a machinist in the local machine shops in Springfield, working for many years at Bryant Grinder. Survivors include two sisters, Pauline Lehoullier of Johnson, and Elizabeth Merritt of Chester.

Joyce M. Martin, 77, of North Springfield, died July 29, 2013. She was born and raised in Albany, Vt. and graduated from Orleans High School in 1953, then moved to New Haven, Conn., where she attended business school. Following a year of employment in New Haven, she returned to Vermont. She worked in Newport, then moved to North Springfield, where she worked at Vermont Research. She also enjoyed helping and reading to the elderly, and volunteered through the local Community Service. She married Ronald “Bud” Martin in 1980. Survivors include a son Kevin Miles of Charlestown, N.H.; a sister Elaine Miles Long of Westport, Conn.

Wayne E. Golden, 78, of North Springfield, died July 29, 2013. He was born in Hartford, Conn. He grew up in Chester and attended Chester High School as a member of the Class of 1954. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Germany and France during the Korean conflict. He married Lois Baldwin in 1960. He lived in North Springfield and helped with the construction of the North Springfield flood control dam. He also worked at Great Eastern and was a machinist at Lovejoy Tool, where he worked for 30 years, retiring in 1997. Survivors include his wife, Lois of North Springfield; two daughters, Lori Johnson and Teri Sharpe, both of Springfield; two sisters, Wanda Eubank of Andover, and Lani Williams of St. George, S.C.; a brother Jay Golden of North Springfield. [photo]

Joan R. Skovira, 84, of Poultney, died July 22, 2013. She was born in Poultney, the daughter of David and Catherine (Livingston) Pereau. Joan was a graduate of Springfield High School, Class of 1947. She married John A. Skovira. Joan is survived by her three children and three sisters.[photo]

Maurice R. Cyr, 67, of Springfield, died July 12, 2013. He was born in Barre and attended schools in Brookfield and New Britain, Conn. He was a licensed optician in Connecticut for many years, mentoring apprentice opticians before retiring to the Virginia Beach area. Survivors include his brother Ronald Cyr of Springfield, his former wife Susan Grady of Wethersfield, Conn., and a niece Suzette Cyr of Ludlow.

Linda C. Stevens, 69, of Lebanon, died July 9, 2013. Linda was born to Cleon and Mafalda Gillette on March 22, 1944, in Springfield, Vt., and lived most of her life in Claremont, N.H. She attended Springfield High School, class of 1962, and North Hampton (Mass.) Commercial College. Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Ronald Stevens; her brothers, Mitchell and Anthony Gillette; her daughters, Liane and Larissa Stevens; and her son, Corey Stevens. [photo]

Laura H. Bedi, 99, of Springfield, died July 4, 2013. She was born in Utica, N.Y. In 1937, she married Victor Bedi in Springfield. Mr. Bedi died in 1979. Mrs. Bedi was employed at a shoe factory in Newport, N.H., woolen mills in Ludlow, Whitney Blake in Bellows Falls, Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, Conn., General Electric in Burlington, as manager of the fabric department at Britt’s in Springfield and as cook at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Springfield for many years. At St. Mary’s Church, she was also past president of the Altar Society. Survivors include a daughter, Victoria Bedi of North Springfield; three sisters, Frances Sloan, Victoria Lockwood, both of Springfield, and Pauline Kelly of Perkinsville.

Jennifer L. Bixby, 33, of Springfield, died June 21, 2013. She was born in Claremont, NH., the daughter of Debra (Considine) Bixby and James F. Bixby. She attended schools in Springfield where she graduated in 1999. She also went on to get her associate’s degree and was currently a teacher at The Springfield Area Parent Child Center. Survivors include her two children Taylor and Dawson Meyette, her mother Debra (Considine) Bixby, her brother Kevin M. Bixby, her father James F. Bixby and step-mother Debra Bixby. [photo]

Emelia Hentz, 97, of Springfield, died July 3, 2013. She was born Dec. 20, 1915, in Springfield, the daughter of Peter and Mary (Krupsky) Krupinsky. She graduated in 1934 from Springfield High School. In 1939, she married Robert Hentz in Wallingford, Conn. He died in 1969. Mrs. Hentz was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and she enjoyed gardening and reading. Survivors include a daughter, Catherine Bradley of Littleton, Colo.; a sister, Mary Green, of Cincinnati, Ohio[photo]

Beverly Courchesne, 86, of Springfield, died June 20, 2013. She was born in Bennington. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1945. In 1947, she married Robert John Courchesne in Springfield. Mrs. Courchesne was a mother and homemaker raising six children. Survivors include four sons, Paul of Venice, Fla., Philip of Orlando, Fla., Andrew of Springfield and Dana of Perkinsville; two daughters, Carmel Blanchard of Burlington and Melissa Rumrill of Springfield.

John Golec, 73, of Springfield, died June 18, 2013. He was born May 22, 1940, the son of Al and Edna (Royce) Golec. He was married to Cindy (LaRow) Golec and is survived by his brother, Buddy, and sister Kathy of Drewsville, N.H.

James E. Sherer, 68, of Proctorsville, died June 16, 2013. He was born in Nashua, NH. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1963. A Vietnam War veteran, Mr. Sherer served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1963 to 1967. He was employed as a lineman for Ludlow Electric Co. and retired from Sturm Ruger. Survivors include his wife, Janet Adams Harvie Sherer and his four children.[photo]

Virginia L. Day, 96, of Springfield and North Fort Myers, Fla., died February 24, 2013. She was born in Worcester, Mass. She married Wilman F. Day in 1940, and became a lifelong resident of Springfield, where she was an active member of the community, serving as executive director of the Springfield Community Chest, a committee member of the United Fund and working as office manager for the Vermont Unemployment Commission for more than 10 years. She was a member of the Hole-in-One Club at Crown Point Country Club. She was also a member of the Stellafane Amateur Telescope Makers club, and constructing a 6” F8 Newtonian reflector, that is displayed at the Hartness House in Springfield. Survivors include a son, Howard W. Day of Davis, Calif. and a daughter, Barbara Eisfeller of Greenland, N.H. [photo]

Lorraine E. Hobbs, 86, of Claremont, N.H., and formerly of Reading, died Wednesday, June 5, 2013. She was born and raised in Connecticut, graduating from high school in Hartford, Ct. In 1957, she married David Hobbs. In the late 1960s, Mrs. Hobbs began employment as a machinist at Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield, retiring in 1985. Survivors include two children, Lynda Thurber of Lempster, N.H., and Raymond Hobbs of Norwich.

Patricia E. Cahill, 60, of Springfield, died June 7, 2013. She was born in Bellows Falls, the daughter of Howard L. and Beverly R. (Bayliss) Batchelder. She attended Springfield schools and graduated from Springfield High School, class of 1970. She attended Albert College (Dublin) Bellville, Ontario, and Clayton State University in Marrow, Ga. She worked for many years in the hotel industry as a manager. Most recently she worked as a substitute teacher in the Springfield School System in Springfield. Survivors include one son, Scott Rhodes of Secaucus, N.J., one daughter, Amanda Cahill of Athens, Ga.; two brothers, Bruce Batchelder of Springfield, and Michael Batchelder of Taylorsville, N.C.; five sisters, Linda Batchelder of Springfield, Diane Ingalls of Perkinsville, Jan Wright of Ascutney, Linda Illuninari of California, and Shirley Jasinski of Milton. [photo]

Elsie M. Putnam, 82, of Springfield, died June 6, 2013. Elsie was born and raised in Oklahoma, graduating from Meeker High School. She met Paul Putnam in Ithaca, N.Y. and they were married 54 years. She completed three years of study with a major in horticulture at Iowa State University. She and her husband moved to Springfield in 1994 and became very involved in the community, including Springfield on the Move, the Springfield Garden Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Recreation Center, the Design and Review Board. Survivors include two brothers and three sisters, all still in Oklahoma; and her four children. [photo] Online condolences may be shared through www.tetrickfuneralhome.com

Forrest V. Butterfield, 95, of Springfield, died June 2, 2013. He was born in Rockingham, the son of Edmund B. and Vivian (Burke) Butterfield. He attended schools in Springfield and graduated from Springfield High School, class of 1936. He later graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, class of 1942. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. He married Marilla M. Kittredge in 1942. He was employed as a mechanical engineer at Jones & Lamson Machine Tool Co., and Bryant Grinder Co. in Springfield. He was later employed as a sales engineer with the Fellows Gear Shaper Co., from 1951 until his retirement in 1980. Survivors include a son, William F. Butterfield, of Ellicott City, Md. and a daughter, Judy A. Donaldson, of Elverson, Pa.

Kimball J. Belknap, 67, of Springfield, died May 29, 2013. [photo]

Herbert L. Vigo, 83, of Springfield, died May 28, 2013. He was born in Springfield, the son of Umberto and Elena O. Entella. He attended Springfield schools and graduated from Springfield High School, Class of 1948. He later attended Ohio State and the University of Miami. He served in the United States Army during the Korean war. He married Gina Maria Conti in 1957. Survivors include a son Herbert L. Vigo Jr. of St. Petersburg, Fla., a daughter Linda Rosinski of Derry, N.H., and four grandchildren.

Elizabeth A. Corkum, 80, of North Springfield, died May 24, 2013. She was born in Boston, Mass. and attended schools in Everett, Mass., graduating from Everett High School. Elizabeth married Irvin E. Corkum in 1952 in Lynn, Mass. She was employed at Hilltop Steakhouse in Saugus, Mass. for many years. She was a seamstress creating many wedding and bridal party gowns over the years. Many of the brides she worked with remained in touch to this day. She is survived by one daughter, Darlene Larochelle of North Springfield; one brother, Anthony Conroy of Stoughton, Mass. and three grandchildren.

Fred W. Berg, 81, of Springfield, died May 21, 2013. He was born in Concord, Mass. He attended grade school in Perkinsville, and graduated from Springfield High School and the Co-Op program, Class of 1951. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. In 1953, he married Caroline Aiken. He was employed at the Idlenot Farm Dairy, and as a mechanical engineer for 42 years with Bryant Grinder Corporation in Springfield, retiring in 1991. Following his retirement from Bryant, he worked at Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow as a bus driver. He was a 45-year member of the Springfield Fire Department, retiring as a captain. Survivors include a son, Peter F. Berg of Lancaster, Mass. and a daughter, Carol L. Carter of Chester.[photo]

James E. Westney, 42, of Springfield, died May 21, 2013. He was born Oct. 17, 1970, in Claremont, N.H., the son of Eldred and Linda (Ploof) Westney. He attended Springfield schools and graduated with the Class of 1988. He was employed as a driver for Schwan’s and WIC, and worked for several area restaurants. He had also been employed as a woodworker. Survivors include his parents, 3 siblings, and his paternal grandmother Blanche Shepard of Springfield.

Arvilla I. Strawn, 91, of Springfield, died May 11, 2013. She was born in North Thumberland, N.H., and graduated from high school in the Groveton/Lancaster, N.H. area. In 1941 she married Vernal E. Strawn. Mrs. Strawn was employed at Groveton Paper Mill and Vermont Research. Survivors include two children, Wayne Strawn of East Hampton, Conn., and Janet Lynds of Springfield.

Herbert A. Wilson II, 54, of Brownfield, Maine, died May 4, 2013. Herb was born in Townshend, Vt. to Herbert and Jeanette Wilson of North Springfield, Vt. He attended Springfield schools, and graduated in June of 1977. He had been a member of the Vermont National Guard. Herb worked throughout his life in the construction field, most recently as a heavy equipment operator for Coleman Company in North Conway, N.H. Survivors include his wife Holly, his mother Jeanette Wilson; his sister Terry and her husband David Coleman of Springfield. [photo]

Gail E. Batchelder, 67, of Springfield, died May 3, 2013. She was born in Springfield, the daughter of Earl and Pearl (Shippy) Snide, and attended Weathersfield and Springfield schools. She married Richard Batchelder in 1962. Mrs. Batchelder was employed as an aide, cook and housekeeper at Brookwood Estates Nursing Home in North Springfield for more than 20 years. Survivors include her two daughters and five siblings.

Adam J. Husband, 33, of Salem, Mass., died May 2, 2013. He was born in Natick, Mass., then moved to Springfield, Vt. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1997 where he excelled in three sports. He worked at Crown Point Country Club in Springfield, Vt., during high school summers. He later went on to play baseball at Skidmore College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2001. After graduation, Adam worked in commercial real estate, and for the past several years, was a medical device sales rep. Survivors include his mother, Linda Husband of North Springfield and a brother AJ of Concord, Calif. [photo]

Mabel L. (Stevens) LaFountain, 85, of Springfield, died April 24, 2013. She was born in South Lyndenborough, N.H. She was a dispatcher for the Springfield Police Department, Springfield, Vt., and eventually retiring from insurance billing at Bethesda Memorial Hospital, Boynton Beach, Fl. Survivors include her children, Randy R. Stevens, Barry A. Stevens, Ronna Stevens-Niebel and Kendra Stevens-Gould.

Pearl Louise Bolaski, 90, of Springfield, died April 25, 2013. She was born in Franklin, N.H. and grew up in Charlestown, N.H. In 1942, she married Alexander J. Bolaksi of Rockingham, Vt. Pearl was a homemaker while raising her children and in 1986, she realized her dream of owning her own business. She and her sister, Bertha Ferland, opened the Fashion Boutique in Claremont, N.H., a woman’s apparel store which they owned and operated for 26 years until her retirement. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Gibson of Southborough, Mass.; four sons, Larry of Rockingham, Vt., Joe and David, both of Springfield, Vt., and Brian of Aurora, Colo.

Claire Hale (Farmer) Farnum, 94, of Chester, died April 23, 2013. Born in Windsor, she and her family moved to Chester Depot when she was 13. She graduated from Chester High School in 1935. She married C. Stanley Farnum in 1940. Claire was an active member of the Congregational Church, serving as teacher, organist, choir director. Survivors include her brother, Russell J. Farmer of Springfield, and three daughters including Sara Spoor of Springfield. Also a granddaughter in Springfield, Kathrine Gosselin.

Arlene MacLeod “Mickey” Small, 90, of Weathersfield, died April 14,2013. Born in Weathersfield, she graduated Springfield High School in 1942. She married Earle Andrew Small Sr. of Rutland in 1948. Survivors include two children, Donna K. Small Andrews of Lakewood, N.J., and Earl A. Small, Jr. of Weathersfield; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. [photo]

Linda Jean Chartier, 51, of Springfield, died April 22, 2013. Linda was born in Bristol, CT, and moved to New Hampshire in 1968. She attended Symonds school and graduated from Keene High School, Class of 1979. She went on to attain her Associate Degree from Vermont Community College. Linda moved to Woodland Park, Colorado, and recently returned to New England, residing in Springfield, VT. She worked at Springfield Hospital and Mt. Ascutney Hospital. Surviviors include a daughter, Tonya and grandchildren Kaiden, Alexis and Mason in Springfield; and a son Joshua and grandchildren Jaelyn and Noah in Woodland Park, Colorado.

Henry "Hank" Bassett 86, of Springfield, died April 24, 2013 .He was born in Waterville. He graduated from Cambridge High School in Jeffersonville, and served in the United States Army during World War II. He married Lorraine Dufresne in 1947, and they moved to Springfield in 1951. He worked at Fellows Corp. and S.R. Young, and retired in 1995. Survivors include his wife Lorraine; three daughters, Patty O'Neill, Peggy Roux, and Nan Bassett; and a son, William.

Ronald K. Baker Sr., 78, of Springfield, died April 17, 2013. He was born in Danby, the son of Kenneth and Esther (Harrington) Baker. He attended schools in Springfield, and graduated from Springfield High School. He served in the Vermont National Guard for many years. He married Marion Lilley in 1952. He was employed as a maintenance supervisor at Idlenot Dairy in North Springfield for more than 25 years. Following his retirement from Idlenot, he worked for many years with the Springfield Housing Authority, working until just recently. Survivors include two sons, Ronald K. Baker Jr. of Bethel and Bruce Baker of Bellows Falls; a daughter, Karen Beardsley of Springfield; a sister, Carol Koledo of Springfield.

Kenneth R. Lamotte, 70, of Springfield, died April 12, 2013. He was born in Springfield, the son of Clarence and Evelyn (Grover) Lamotte. He grew up in Chester, where he graduated from Chester High School in 1962. He served for three years in the Army National Guard. He worked for many years as a machinist for Fellows Gear Shaper. He also spent many years at Holmes Transportation as a dock worker. Survivors include three sons, Chris Lamotte of Milton, Jason Lamotte of Arlington, Mass., and Steven Lamotte of Springfield. [photo]

Rodney W. Strong, 85, of Springfield, died April 7, 2013. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving in WWII, and belonged to the American Legion Post 36 in Ludlow, Vt. Mr. Strong worked in the Jewelry business for 23 years at the TicTock Shop in Burlington, Vt. Survivors include his wife, Doris (Goodrich) Strong; four sons, Randall Strong of Ludlow, Scott Strong of Springfield, Rick Strong, also of Springfield, and Jim Strong, of Proctorsville. [photo]

Gilbert Parker Sr., 81 , of Allenstown, N.H., died April 8, 2013. Born in North Springfield, Vt., he was the youngest of eight children of the late Edward W. Parker and Una (Burditt) Parker. Gil attended school in Springfield, Vt., until he joined the Army in January 1949. He was honorably discharged in September 1952. He worked for Young’s Television in Springfield, Vt., for seven years, after which he began his 33-year career in the telephone industry. Gil is survived by his wife of 57 years, Phyllis (Johnson) Parker and a son and four daughters.

James “Jim” Hanna, 58, of San Pedro, Belize, died March 31, 2013. He grew up in Ohio. At 14 years of age, while living at St. Anthony’s Home for Boys in Cleveland, he ran away from the boys’ home to Weathersfield, Vt., where he lived with the Hennessy family. He worked for the towns of Weathersfield, Bellows Falls and various construction companies before starting his own business, American Construction Company. Among his projects was the Moose Lodge in Springfield, Vt. In 1995 he sold his business to his partner and moved to Belize. There he met and married Ana Wade, and started a new construction business. Survivors include his wife; a son, Forest Hanna; a daughter Daniela Luisa Hanna; and four step-children.[photo]

Stanley D. Flint, 93 of Springfield, died April 1, 2013. He was born and raised in Tunbridge, Vt. He graduated from South Royalton High School. He served in the Army Air Force as a Battalion Carpenter in the South Pacific during World War II. Returning to Vermont after the war, he moved to Springfield, with his wife Leona, and worked as a patternmaker for Bryant Grinder, as well as a carpenter/builder with his own business for many years. He also worked for Connecticut Valley Construction and in the District Maintenance Department of the Springfield School District for many years. Stanley is survived by his sister, Vera of Hartford; and by his three sons, Barry Flint of Chester, James Flint of Greenville, S.C. and Bob Flint of Springfield.

Jean L. Cross, 90, of Springfield, died March 29, 2013, Jean was born the daughter of Irwin and Lillian (Thompson) Jacobs. She and her twin sister, Janet Becker, were the first twins born at Springfield Hospital. Jean was a member of the Church of Christ of Springfield. She worked for many years at the Pa-Lo-Mar Motel and Howard Johnson’s in Springfield Jean is survived by her daughter, Linda Lique; three sons, her twin sister, Janet Becker; 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.[photo]

Larry C. Johnston, 63, of Rutland, died March 18, 2013. He was born in Springfield, VT, on October 10, 1949, the son of Gordon and Shirley (Gilmore) Johnston. Larry was a graduate of West Rutland High School, Class of 1968, and married Lynn McLaughlin in 1971. He was employed for 36 years in many departments with Central Vermont Public Service Corp., retiring in 2010. SUrvivors include his wife and a son and daughter. [photo]

Hendry K. Shumski, 83, of Burlington, died March 9, 2013. Hendry was born in Springfield, Vt., the son of the late Stanley and Leona (Zarowska), Polish immigrants. Hendry graduated from Springfield High School in 1947, and attended St. Michael's College in Colchester. He retired from General Electric in 1992, after 25 years of service, and continued working as a consultant until he was 80. Hendry was a life member of the Springfield Elks. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Nancy (Wood) and their four children. He is also survived by his brothers, Anthony, of East Amherst, N.Y., Arthur of South Fork, Pa. and Stanley of Springfield. [photo]

Edward M. Scileppi, M.D., 77, of Marietta, Ga., died March 9, 2013. He was born in Flushing, N.Y. Edward received his medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical School in Brooklyn. He completed an OBGYN residency at King's County and Bellevue Hospitals where he was the chief resident. Dr. Scileppi served as a major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and was stationed in Nuremberg Germany for three years. After his service in the Army, he began his career as a private practitioner in Springfield Vermont. Dr. Scileppi moved to Marietta in the fall of 1973. He practiced at Marietta Memorial Hospital for 31 years. Ed also enjoyed raising, training, and breeding Morgan horses. He is survived by Jill, his wife of 48 years; his two sons and a daughter.[photo]

David A. Barrows, 70, of Perkinsville, died Friday, March 1, 2013. He was born in Danville. After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, he married Naomi J. Rabtoy in 1963. Mr. Barrows retired after 40 years as a machinist with Fellows Gear Shaper in North Springfield. At age 60, he returned to school and earned his diploma from Springfield High School, graduating with four of his grandchildren in 2002. Survivors include his wife; four children, Diana Gould, Heidi Stillings, both of Springfield, William Barrows of Cavendish and Susan Papineau of Perkinsville. [photo]

Wilma P. Niven, 86, formerly of Rutland, died February 25, 2013. She graduated from Fair Haven High School in 1944 and from Becker College in Worcester, Mass. Mrs. Niven was employed by Springfield Local Telephone Co. and Continental Telephone Co. for 35 years. Survivors include two daughters, Janet Cole of South Pomfret and Jean Pitts of Windsor; two sons, Jerry and John Swenor, both of Reading; a brother, Byron Fish of Charleston.

Denzil Jason Smith, 80, of Stephens City, Va., died February 24, 2013. Born in Hanover, N.H., to Mabel and Jason Smith, Denzil graduated from Springfield High School in Springfield, Vt. After attending the Vermont School of Agriculture, Denzil worked as a dairy herd supervisor throughout Vermont and Georgia, and at Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield, Vt., as a setup person. Denzil enrolled at Plymouth State College in Plymouth, N.H., as an education major, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970. He taught for 22 years, primarily fourth grade, in the Plymouth school system. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Shirley Thompson Smith and their two sons.

Kenneth Floyd Young, 91, of Weathersfield, died February 23, 2013. He was born in Springfield, the son of Floyd C. and Miriam (Haskell) Young. He received his schooling in Weathersfield Bow. Ken owned and operated Maple Lane Farm, where he was born, until his son, Ken, took over in 1980 and renamed it the Milky Way Farm. After he retired from dairying, he continued to work with his son, Ken. He trained many teams of horses over the years and took great pleasure in giving wagon and sleigh rides. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Alice; three daughters and two sons including Kenneth S. and his wife Janice of Springfield.[photo]

Ronald M. Neronsky, 65. of Springfield, died February 8, 2013. He was born in Springfield, the son of Mitchell and Gertrude (Demers) Neronsky. He attended Springfield schools and graduated from Springfield High School class of 1965. He attended Keene State College, left school to serve in the United States Army in Vietnam and returned to Keene State graduating in 1973. Mr. Neronsky was employed as an Administrative Supply Technician in the United States Army and the Army National Guard for a combined 21 years of service. He was 2nd Battalion Cmdr. Col of the Vermont State Guard. Mr. Neronsky was employed as an Administrative Assistant at Dufresne-Henry Engineering and later Stantec in North Springfield, Vermont for 19 years, retiring in 2007. He is survived by his wife Brenda of Springfield, one daughter, Deena Mehta and her husband Amit of Brooklyn, N.Y.; one sister Linda Carroll and her husband Jack of Chester; one brother Douglas Neronsky of Springfield.

Susan Bazaar, 68, of Springfield, died Saturday, February 16, 2013.

John Newton, 83, of Landgrove, died February 13, 2013. John was born in Hartford, Conn. John’s parents, David and Margaret, started an independent boys’ high school, The Newton School, on a remote farm near Hamilton Falls in Jamaica, Vermont. He graduated from the Newton School in 1947. He spent two years in the army as a radio operator in Louisiana during the Korean War. He married Jane Spross in 1953. John received a B.A. from Princeton University in 1957, and a master’s from Harvard in 1958. John was a science teacher at the Chester and Springfield, Vermont, high schools from 1958 - 1969. He was the principal of Leland and Gray High School in Townshend, Vermont, from 1969 - 1977. In 1978, he started Hamilton Falls Lumber Co. The company changed its name to John Newton & Sons Inc. around 1996, and John continued to run the business through December of 2012. John leaves behind his wife, Anna Dibble Newton and five children.[photo]

Lanna B. Dexter, 87, of Springfield, died February 13, 2013. She was born in Weathersfield, the daughter of Nester and Barbra (Kazonovich) Neronsky. She attended Springfield schools, graduating from Springfield High School Class of 1945. After graduation, Lanna moved to New York City and attended hairdressing school. She was employed by Helene Curtis in New York City, doing hairdressing and cosmetics for many of the celebrities on Broadway. In 1948, she married Richard “Bud” Dexter in Springfield, Mass. After moving back to Springfield, Vt., Mrs. Dexter was a mother and homemaker. When her children were older, she was employed for many years as a teller at the Vermont National Bank in Springfield. She is survived by two sons, Buddy Dexter and Barry Dexter, both of Springfield; one daughter, Patricia Livingston of Avon, Conn.

Frederick C. Vogell, 88, of The Villages, Fla., died February 8, 2013. Born in Plattsburgh, N.Y., he attended Asbury College and received a doctorate degree in medicine from Duke University in 1947. He served two years as a captain with the 15th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. Frederick began an obstetrical and gynecological practice in Caribou, Maine, remaining there for 10 years. He then moved to Springfield, Vt., maintaining a practice until he retired in 1992. Dr. Vogell participated in over 6,000 births and served his speciality as both vice chairperson and chairperson of the Vermont Section of The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He moved to The Villages, Fla., in 2001 and leaves his wife Tisha of 35 years, two sons, three daughters and two step-sons, including Karl Vogell and Michael Millay, both of Springfield. [photo]

Barbara B. Rose, 92, of Springfield, died February 12, 2013. Born in Yonkers, N.Y., she graduated in 1936 from Bradford Academy, and earned her Master of Education degree from the University of Vermont. During her 42 years as a teacher, she taught at four Vermont schools including Springfield High School. After retiring in 1982, she was president of Vermont Retired Teachers Association and Windsor County Retired Teachers Association. In 1951, she was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. She served on the board of Springfield Family Center, and on the Springfield Planning Commission. Survivors include a son, David Solomon of Springfield, and a daughter, Deborah Schulze of North Springfield.[photo]


Alma E. Sheldon, 91, of Springfield, died February 9, 2013. Born in Waterbury, Conn., she lived most of her life in Congers, N.Y. She married Frederick D. Sheldon in 1941. Survivors include two children, the Rev. William Sheldon of Springfield and Betty Taylor of Zillah, Wash.

Howard F.Hickey, 68, of Reading, died February 2, 2013. Howard was born in Montpelier, the son of Harry and Gloria (Frazier) Young. His family moved to Springfield when he was in first grade. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1962. He then attended Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation School in Fisherville, Va. where he earned a degree in Mechanical Drafting. He started his long career in mechanical drafting first at Jones and Lamson Machine Company in Springfield. He held draftsman positions at Cone-Blanchard in Windsor, Vermont Castings in Randolph, and the Drafting Job Shop in North Springfield. He is survived by his daughter and her husband, Shannon and Mike Kenison of Pittsfield, a brother, Bruce Hickey of Windsor, a sister, Susan LaFevere of West Rutland.

Andrew C. Cook Jr., 85, of North Springfield, died January 28, 2013. He was born in Waltham, Mass., the son of Andrew C. Cook Sr. and Sadie M. Clinton. Mr. Cook was a U.S. Army World War II veteran, serving from 1944 to 1947. He was a mechanic at Woodruff Ford Garage and for 31 years, a machine repairman at Fellows Gear Shaper. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie (Kalanges), whom he married in 1949; and three children, Andrea, April and Andrew.

Nancy L. McMillan, 47, of Jaffrey, N.H., died January 28, 2013. She was born in Rahway, New Jersey, daughter of the late Charles and Anne (Norton) McMillan. Nancy graduated in 1983 from Springfield High School and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont in 1987. She worked for 27 years in the Dining Commons at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, N.H. Survivors include a brother and five sisters.

Helen Love, 84, of Springfield, died January 28, 2013. Born and raised in Copake, N.Y. She married Osmon Love in 1961. She was employed as a machine operator with Becton Dickinson in Canaan, Conn., for many years, retiring in 1986. Her husband predeceased her by only five days. Survivors include their five children. [photo]

Thais “Teddy” Matthews, 89, of Springfield, died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013.

Claudia Schlieman, 51, of Springfield, died January 9, 2013. She was born in Zurich, Switzerland. She married Robert Schlieman in 1983. She spent the next 20 years as a military spouse living in Germany, San Antonio, Texas, Plattsburg, N.Y., and Rapid City, S.D. Following retirement, they moved to Springfield, where she worked as a family case manager for Health Care and Rehabilitation Services, and then as a crisis care intervention specialist. She was Springfield's first Police Social Worker, along with the Bellows Falls Police Department. Survivors include her husband; two sons, John Schlieman and Robert Schlieman.
[newsletter article with photo]

Arliend E. Griswold, 59, of Chester, died January 10, 2013. He was born in Springfield, the son of William A. and Eleanor (Simmonds ) Griswold. He attended Springfield schools and graduated from Springfield High School Class of 1972. Mr. Griswold served in the Vermont Army National Guard for 13 years. He was employed in maintenance and as a forklift operator at the Bryant Grinder Corporation in Springfield. He had also been employed as an equipment operator with Browning-Ferris Industries for many years. Survivors include three sons, Edward Griswold and Eric Griswold of Baltimore, Vt., and Ethan Griswold of Chester; two brothers, Larry Griswold of North Springfield, and Chris Griswold of Bellows Falls; one sister, Elaine Erskine of North Springfield.

Cyril S. Hodgeman Jr., 88, of Reading, died January 6, 2013. Born in Woodstock, he received his schooling in Reading and Springfield, graduating from Springfield High School in 1942. He later completed graduate courses in Springfield. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. He married Bessie M. Gonyea in Brownsville in 1947. He apprenticed in the machine tool industry at Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield, and retired from Lucas Industries in Springfield in 1976. Survivors include a daughter, Cyrilla H. Prescott of Manchester, N.H. and a brother, Stanley H. Hodgeman of Springfield. [photo]

Madeline M. Stariknok, 88, of Springfield, died January 9, 2013. She was born in West Burke and attended schools in West Burke, Brookfield and Sharon, graduating from high school in Sharon. She married John S. Stariknok in 1944, in Springfield. She was employed at the Bryant Grinder Company in Springfield for several years, and later in the admitting office at Springfield Hospital, retiring in 1987. Survivors include two sons, John S. Stariknok Jr. of Lynnfield, Mass., and Carl Stariknok of Springfield; a daughter Sandra Zotto of Beverly, Mass.

Elizabeth R. “Betty” Larabee, 72, formerly of Springfield, died January 6, 2013. She was born in Hillsborough, N.H., the daughter of Lloyd E. and Lucille M. (Benoit) Reasoner. She attended Springfield schools, graduating from Springfield High School, Class of 1958. She also graduated from Putnam Memorial School of Nursing in Bennington. She married Ivan R. Larabee in Springfield in 1960. She was employed at the Springfield Hospital and then Springfield Health and Rehab. Center for many years, and also for several physicians’ offices in Springfield. She also worked in real estate in the area. Survivors include her husband Ivan of Plymouth; a daughter Lisa Wyman of Plymouth; a son John Larabee of South Hero. [photo]

E. Clifton “Clif” Shute , 92, of Springfield, died January 6, 2013. He was born and raised in Cabot. He moved to Springfield in 1940 and married Emily Bishop in 1945. He was employed at Jones & Lamson Machine Tool Company for 33 years, retiring in 1973 at age 55. In 1973, he went into business full-time, opening a store called Springfield Home Improvement Co. He operated that business until 1984, when he established the Springfield Fence Company as co-owner, and operated that business until his retirement in 1994. Survivors include his wife Emily of Springfield; his son James Shute, also of Springfield; and a grandson.

Mitchel G. Matulonis, 89, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013. He was born in Proctorsville, the son of George and Violet (Bressett) Matulonis. He married Dorothy E. Colburn in 1946. He was employed in assembly at Bryant Grinder Corp. in Springfield for 42 years, retiring in 1987. Earlier, he worked at Woodruff Motors and was co-owner of Matulonis Auto Body. Survivors include two sons, Greg of Weathersfield and Brad of Essex Junction; four siblings, Calla Soucy of Bellows Falls, Herman, Victor, both of Springfield, and Iggy of Ludlow. [photo]

2012 Obituaries