Obituaries

Obituaries 5/4/09

Joseph A. Provoncha

BRISTOL — Joseph A. Provoncha, 53, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2009, at Fletcher Allen Healthcare in Burlington.

He was born June 29, 1955, in Hartford, Conn., the son of the late Maurice Provoncha and Marguerite Secoy Holdman.

He loved hunting, fishing, spending time outdoors, camping, and gardening. He worked at Johnson Lumber Mill for 25 years. He married Jodi Tierney on May 19, 1979.

Joseph is survived by his soulmate, Jodi Provoncha; his two daughters, Hillary and Courtney Provoncha; a grandson, Gabriel Cousino; a granddaughter, Tierney Provoncha; his dog, Lily; his sisters, Marcia and Mary; a brother, Charlie; his mother, Marguerite and stepfather Bill; and several stepbrothers, stepsisters, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, at Bristol Federated Church. Friends may call at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Bristol on Tuesday May 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Addison County Humane Society, 236 Boardman St., Middlebury, VT 05753.

Leslie Earl Myers Sr.

PANTON — Leslie Earl Myers Sr. of Panton died quietly at home on April 28, 2009.

He was born Aug. 24, 1925, the son of Earl E. Myers and Charlotte Billings, both of Vergennes.

As a young man he answered the call to duty in the Asiatic Pacific Theater from Oct. 30, 1942, to January 1946. He served as a sonar and shore patrolman in the U.S. Navy.

He was a member of Cairo Temple Masonic Lodge of Rutland and was an avid aviator, spending many hours at Middlebury Airport. He was a business owner of a TV repair and gun shop in the old Vergennes Theater when TV was new in the ’50s. He was also a field engineer at Hercules/Simmonds Precision of Vergennes, spending some time in Singapore in the ’80s. After retirement he dedicated countless hours to Civil Air Patrol as a colonel.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Jeanne Moorby-Myers of Vergennes; two sons, Leslie Myers Jr. of Orwell and Peter Myers of New Haven; two daughters, Elizabeth Price of Addison and Lois Myers of Panton; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Jacqueline Barone of South Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cairo Temple of Rutland. A graveside service was held Saturday, May 2, at Prospect Cemetery in Vergennes.

Anthony “Tony” Lalumiere

WEST FERRISBURGH — Anthony “Tony” Lalumiere, 60, died Thursday, April 30, 2009, at Fletcher Allen Healthcare in Burlington, surrounded by his family.

He was born Sept. 21, 1948, in Colchester, the son of the late Peter Lalumiere and Lillian Sears Lalumiere.

Relatives say he was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved his family, friends and beagle, Maggie, with all his heart. He will be remembered for his infectious laugh, tall tales and willingness to help anyone in need.

He is survived by a daughter, Andrea; a son, Andrew; three brothers, Lewis Lalumiere and wife Karolyn, John Lalumiere, and Francis Lalumiere and wife Cindy; a sister, Mary Ringer and husband David; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 4, at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes. Friends may call at Brown-McClay Funeral Home on Monday from 5 p.m. up to the hour of the service. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Lake Champlain Walleye Association, Colchester, VT 05446.

Obituaries 4/27/09

John Onufry

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — John Onufry of St. Petersburg, Fla., died April 15, 2009, following complications from a stroke. He was born in Newburyport, Mass., in 1923. John was the son of Wanda (Mammoth) Onufrowicz and John Onufrowicz. He was predeceased by his older brother Edwin in 1942.

John “Clip” Onufry graduated from Ipswich High School and Posser College, and he attended the University of New Hampshire. He served in the U.S. Navy as a radio operator on the Island of Morotai in the Pacific during WW II.

After being a longtime resident of Boxford, Mass., John retired to St. Petersburg, Fla. Before his retirement he worked in the insurance and car industries. John was an active tennis player and later became a tennis professional in Massachusetts and Florida.

He was an accomplished skier, which included conquering Tuckerman’s Ravine in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. John also loved the game of golf, working and playing many hours at Isla del Sol Yacht and Golf Club in St. Petersburg. Singing was a lifelong passion for John, and a gift that his children will always remember and cherish as well as his great sense of humor and love of poetry.

Mr. Onufry is survived by his three children and their spouses: K.O. Onufry of Salisbury, Vt., Mark and Asa Onufry of Boxford, Mass., and Diane and Mark Thompson of Boxford, Mass. He was a loving grandfather to Skyler Browder, Erik and Anna Onufry, and Tory, Alex and Mark Thompson. He is also survived by his brother, William Onufry and wife Lorraine of Wolfboro, N.H., and their children, Richard, Patrice and Suzanne.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to Tenacity, a program transforming youth through literacy, life-skills and tennis: Tenacity Inc., 367 Western Ave., 2nd floor, Brighton, MA 02135.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on May 16, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Ipswich VFW, 110 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938.

Norma Lois Meyer

BRANDON — Norma Lois Meyer, 76, died Saturday, April 18, 2009, at her family farm in Brandon.

She was born in Brandon on Nov. 19, 1932, the daughter of Earl and Lila (Trombley) Dunshee.

She graduated from Brandon High School, class of 1950. She afterwards attended Ithaca College.

In her earlier years she worked as a waitress at the Sagamore Inn at Bolton Landing, N.Y., where she met her future husband, a chef, Robert H. Meyer. They were married on Jan. 15, 1953, in Key West, Fla. They returned to Brandon in 1958.

She worked at the Brandon Bank for several years before taking a position at Otter Valley Union High School as a teacher’s aide and later as an office secretary. She worked as a legal secretary for attorney Jeff Smith in Brandon for 16 years prior to her retirement.

She was an avid golfer and life member at Neshobe Golf Club in Brandon, and an avid reader and frequent patron at the Brandon Free Public Library. Family says she looked forward to spending part of the winter watching the sunrise over the Atlantic and walking the beach at Ponce Inlet, Fla. She worked as a volunteer at Rutland Regional Medical Center and attended St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Brandon.

She is survived by two daughters, Andrea Meyer of Brandon and Jeanne Meyer and her companion Ron Richards of Goshen; three sisters, Jeanne Jenkins of Williston, Mary Ketcham of Brandon and Elinor Johnson of Wooster, Mass.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband on March 12, 1988; a brother, Erwin Dunshee; and a sister, Arlene Sherman.

A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held Friday, April 24, at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Brandon. The Rev. Margaret Fletcher will officiate. A private graveside committal service and burial will take place at a later date in the family lot at Greenwood Cemetery in Bristol.

Friends may call at the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon on Thursday, April 23, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in her memory to the Brandon Free Public Library, 2 Franklin St., Brandon, VT 05733, or to the Rutland County Humane Society, 765 Stevens Rd., Pittsford, VT 05763.

Ronald Earl Liberty

FAIR HAVEN — Ronald Earl Liberty, 50, died April 15, 2009, at Fletcher Allen Health Care after a long, courageous battle with diabetes, kidney disease and congestive heart failure. His family has deep roots in Starksboro.

He was born on Feb. 27, 1959, in Westford, the son of Patrick and Marguerite Liberty.

He enjoyed four-wheeling, fishing, working on cars and all things outdoors. He worked as a dump truck driver and heavy equipment operator, which he also enjoyed very much.

Ron is survived by a daughter, Christine Liberty of Fair Haven; his loving mother, Marguerite Liberty of Westford; his brother, Ricky and wife Brenda; a sister, Anne Liberty of Winooski; five nephews and one niece; and his devoted and faithful friend, his dog Peaches.

Ronald was predeceased by his father, Patrick H. Liberty, in December 2008, and by several aunts and uncles.

Special thanks go out to a very wonderful caregiver and friend, Lisa Van Guilder; she will never be forgotten for her strength, love and generosity. Thank you to Lee Culver for the care of Ronald by taking him for rides and fishing, which they enjoyed doing together, and special thank you to Lena and the staff of the kidney dialysis unit of Rutland Hospital, whom he enjoyed very much, and the many doctors Ronald had over the years.

A time of celebration will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2009, with calling hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Richmond Congregational Church, 20 Church St., Richmond, Vt. Contributions in Ronald’s memory may be sent to Christine Liberty, P.O. Box 672, Hydeville, VT 05750. Arrangements are in care of Gifford Funeral Service, 22 Depot St., Richmond.

Wayne Keith Ketcham

BRANDON — Wayne Keith Ketcham, 78, died peacefully with his family by his side, Tuesday, April 21, 2009.

Wayne, affectionately known as John, was born in Middlebury Nov. 9, 1930, the son of the late Dighton C. and Gladys (Johnson) Ketcham.

Family members include two sons, Jonathan K. Ketcham of Douglasville, Penn., and Brian L. Ketcham Sr. of Brandon; two daughters, Tamara J. Jasperson and Candace A. Willard of Ashland, Wis.; three brothers, Treverton “TD” Ketcham of Whiting, Gordon R. Ketcham of Brandon and Thomas J. Ketcham of Sudbury; nine grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by three sisters, Irene Walker, Sylvia Freemantle and Elizabeth Vissi.

To honor his request, there will be no calling hours or services at this time. A private service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Earl E. Estus

MILL RIVER, Mass./BRISTOL, Vt. — Earl E. Estus, 90, died peacefully Saturday, April 18, 2009, at Porter Medical Center in Middlebury with his grandsons at his side.

He was born June 4, 1918, in Monkton, the son of Homer and Winaford (Gifford) St. Pierre.

He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II in Company A, 4th and 5th Battalion, Fort Belvoir, Va. He lived most of his life in Massachusetts, working 30 years as a farmer at Brewer Farm and 32 years as a construction worker with Gilligan.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary; his daughter, Barbara Prime; two grandsons; and a great-granddaughter.

Friends may join the family at Libanus Lodge on North Street in Bristol on Sunday, April 26, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Bruce James Allen

CARTHAGE, N.C. — Bruce James Allen, 69, died Saturday, April 18, 2009 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, N.C.

He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of James and Selma Allen. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and in 1985 retired as a police officer from the Nassau County Police Department in New York. In 2005 he and his wife, Virginia, moved to Moore County and settled in Carthage.

He was a member of the Independence Lodge No. 10 in Orwell, Vt., and was a past member of the Cairo Shriners in Rutland. He was also a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia M. Allen; a daughter, Christine Steingraber and husband Todd of Carthage, N.C.; a brother, George Allen of Newcastle, Neb.; and two grandchildren, Eric and Kirsten Steingraber.

A graveside service with military honors will take place at noon on Tuesday, May 12, at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in North Carolina, with Pastor Scott Homesly celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Independence Lodge No. 10, Scholarship Fund, 467 Main Street, Orwell, VT 05760, or to FirstHealth Hospice Foundation, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.

Online condolences may be made at www.FryAndPrickett.com.

Barbara Towne

MIDDLEBURY — Barbara Towne of Middlebury died Tuesday, April 21, 2009, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on Jan. 2, 1955, the daughter of Oliver Broughton and Ann Reba (Oliver) Broughton, Barbara was a U.S. Postal Service clerk for 25 years at the East Middlebury Post Office, a career of which she was most proud.

She is survived by her father, OB and his wife Claire Broughton of Monkton; her mother, Ann Broughton of Middlebury; her brothers, Michael and his wife Mary Jane Broughton of Bristol, and Steve and his wife Valerie Broughton of Poultney; her stepsister, Desi and her husband Karl Green of Monkton; her maternal grandmother, Lucille James of Middlebury; her maternal uncles, Ronald and his wife Priscilla Oliver of Ithaca, N.Y., and Eugene and his wife Marianne Oliver of Lakewood, Fla.; her maternal aunt Linda and her husband Bryan Upton of Hartland; her paternal uncle, Robert and his wife Barbara Broughton of Jericho; her paternal aunt, Helen and her husband Robert Prentice of San Diego, Calif.; her nephews, Gabriele Broughton of California and Ben and his wife Loyal Broughton of Bristol; and many cousins.

She is also survived by Susanne Button, her partner of 21 years, whom she married on Oct. 23, 2004, and Sue’s daughters, Beth and John Myers and their daughters Madelyn Myers and Kenzie Myers, all of Murray, Ky., and Erin Button of Hartford, Vt., all of whom she was very proud of and loved very much. Barbara is also survived by her dog Toby, who she loved like a son. She also leaves a multitude of warm and loving friends. She always said that the good Lord blessed her by putting such wonderful people in her life.

She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Oliver and Blandine Broughton, and her step-grandfather, Edwin James Sr.

As per Barbara’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2009, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Middlebury VFW Hall on Exchange Street. All are invited.

John Paul Plank

NEW HAVEN — John Paul Plank, longtime resident of New Haven, died April 21, 2009, of respiratory failure at Porter Medical Center in Middlebury.

He was born in Newark, N.J. on Jan. 31, 1926, the son of Pauline and John Plank. He attended school in Tenafly, N.J., where he resided until joining the United States Navy in 1943. He was part of the Amphibious Landing Force assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater, where he was awarded six battle stars and a commendation for devotion to duty while under heavy enemy attack.

On his return to civilian life he completed his high school education and attended Florida Southern College, earning a bachelor of science degree in biology. After college he was employed by the Perkin Elmer Corporation of Norwalk, Conn., as a sales executive. During this time he met his wife Claire.

John and his family moved to Winhall, Vt., in 1971, where he was active in the community, serving on the planning commission, volunteer fire department and the first-response rescue squad. Since 1980, he and Claire resided in New Haven, where they operated the New Haven Mills Tree Farm, until their recent move to Middlebury.

In addition to his wife Claire, of 54 years, he is survived by two sons, David of Rotonda West, Fla., and Kurt of North Ferrisburgh; and his five grandchildren, Max, Zoe, Margo, Karla and Phoebe.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital, Porter Medical Center, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family wishes to thank the many friends and others who cared for John.

All services will be private.

04/16/09 Obituaries

Ralph C. “John” White

BRISTOL — Ralph C. “John” White, 67, died unexpectedly Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at Porter Medical Center in Middlebury.

He was born December 5, 1941, in South Hero, the son of Milton and Doris Mable White.

He worked at A. Johnson Lumber Co. for 42 years. He loved to ice fish and spend time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Patricia White of Bristol; three children, Dan Cox and fiancé Vera of Monkton, Kevin White of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Elizabeth Roy and husband Jacob of Bristol; a daughter-in-law, Karen Cox of Lincoln; 11 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a sister, Margaret Hendee of Jericho; an aunt Mary White of South Hero; and several nieces and nephews and extended family.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Linda Payne; a daughter, Jackie Jackson; a brother, Warren White; and a sister, Betty Folum.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, April 17, at Ralph and Patricia’s home, 826 Stony Hill Road, Bristol. Interment will be at Mount St. Joseph Cemetery in Bristol. Calling hours will be on Friday April 17, at Ralph and Patricia’s home in Bristol from noon up to the hour of the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bristol Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 227, Bristol, VT 05443. Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Bristol will be in charge of arrangements.

Judith A. Webb

RIPTON — Judith A. Webb, 71, a resident of Ripton for many years, died Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at Porter Hospital.

Born in Bethel March 16, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Israel and Grace (Brink) Blanchard.

She was a former employee of Middlebury College, the Counseling Service of Addison County and Addison County Home Health & Hospice.

Her family says she enjoyed gardening and was an avid reader.

She is survived by three sons, Lyle W. Webb Jr. of Ripton, James S. Webb of Ripton and Richard S. Webb of East Middlebury; two daughters, Kathy L. Webb of Addison and Sherry K. Williams of Forest Dale; four sisters, Joan Cobb of Lincoln, Linda Barrows of Brandon, Wilma Blanchard of Rutland, and Donna Blanchard of New York; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. 

She was predeceased by her brother, John Blanchard.

Family graveside services will be held at a later date at Cook Cemetery in Ripton.

Wilhelm Fredrick Rotax

NEW HAVEN — Wilhelm Fredrick Rotax, 94, of New Haven died Saturday, April 4, 2009, at Porter Medical Center in Middlebury.

He was born in Monkton on

October 11, 1914, the son of Fredrick and Bessie Stilson Rotax.

He is survived by a brother, Paul and wife Doris Rotax of Lincoln, and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three sisters and four brothers.

Funeral services will be at a later date.

Les Posdamer

RIPTON — On Saturday, April 18, at 2 p.m., friends and family will gather at the Ripton Community House to celebrate the life of Ripton resident Les Posdamer, who died Nov. 13, 2008, at the age of 60. To honor his wishes, guests are asked to bring their favorite jokes to share and come prepared to celebrate.

Phyllis S. Patnode

NORFOLK, Va. — Phyllis S. Patnode, 67, of Norfolk died Saturday, April 11, 2009, in a Norfolk hospital. She was a retired computer programmer and a native of Orwell.

She is survived by her husband Skip Patnode; a son, Norman Patnode and wife Elaine of Woodbridge, Va.; a daughter, Susan Cervantes of Norfolk; her mother, Iris F. Stacy of Norfolk; five grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her father, Harold A. Stacy, and a sister, Anne Warner.

A memorial remembrance will be held Saturday, April 18, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel, in Norfolk. Internment will take place at a later date in Vermont.

Memorial donations may be made to the Khedive Transportation Fund, 645 Woodlake Dr., Chesapeake, VA 23320. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.

Dr. Edward “Bud” August Mueller III

CHITTENDEN — Dr. Edward “Bud” August Mueller III died of liver failure on Sunday April 12,2009 at Massachusetts General Hospital following heart transplant surgery on April 6, 2009. He was a warm, loving, kind and generous spirit who will live on in all who knew him. The doctors, nurses, and others who have provided care over the past seventeen years in Rutland, Dartmouth and Boston have put tremendous skill and technology to work in not only keeping him alive but giving him the best quality of life.

Bud’s life was heartening and beautiful and he would want everyone to celebrate his life by remembering at the end of each day, something for which they are grateful.

Bud is survived by his daughter, Hadley Erin, and his wife, Kim Moyer. Also a sister, Cheryl Mueller and nephew John Greg Mueller both of Dallas, Texas. Brothers-in-law Kevin Moyer, Kregg Moyer and his wife Susan Baum and sons Colin and Ethan. In laws, Meredith Moyer, and Charles Moyer and his wife Donna as well as a niece Kaylee and nephew Tyler. His friendships are many and very deep.

His life will be celebrated at his home in Chittenden on June 27, 2009. Details will be announced in the future. But for this celebration, his family would appreciate the sharing of stories, songs, pictures, poems and other music that captures his spirit. We would also like each attendee to bring a rock from their home or special place in order that a stone wall can be built along side the many stone walls Bud has built over the years.

In lieu of flowers, we would like to honor Bud’s life by having donations be made to the MGH Heart Center Fund, Care of MGH Development Office, 165 Cambridge St. Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114. Please identify that the donations are for him and the hospital will track your names so that we can properly thank you.

Clement R. Ferland

SOUTHPORT, Fla. — Clement R. Ferland, 89, a former resident of Venice, Fla., died April 10, 2009, in Southport, Fla.

He was born in Georgia, Vt., on Nov. 23, 1919, the son of Wilfred and Leah (Limoges) Ferland.

He graduated from Middlebury High School in 1938 and enlisted in the Navy Air Corps upon his graduation from Lehigh University in 1942. He flew a Hellcat fighter plane off the carrier Yorktown and saw action in the Pacific theater. His family says he eagerly looked forward to his annual reunions with his fellow VF1 comrades. After his Navy service he was employed by Union Carbide until his retirement.

His family and friends say they will miss the stories from his prodigious memory and his witty letters and e-mail messages.

He is survived by his son, Ross, and his wife, Sally, both of Southport, Fla.; two sisters, Lorraine Marquez of Pitman, N.J., and Anita Duclos and husband, Robert, of Weybridge. Also surviving are several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Ramona; his sister, Madeleine Spies; and his brothers, Gerard and Norman.

A celebration of his life will be held after which his cremains will be buried at sea.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Friends of Sims State Veterans Nursing Home, 4419 Tram Rd., Springfield, FL 32404.

Hailey Jade Dickerson-Stark

FERRISBURGH — Hailey Jade Dickerson-Stark died Thursday, April 9, 2009, at Fletcher Allen Healthcare in Burlington.

She was born April 9, 2009, in Burlington, the daughter of Michelle Stark and Shon Dickerson.

She is survived by her parents Michelle and Shon; her grandparents, Audrey and Rick White, Rob and Tori Cosgrove, and Darlene and Michael Stark; her uncle, Ervin Huestis II; her great-grandparents, Stuart and Cleone Dickerson, Irvin and Margot Stark, and Erma Humiston, all of Ferrisburgh; and several great-aunts and great-uncles.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 15, at Victory Baptist Church in Vergennes, with interment following in Prospect Cemetery in Vergennes. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to FAHC Birthing Center, 111 Colchester Ave., Burlington, VT 05401.

Douglas Arthur Clodgo Sr.

MILTON — Douglas Arthur Clodgo Sr., 66, of Milton died Sunday morning, April 12, 2009, with his wife Nancy at his side at Fletcher Allen Healthcare in Burlington.

He was born on November 22, 1942, in Vergennes, the son of Alfred John and Blanche Margaret (Ringer) Clodgo.

He graduated from Vergennes Union High School in 1961. He served his country with the U.S. Air Force in South Korea in 1968 and was part of the military effort during the USS Pueblo Incident. This was followed by a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Order of the Silver Rose Award due to chemical warfare while in the Air Force. After returning home, he served both with the Vermont Air National Guard and the Vermont Army National Guard.

He married Nancy Desrochers on New Year’s Eve 1993, and together they built Double Diamond C Ranch in Milton.

He was employed by the Pinkerton, Brinks and Berkshire security companies as well as at Champlain College and Wackenhut Security at IBM, making a 25-year career in the security field.

He was a member of the DAV in White River Junction and the VFW Post 758 in St. Albans. Family says he met many new friends through the Vet Center on Dorset Street.

In addition to his wife Nancy, he is survived by his children, Douglas Arthur Clodgo Jr. and his wife Kathy of Gloucester, Mass., Christopher Joseph Clodgo of Boston, Mass., Amy Louise Carlson and her husband Ross of Colchester, and Karen Ann Radzyminski and her husband Jake of Burlington; his stepchildren, Tina Louise Hathaway and her husband Michael of Milton and Joseph Desrochers of Columbus, Ohio; seven grandchildren; two great-grandsons; a sister, Elizabeth LaFoy of Middlebury; his mother-in-law, Alice Robinson, a brother-in-law, Edward Robinson, and a sister-in-law, Carol Weiss and her husband, Marvin, all of Milton; and a brother-in-law, Roland Robinson of Georgia.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Alfred “Pookey” Clodgo and Charles “Chubby” Clodgo.

A funeral service will be held Friday, April 17, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Minor Funeral Home in Milton, with Father John Feltz of St. Ann Parish officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Milton Rescue, 43 Bombardier Rd., Milton, VT 05468; the Milton Police Benevolent Association in care of Jason Porter, 37 Bombardier Rd., Milton, VT 05468; or VFW Post 758, 353 Lake St., St. Albans, VT 05478

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, April 16, from 5 to 8 p.m., with vigil prayers offered by Father John Feltz at 7:45 p.m at the Minor Funeral Home in Milton. 

Online condolences may be made at www.minorfh.com.

Susan Lenora Brown

GOSHEN — Susan Lenora Brown, 91, died Friday, April 10, 2009, at the home of her care provider in Salisbury.

She was born in Goshen on April 11, 1917, the daughter of Francis and Laura (Washburn) Brown. She graduated from Brandon High School, class of 1935. She then graduated from St. Albans Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1941.

Her first nursing job was at the Elizabeth Lund Home in Burlington. She joined the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as a registered nurse. She later was transferred to Tokyo, Japan, and back to the states in 1946. She was honorably discharged as a second lieutenant.

From 1949 until 1969 she worked at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. She then joined the nursing staff at Southeast Community Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she retired in 1979.

During her retirement years she raised and trained her beloved dogs. She showed her dogs all over Maryland and Virginia, winning many competitions. She returned to Vermont in January 2008.

She is survived by a nephew, Ken Brown and his wife Barbara of Goshen; a sister, Gladys Noble of Lincoln; her caregiver, Emily Rainey of Salisbury; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by a brother, Raymond Brown of Goshen, and a dear friend, Mary McNeer of Suitland, Md.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, April 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home.

A graveside committal service and burial will take place on Saturday, April 18, at 11 a.m., in the family lot at Goshen Community Cemetery.

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in her memory, to Rutland County Humane Society, 765 Stevens Rd., Pittsford, VT 05763, or the Addison County Humane Society, 236 Boardman St., Middlebury, VT 05753, Attn: Jackie Rose.

Leonard Guy Blaise

BRISTOL — Leonard Guy Blaise, 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Bristol after a brief illness, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Salisbury on Jan. 15, 1924, the son of Guy and Rose (Hart) Blaise.

He is survived by his wife, Cecelia; his sister, Rebecca Larrabee and her husband William; his son Reginald and his wife Brenda of Bristol; his daughter Judy and her husband Henry Quelch of Charlestown, N.H.; his step-children Thomas Booska, Michael Booska, Louise Carroll, Joseph Booska and their spouses; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Lillian Desso; a sister, Bernadette Cousino; two brothers, Hubert and Roger Blaise.

He retired as head custodian from Mount Abraham Union High School after 22 years. He was also employed by the University of Vermont for six years. Prior to that he was a logger for Clifford Lumber Company in Hinesburg.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday, April 14, with interment following at St. Joseph Cemetery in Bristol. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ambrose Parish, 11 School St., Bristol, VT 05443.

Obituaries 04/09/09

Ruth Stuart Sullivan

STARKSBORO — Ruth Stuart Sullivan, 93, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2009, at her home in Starksboro with her son Bill and her caretaker Janice Bruno in attendance. Born March 14, 1916, in Stamford, Conn., she was the daughter of the late Charles and Ella Condon Livingstone.

Ruth was a registered nurse for the Westchester Health Department for 25 years until her retirement. She was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in WWII in the Nursing Corps. She was a graduate of Stamford High School, Stamford School of Nursing and became a registered nurse graduating with a B.S. degree from Teachers College, Columbia University. Ruth was a member of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church and its prayer groups and was a eucharistic minister there as well as a former religious teacher. She also was a member of the Connecticut Nurses Association and ran support groups for families of alcoholics.

She is survived by her son, William C. Sullivan; his former wife, Marilyn Barbato; two granddaughters, Anne Catherine Sullivan and her partner, John Lincoln; and Lincy Sullivan and her daughter, Alexandra Dorce.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Thomas E. Sullivan, in 1980.

A Mass of Christian burial was held at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Bristol. A graveside service will be held at St. John Roman Catholic Cemetery in Darien, Conn., on Thursday, April 9, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Arthur Mollenhauer officiating. Connecticut arrangements are being handled by the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematoryin Stamford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Volunteer Services, 63 Maple Street, Middlebury, Vermont 05753. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cognetta.com.

Janet Twichell Singley

MIDDLEBURY — Janet Twichell Singley, 87, originally from Belle Mead, N.J., died March 7, 2009, at the Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury.

She was born in Pullman, Wash., Jan. 25, 1922, the daughter of Col. Heath and Frances (Marvin) Twichell. Due to her father’s peripatetic career, she lived in a number of states and countries growing up.

She graduated from Penn State College, where she trained for the WACs and learned to fly single-engine planes. She married Mark E. Singley in 1942. During the war he, an engineer and lieutenant in the Navy, designed ships at the Camden Naval Yard, where she served as a draftsperson and had the honor of launching a ship.

After raising her family, she received a master’s degree in art from Douglass College. She went on to teach art at Immaculata High School in Somerville, N.J.

A gifted painter, she painted and sold well over a hundred oils, acrylics and watercolors.

Her husband designed extensive bookshelves into the Belle Mead farmhouse renovations so that she could create the Hillsborough Public Library, which was stocked via monthly bookmobile visits. As Hillsborough grew from a community of a few scattered farms to a sprawling suburb, she, as chairwoman, oversaw her library’s move to a public room in the corner shopping center, then finally to its present 10,000 square foot home in the Hillsborough Municipal Building.

She and her husband traveled extensively in their later years, visiting England, France, Scandinavia, Italy, Greece, Spain and Russia. The Singley family spent their summers on Long Lake, Maine, for the last five decades, and drove the entire length of the Alcan Highway in 1968. Her father, an Army Corps engineer, was responsible for the construction of virtually all the bridges on the highway, as described in “Northwest Epic.”

She is survived by her brother, Heath Twichell; her sister, Ruth Cochrane; her daughter, Frances Mercade; and her two sons, Donald and Jeremy. Jeremy has lived in the Middlebury area with his family since 1974.

She was predeceased by her husband Mark and her son Paul.

Barry Lee Messenger

MINEVILLE, N.Y. — Barry Lee Messenger, 54, died April 2, 2009, in Mineville, N.Y., after a very short illness.

He was born in Hartford, Conn. He worked for DACO Construction as a foreman. He also worked as a carpenter. He moved to Middlebury in 1998 with his partner Shirley Kitchell. In 2004 he moved to Mineville, N.Y. He belonged to the Sons of the American Legion Post 27 in Middlebury and the Sons of Auxiliary at the VFW in Middlebury. His favorite activities included hunting, fishing, bowling and traveling.

He is survived his partner, Shirley Kitchell; his son, Raymond Messenger; and his daughter, Lauren Messenger.

He wss predeceased by his brother, Johnny; his father, Raymond; and his mother, Caroline, from West Granby, Conn.

At his request, there will be no calling hours or services.

Mildred W. Huckabay

VERGENNES — Mildred W. Huckabay, 91, died Friday, April 3, 2009, in Vergennes.

She was born April 11, 1917, the fourth of six children of Arthur and Delia Willard, in the Mud City area of Morrisville.

 She graduated from People’s Academy in 1933 and attended Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, Mass. She worked for the phone company in Morrisville and Burlington before the war. During World War II, she served in the U.S. Navy, working as a control tower operator. After the war, she worked for General Electric in Ludlow, Vt., Schenectady, N.Y., and Oakland, Calif.

In 1955, she married George W. Huckabay in California and they raised their son Bill. In 1970, she returned to school to earn a nursing degree and worked for many years in nursing homes in California and Vermont. In 1987, she retired to Vermont and lived in her parents’ home in Vergennes until 2005.

She is survived by her sister, Lorraine Parker of Springfield; her son, Bill Huckabay and his wife Lucie of Vergennes; and two grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, George; three brothers, Edgar, Ralph and Keith; and a sister, Gladys.

 The family would like to extend special gratitude to the staff of the Vergennes Residential Care Home.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 6, at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes, with interment in Prospect Cemetery in Vergennes.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Addison County Humane Society, 236 Boardman St., Middlebury, VT 05753, or Addison County Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.

Mildred E. Goodrich

SALISBURY — Mildred E. Goodrich, 78, died Sunday morning, April 5, 2009, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Sept. 19, 1930, in Chittenden, the daughter of Louis Sr. and Alice (Lathrop) Phelps.

She married Donald “Chief” Goodrich Sept. 3, 1949, in Chittenden. Together they ran the Goodrich Farm in Salisbury.

She was a member of the Salisbury Congregational Church. Her family says she loved crafting, quilting, gardening and spending time with her family. She also had a love of animals, especially her cats.

She is survived by her husband; her son, Ernie Goodrich and his wife Leeann of Salisbury; her three daughters, Donna Lawton and her husband Henry of Bridport, Debbie Smith and her husband Gary of Salisbury and Penny Supernaw and her husband Scott of Salisbury; two brothers, Louis Phelps Jr. and his wife Marne of Pittsford and Charles Phelps Sr. of Springfield; two sisters, Alice Durovich of Springfield and Faith Pratt and her husband Harley of Proctor; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by a brother, John Phelps; a sister, Mary Loomis; and a half-sister, Bertha Clarke.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, April 8, at the Salisbury Congregational Church. The Rev. John Grivetti, pastor, officiated. Burial followed in West Side Cemetery in Salisbury.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salisbury Congregational Church, Main Street, Salisbury, VT 05769, or to Addison County Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 754 Middlebury, VT 05753.

Ethel Pearl Cram

MIDDLEBURY — Ethel Pearl Cram, 84, died Monday, April 6, 2009, at Porter Medical Center in Middlebury.

She was born Sept. 28, 1924, in Lincoln, the daughter of John and Estella Cram Cobb.

In September of 1939 she married Carl S. Cram. He predeceased her August 23, 1980, after 41 years of marriage.

Family says her interests and hobbies included word-find puzzles, fishing, listening to country and gospel music, square dancing, spending time next to river in Lincoln, flower gardening, plants and spending time with her family. She used to say one of her fondest memories was of listening to her father, brothers and some neighbors get together on a Saturday night to play fiddles, guitars and other instruments. She also used to talk about how, as a child, she would work with her father haying and cutting wood.

She is survived by seven children, Joanne, Carl (Sonny), Stella, Allen, Lola, Leatrice and Richard; a sister, Irene Michaud of Lincoln; 23 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Friday, April 10, at 10 a.m. at the Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Bristol. Interment will follow in Maple Cemetery in Lincoln. Friends may call at Brown-McClay Funeral Home on Thursday, April 9, from 5 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Helen Porter Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, 30 Porter Drive, Middlebury, VT 05753.

Lois May Bassett

BRANDON, Vt./BREVARD, N.C. — Lois May Bassett, 79, died Friday, April 3, 2009, at the Brian Center in Brevard, N.C.

She was born in Rutland on Aug. 29, 1929, the daughter of Otis and Lovinna (Baker) Bishop.

She was a graduate of Brandon High School, class of 1947. She attended nursing school in Connecticut and worked as a nurse’s aide doing private duty for many years in Proctor and Brandon. She also worked as a waitress at various area restaurants while caring for her ailing mother. She was a volunteer with the Foster Grandparent Program in Rutland when she lived at Sheldon Towers. She was a deaconess at the Rutland Alliance Church. She lived in Underhill before moving to Easley, S.C., in 2003, to be near her family.

She is survived by a son, Leigh E. Pfenning of Greenville, S.C.; a daughter, Sharon A. Rouse of Littleton, N.H.; a sister Mary Hallett of Forest Dale; 10 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousin.

She was predeceased by a sister, Phyllis LaRock, in 1973; and a son, Bruce A. Pfenning, in 1980.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 9, at 2 p.m. at the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon. Her son, the Rev. Leigh E. Pfenning, will officiate. A graveside committal service and burial will follow in the family lot at Pine Hill Cemetery in Brandon.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, April 9, from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in her memory, to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 1139, Montpelier, VT 05601.