NORTH POMFRET and Leesburg, Fla. — Funeral services were held on March 28 in Leesburg, Fla. for Earl Lucian Gilbert who passed away on March 24. A graveside service will be held at the Prosper Cemetery at a later date this spring.
Earl was born at home in Pomfret on Nov. 22, 1919.
He graduated from Woodstock High School and Bryant & Stratton College.
He married Laura LaMountain in 1942.
Earl served in the U.S. Army as a medic during World War II.
They lived and raised their four children in Woodstock.
He enjoyed photography, taking many black and white pictures and developing them in his dark room. He was also a member of the Woodstock Lions Club. He moved to Iowa in 1965.
In 1973 he married Shirley Dooley in West Des Moines, Iowa.
Earl worked as an accountant, retiring after many years at Blue Cross, Blue Shield. While living in Iowa he was an avid gardener, raising many prize-winning dahlias. He also enjoyed woodworking in his shop, building many projects. After Shirley died he moved back to Vermont.
In 1994 he married Barbara Chase DeCoff. They lived in North Pomfret and wintered in Leesburg, Fla. They enjoyed playing cards, walking on Mt. Tom together, going for rides, and watching the Red Sox, the New England Patriots and the Orlando Magic. They attended the North Pomfret Congregational Church and the Lake Eustis Christian Church.
Earl had a special interest in genealogy and spent a lot of time researching the family history. Family was most important to him and he loved spending time together, including his large extended family.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Gilbert of North Pomfret, and Leesburg, Fla; children, Carol Merrill (Michael) of Williamstown, Anne Montgomery (Dave) of Montpelier, Betty Powell (Arnold) of Woodstock, Donald Gilbert (Tina) of Woodstock; stepchildren, Micki (Dave) Peoples of Broadway, Vir., Andy (Marie) Decoff of Bennington, Sally (Ronnie) Weglarz of Pomfret, Peter (Lee) Decoff of White River Junction; 23 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents, Leon and Janet Gilbert; one brother, Clarence Gilbert; great-grandson, Taylor Gilbert and stepdaughter, Mary Jo Balch.
Local Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont. Condolences may be offered by visiting cabotfh.com

This obituary first appeared in the April 3, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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NEW LONDON, N.H. — A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m. in the United Church of South Royalton for Carolyn A. Keith, 71, who passed away on March 18 at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. surrounded by her family.
Carolyn was born on April 25, 1942 in Lebanon, N.H., daughter of Richard W. and Pauline G. (Pillsbury) Ellis.
She attended school in South Royalton and graduated in 1960 from the South Royalton High School. She attended the University of Vermont, where she graduated with her teaching degree in 1965. Carolyn taught for a few years in Chelsea before moving to Williston where she met and married Reginald “Chick” Chicoine on Nov. 1, 1969.
Chick and Carolyn moved to Merrimack, N.H. where she continued teaching at the Amherst School District for 25 years.
Chick died in 1989. On June 21, 1992, Carolyn met Richard “Dick” Keith of Merrimack, N.H. at coffee hour after church and they were married on Feb. 12, 1994.
Carolyn was a member of the New Hampshire Teachers Association and the St. James Methodist Church in Merrimack, N.H.
Carolyn had a passion for many things, including gardening, collecting Hummels and rocks, bird watching and traveling. Her travels took her to many places, including Alaska, San Juan and Switzerland. She had a strong religious faith and she loved to volunteer at her church.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, Richard Keith of New London, N.H.; her father, Richard Ellis of South Royalton; her step-children, Rick Keith, David Keith, Janet Keith, Laurel Keith, Chris Keith, Brian Keith, Brian Chicoine, Gail Chicoine, Lynn Chicoine and Joanne Cross; one brother, David Ellis and his wife, Ann of South Royalton; two sisters, Marti Lewis and her husband, David of South Royalton, and Joan Tabor and her husband, Bob of Bethel; and several step-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Carolyn was predeceased by her mother, Pauline Ellis in 2007; her husband, Reginald Chicoine in 1989; and a stepson, Gary Chicoine.
Memorial contributions may be made to either: United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, 8085 Saltsburg Road, Suite 201, Pittsburg, Penn. 15239 or St. James United Methodist Church, PO Box 895, Merrimack, N.H. 03054.
A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea.

This obituary first appeared in the April 3, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, April 13 from 2-4 p.m. at the Cabot Funeral Home for Paul M. Lenett, 82, who passed away on April 3 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Paul was born on June 1, 1931, in Brooklyn N.Y., the only child of Philip and Rivka (Friedlander) Feingold, and raised in Madison, Wis, where his father was a physician.
Paul was a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. After turning in his cap and gown, he hitchhiked to New York City, to begin what became a very successful career on Madison Avenue. One of the original “Mad Men,” Paul worked on many successful campaigns and product launches, including Volvo, Perdue Chicken and Revlon. A copywriter and later account manager at Need-ham Harper and Steers, and Scali, McCabe, Sloves, Paul eventually opened his own shop, Sklar-Lenett Associates, in Rye, N.Y. He retired from the ad business in 1986, but continued to do consulting and promotional work for a number of happy clients and organizations he served.
Paul was very active in the Woodstock community, where he served on the board of directors of The Woodstock Historical Society, The Ottauquechee Health Foundation, The Thompson Senior Center, and the Woodstock Recreation Department. He served as the town liaison to the National Parks Department during the period that the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park was created. A longtime member of the Woodstock Rotary Club, Paul was also a member of the Woodstock Masonic Lodge.
Paul was passionate about many things, most especially early American painting and painted furniture, sailing, bird watching and gardening. He was a crack shot and enjoyed many bird-hunting trips to what he called the “disorganized territories” of northern Maine. He liked to fish, too, but was not as successful with the rod & reel as with a shotgun. The fruits (or birds) of his labors were often celebrated by the many friends he collected over the years, who dined on partridge at annual “hunter-gatherer dinners” held at his home in South Woodstock, the place he said he loved most. He loved Sinatra, Cole Porter and completed the New York Times crossword puzzle every week. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was infinitely funny, to the very end. He liked to travel, too, and made several memorable sailing trips to the Caribbean with his sons and friends, many summers visiting Nantucket, then later trips to Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Eager to please, Paul took dancing lessons with his wife of 26 years, Mary Ellen McCue, who survives him, along with his stepchildren, Kelly Halpern of Long Island, N.Y., and Brad and Nick Ruderman of Vermont, his children, Emily Pill of Nantucket, Josh and Nick Lenett of California, five grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren, all of whom adored him and will forever honor his memory.
Paul was predeceased by his parents; and his first wife, Judith Lenett.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Thompson Senior Center, Route 4 West, Woodstock, where Paul spent many happy days.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock. Condolences may be offered by visiting cabotfh.com

This obituary first appeared in the April 10, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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SOUTH ROYALTON — A memorial funeral service followed by a reception will be held on Friday, April 11 at 1 p.m. at The United Church of South Royalton for Marion I. Button, 95, who died March 31 at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph. Reverend Ken White will preside. Burial will be in the Branch View Cemetery in South Royalton.
She was born Feb. 6, 1919 in Bethel, daughter of Arthur E. and Iva L. (Russ) Wood.
Marion graduated from South Royalton High School in the class 1937.
She married Clarence Josiah (Joe) Button of Chelsea on July 6, 1942. They lived all their married life in South Royalton.
Marion worked as a telephone operator and receptionist for a dentist and optometrist. Marion spent the rest of her time as a homemaker.
She was a member of the United Church of South Royalton. Sister Marion I. Button joined Rising Sun Chapter, No. 12, in South Royalton on Nov. 7, 1946, and became a member of Forest-Unity Chapter, No. 82, in Sharon on Feb. 4, 2001, when those two Chapters consolidated. She served Rising Sun Chapter as Ruth, Marshal, Associate Conductress, Conductress, Associate Matron, Worthy Matron for 18 years, Secretary for 12 years and Treasurer. She served as District Deputy Grand Matron in 1956-1958 and Grand Representative of Arkansas. In 1958, she was appointed Grand Lecturer by Sister Nellie French and continued through the chairs to serve as Worthy Grand Matron, presiding over the “Star of Love” Session in 1965 with Brother George K. MacDonald as her Worthy Grand Patron. Sister Marion was appointed to the Fraternal Relations Committee of the General Grand Chapter for the 1979-1982 Triennium.
She enjoyed gardening, sewing, all of her nieces and nephews and family gatherings and particularly spending time with her grandson, David.
Survivors include her son, Bruce Button and Katherine Ash of Concord, Mass. and grandson, David Button of Boston, Mass.; a sister, Rita Turner of Bethel; nephew, Richard and his wife, “Bunny” Button of Chelsea; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was predeceased by her husband, Clarence “Joe” Button; and two brothers, Newall A. Wood and Duane Wood.
Memorial contributions may be made to Vermont Eastern Star Home, Inc., c/o Deborah Litchfield, P.G.M. P.O. Box 1113, West Townshend, 05359.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea.
A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com.

This obituary first appeared in the April 10, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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VENICE, Fla. — There will be a private service for family only followed by a celebrations of life at a later date for Janet Lowrey Pennington, 66, who passed away peacefully on April 4 at the Tidewell Hospice House in Sarasota, Fla.
She was born May 2, 1947 in Bedford, Beds, England, daughter of Albert and Mary (Horner) Lowrey.
She attended school in Bedford and Cardington prior to immigrating to the United States at age 16. She originally lived in North Pomfret, and then moved to Charleston, S.C., where she met and married her sweetheart Harold Pennington in September of 1967.
They made their home in Charleston, S.C. Upon retirement they traveled extensively prior to moving to Venice two years ago.
Janet leaves her husband of 46 years; three sons, Paul Pennington of Holly Hills, S.C., Wayne Pennington and wife Jaime of Georgia, and John Pennington and wife Diane of Morehead, Minn.; three grandchildren, Elsa, Aidan and Trevor; two sisters, Beryl Wong of North Charleston, S.C. and Jean Chase of North Pomfret; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; and sister, Sheila Harbiston.
Janet was an avid quilter, knitter and crochetier, making and donating hundreds of items to hospitals, nursing homes and hospices. She especially enjoyed her last two years in Venice where she made tons of friends and neighbors throughout Bay Indies and Venice Ranch.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Janet’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38101 or to the local SPCA.
Ewing Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
This obituary first appeared in the April 10, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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BRUNSWICK, Maine — A memorial service will be held at the Brownsville Community Church in Vermont later in May for Frederic A. Jenks, 98, who died peacefully on April 1 at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, Maine.
He was born in Lakewood, Ohio on May 31, 1915, son of Frederic A. Jenks, Sr. and Ada Alice Dunkerley.
He grew up in the Boston, Mass. area and graduated from The Roxbury Latin School in 1934. He went to M.I.T. in Cambridge, Mass. and took aeronautical and communications engineering, graduating with a BS in EE in 1938.
His first job right out of M.I.T. was with the National Union Radio Corporation in Newark, N.J. designing and building television picture tubes and their circuits. In 1939 he joined the Sperry Gyroscope Company where he developed aeronautical applications for klystron microwave tubes, in both California and Garden City, Long Island, N.Y. during World War II.
He married Helen E. Purinton of Leominster, Mass. in 1940, and they went to California so he could work at Sperry’s San Carlos Laboratory. While in California he took graduate courses in microwave engineering at Stanford University. In 1946 he joined the Raytheon Company in Waltham, Mass., and worked on guided missiles, aircraft radar, fighter cockpit design, aircraft instrumentation and automatic landing systems. He also was program manager for several major military contracts. From 1958 to 1966 he was also a consultant to the U.S. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, working with the Guidance and Control Panel on special satellites and navigation systems. He was a Life Member (Senior Grade) of the IEEE, a member of the ARRL, the AMSAT, and the QSARC. The IEEE is a professional engineering organization and the latter three are amateur radio organizations. He was an active amateur radio operator (W1GEI) since 1933.
He and his late wife, Helen, traveled extensively in Europe, the Caribbean, the United States, and Hawaii. He also visited Israel for three weeks in 1996. They lived in Palo Alto, Calif., Rockville Center, Long Island, N.Y. Dedham, Mass. and Wayland, Mass. before retiring to Brownsville in 1979. They also had a ski house in Brownsville from 1965 to 2012, near the Mt. Ascutney ski area. Also, in 1952 they bought a cottage on Bustins Island in Casco Bay, Maine that is used each summer by the family and their friends.
While living in Wayland, Mass., he was active in the Trinitarian Congregational Church, then after retirement he was active in the Brownsville Community Church of Brownsville, the Calvary Baptist Church of Claremont, N.H., where he was a Deacon, and at the Trinity Evangelical Free Church of Windsor, where he was an Elder. He was a Director of the West Windsor Historical Society, and was its President for two years. He set up, programmed, and maintained the first computer system in the Town of West Windsor that provided many services to the Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, the Auditors, Listers and others.
He is survived by three daughters: Darby E. Mumford and her husband, Warren W. of Bowdoin, Maine, Patricia L. Jenks and her spouse Joan A. Wright of Suffield, Conn. and Vicki S. Wells and her husband Michael J. of Oakville, Wash.; five grandchildren: Tracy Cerrato and her husband John, Stephanie Gauthier and her husband Joe, Kathi Dugal and her husband Matt, Ian Wells and his wife Mindy, and Jacob Wells and his wife Kahlua; three step-grandchildren: Bill Gullickson, Robert Wells, and Traci Wells; and by eight great-grandchildren: Joshua, Ben, Bethany and Brittany Gauthier, Emma, Lydia and James Dugal, and Alexia Wells.
His wife and best friend, Helen, died in 1986 of bone cancer.
Donations to the American Cancer Society or any cancer research organization of your choice, in lieu of flowers, would be appreciated.
Memorial condolences may be made at Direct Cremation of Maine (DirectCremationofMaine.com).

This obituary first appeared in the April 10, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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GREENLAND, N.H. — Services will be held on April 13 at 2 p.m. at the Rye Congregational Church, Rye Center, N.H. for E. Rosalyn Rhoades, 97, who died March 26 at Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover. After cremation burial will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Proctorsville.
She was born in Pownal on Oct. 19, 1916, daughter of the late, Anson M. and Ada R. (Bilger) Pratt.
She resided 48 years in Proctorsville before moving to Hudson, Fla. in 1987. She has been a Greenland resident since 2002.
Mrs. Rhoades was a registered nurse for over 40 years. She was the supervisor of surgery at Springfield Hospital in Vermont and also worked in private duty. She retired from nursing in 1979 after working 10 years as plant nurse for General Electric in Rutland.
She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, and other handcrafts.
She was a member of the Exeter Women’s Bowling League and a member of the Rye Congregational Church and the Cavendish Baptist Church.
Survivors include one son, Gilbert A. Rhoades of Milton; one daughter, Martha R. Cloutier of Greenland; eight grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth Bostock of Ludlow and Rhoda Chase of San Lucas, Mexico; and several nieces and nephews.
She was the wife of the late Carl A. Rhoades who died in 1993. One sister, Frances Schotchmer, also predeceased her in 1985.
The family requests that flowers please be omitted. If desired, donations may be made to the Rye Congregational Church, 580 Washington Road, Rye, N.H. 03870, or the Hyder Family Hospice House, 285 County Farm Road, Dover, N.H. 03820.
Arrangements are by the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, Hampton. Please visit www.RemickGendron.com to view Rosalyn’s memorial Web site, sign the tribute wall or for directions.
This obituary first appeared in the April 10, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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LAKE WALES, Fla. — Charlie Soule, 80, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2014 from complications following heart surgery.
He was born in Barnard on Nov. 19, 1933 son of Mary Jane Jillson Soule and Frank P. Soule.
He attended Woodstock High School, and is remembered for his excellent abilities on the football field. He was an active member of the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956, serving in Korea during that time.
He returned to work in the Woodstock area for many years, also serving as an active member of the volunteer Woodstock Fire Department, part of that time as Assistant Chief. He also, with his wife and his in-laws, Sharon and Peter Hall, owned and ran “Pete & Bill’s” grocery store for several years. After relocating to Lake Wales, Fla. Charlie worked as a mason, and then operated his own lawn service for “snowbird” friends and neighbors in Saddlebag Lake Resort, where he resided.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Patricia Hall Soule; his former wife, Jane Pinney Soule; one brother, William (Joy) Soule; three sons, Frank (Kelly) Soule, Glenn Soule, Rick (Debby) Parks; and two daughters, Calista (Tom) Brennan and Jennifer Salk (David) Ehrich; eight grandchildren, Jason Brooker, Amanda Soule, Kaleigh Soule, Austin Soule, Benton Soule, Ashtin Soule, Lilly Parks and Jack Parks; and numerous close cousin, nieces and nephews.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents; one sister, Almeda Novotny; and two brothers, Damon Jillson and Walter Soule.
Charlie Soule was a proud member of The American Legion Post 0024 in Woodstock, the VFW Post 2420 in Lake Wales, Fla., The Loyal Order of the Moose Pekin Ill. Lodge 916 and was a life member of the Hartford Lodge 1541 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He enjoyed playing his own brand of left-handed golf, and especially loved to fish in the lakes surrounding Lake Wales with his good friend and fishing buddy Dick, and sharing the resulting ‘fish fry’s’ with all his friends. He was known in Saddlebag as “The Mayor of Woodruff Way.” He will be missed.
If anyone wishes to honor Charlie in any way, memorial contributions could be made to the Woodstock Fire Department, Woodstock, 05091, or any charity of your choosing.
Memories can be shared with any of his family at any time and will be greatly appreciated. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com
This obituary first appeared in the April 10, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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PROCTOR — Funeral services will be held at the convenience of her family for Brianna Marie Bailey-Dodge, 30, of Burlington, who passed away April 1 at the home of her mother and special father in Proctor, surrounded by loved ones.
A celebration of her life for family and friends will be held Saturday, June 7, 2014, at Mount Philo State Park in Charlotte, from noon to 3 p.m., with a rain date of June 8. More information and notices will be forthcoming.
She was born in Hanover, N.H. on Aug. 2, 1983, daughter of Sheila Bowley-Krause and Robert Bailey.
Brianna attended schools in Hanover, N.H., and graduated from the University of Montana in 2006. She earned her master’s degree in education at the University of Vermont in 2008. Her first teaching job was at Newfound Memorial School in Bristol, N.H., and more recently at Waits River Valley School in Corinth.
She is survived by her husband, Jason Dodge of Burlington; her mother, Sheila Bowley-Krause and husband, William Krause of Proctor; her father, Robert Bailey of Etna; two brothers, BenJamin Bailey of Livingston, Mont. and Brendan Bailey of Etna, N.H.; her maternal grandfather, John F. Bowley of Hartland; her Uncle John (Butch) and Aunt Audrey; her Uncle Tom and Aunt Gay of Alaska; her Aunt Sue of Burlington; her Aunt Shelly and Uncle Greg from Pomfret; her Aunt Carol and Uncle Bill from Newbury; and her Uncle Jack and the late Aunt Nan from Norwich. She also has several loving cousins.
Brianna cherished her dog “Pedey” and cat “Zula,” and loved the great outdoors. She enjoyed hiking and skiing in Vermont and Montana. She participated and volunteered her time with the Adaptive Ski Program in Bolton and Pico.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Fletcher Allen Health Care, Cancer Patient Support (CPS) are welcomed. Please make checks payable to CPS and mail to P.O. Box 64700, Burlington, 04506, RE: Brianna Bailey Summit for Sarcoma. For more information, e-mail info@cpspvt.org, or log onto web address: www.cpspvt.org to make donations online.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland.
Go to www.thevermontstandard.com to view this obituary and leave condolences.

LASCASSAS, Tenn. — The funeral service for Bernard Silas Richardson, 84 who passed away April 9 at St. Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, Tenn. was held April 11 with Bro. Kevin Dye officiating. Burial was at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Richardson was born in Hardwick, son of the late Herbert Charles and Margaret Mary Peters Richardson.
A long time resident of Plymouth, Mr. Richardson previously worked at the Lewis Bible Bindery in West Woodstock and the V.A. Hospital in White River Junction. He retired from the V.A. Hospital in Murfreesboro, Tenn. in 1996.
He was a member of the North Boulevard Church of Christ and was a veteran of the United States Army.
He is survived by one son, Bruce (Becky) Richardson of Smyrna, Tenn; and four grandchildren, Michael, Kayla, Kelsey, and Mason Richardson.
Mr. Richardson was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Lucille Richardson; and one brother, Harry Richardson.
This obituary first appeared in the April 17, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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NEW YORK, NY – In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held for Thomas J. Byrne Jr., 89, who died on April 11 from a heart attack while jogging near his home in New York City.
He was born on May 1, 1924 son of Thomas and Mary Byrne, he grew up in the New York City area, first in the Bronx, then mainly Long Beach on Long Island and briefly Queens during his high school years.
His father’s steady job working for the City Assessor’s office enabled the family to make it through the Depression, but those challenging times left an indelible impression on Tom. He enjoyed spending time on the water and in small boats, and with a cousin occasionally sneaked onto a nearby golf course at night to dive in water hazards and collect misplayed golf balls, which they would then resell.
Tom attended New York City public schools and Princeton University, where he majored in economics and was on the swim team. With the outbreak of war, Tom interrupted his studies to enlist in the Navy. He served on an underwater demolition team and was stationed on ships in the Pacific. Shortly after the Armistice was signed, he entered Japan as part of the occupation forces, and upon seeing the massive gun emplacements surrounding the harbors was thankful not to be part of an invasion force. He helped to clean out the harbors and later spent several months driving around Japan in a Jeep with a surveyor crew. He kept fond memories of this time and the Japanese people he met.
When his military service ended, he returned to complete his undergraduate degree at Princeton. His first job out of college was with the Abraham and Strauss (A&S) department store in Brooklyn, where he met Marilyn Horst. They married in 1955.
Tom’s stint in retail did not last long as he left to join Shields & Co., a brokerage firm and investment bank. There he gained an appreciation for financial markets that would become a lifelong passion. He spent nearly four decades as an investment banker with the firm, which through a series of acquisitions eventually became Prudential-Bache Securities. Upon reaching the firm’s mandatory retirement age, he moved to other smaller firms, including Ladenburg Thalmann and William D. Witter, and then spent the last 10 years searching for investment opportunities on his own.
Tom loved to invest in young growth companies and took the greatest pleasure from watching people with a good idea put it to the test and succeed. Over the years he saw – and avoided – plenty of shenanigans on Wall Street and experienced the market’s ups and downs, but he remained at heart an optimist who viewed the market as an impartial arbiter of what works. He had little patience for politicians and ideologues of any stripe, and notwithstanding a conservative crew cut and taciturn demeanor, believed that everyone deserves a fair shake and some need a helping hand.
Tom’s ties to Vermont date back to the 1950s, when he and Marilyn purchased an old farm on Broad Brook Road in East Barnard, where they spent vacations and summers with their two children. He was always grateful for the friendship and support of the East Barnard community. In his later years, Tom took up gardening and always looked forward to planting new flowers and whacking weeds.
Tom was predeceased by a son, Thomas Byrne III, and is survived by his wife Marilyn of New York City, his daughter Laura Byrne and son-in-law Philip Glouchevitch of Hanover, NH, and grandsons Cameron and Adrian.

This obituary first appeared in the April 17, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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BURLINGTON — A graveside service will be held on June 1 at 2 p.m. in the old part of the Riverside Cemetery in Woodstock for Ruth Johnston Zaloom, 48, who died at her home in Burlington on April 6.
Ruth was born on Sept. 20, 1965 in San Carlos, Ariz.
Ruth is survived by her husband David Zaloom; stepchildren Anthony and Michael Zaloom;, her mother Doris (Barclay) Johnston; five brothers; Thomas, Mark, Neil, Peter, and David; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her father, Rev. David B. Johnston.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock. Condolences may be offered by visiting cabotfh.com

This obituary first appeared in the April 17, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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MONTPELIER — A graveside service will be held in the Riverside Cemetery in Woodstock at a later date for Henry Frank Witzenberger, 96, who died peacefully on April 1 at Heaton Woods in Montpelier.
Mr. Witzenberger was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on March 30, 1918, son of Henry and Jennie (Kopitsh) Witzenberger.
He graduated from Farmington High School in Long Island, N.Y. in 1936.
He worked in Meteorological Repairs in the U.S. Signal Core during World War II.
Henry married Dorothy Walker on Jan. 25, 1942 in Farmingdale, N.Y.
Mr. Witzenberger worked for Sperry Gyroscope in Little Neck Long Island and for Henry J. Green in West Berry Long Island.
The Witzenbergers moved to Vermont in 1987.
Mr. Witzenberger was a member of the Phoenix Orion Masonic Lodge #205 and the Montpelier Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy of Montpelier; one son Thomas of Boca Raton, Fla.; three granddaughters, Ashley, Alexander, and Ariel; and great-granddaughter, Annabelle.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the amazing staff at Heaton Woods Assisted Living and Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice for their loving care of Henry.
Those wishing may make memorial donations to their local Hospice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont. Condolences may be offered by visiting cabotfh.com

This obituary first appeared in the April 17, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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BRIDGEWATER — A graveside service and internment at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center is scheduled for June 20, at 11 a.m. for both Cecelia and Alfred Grover. Cecelia passed away on Wednesday April 9 at the Christian Care Nursing Home, Springfield, Tenn. Alfred passed away in 2012.
She was born on March 11, 1922, in Woodstock.
She graduated from Woodstock High School in 1940. Cecelia enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps (WACS) in 1944 and was assigned to a medical unit tending injured soldiers returning from the war.
Upon discharge from the Service in 1947 she worked at the Boston Army Base until moving back to her beloved Vermont in 1954. Until her retirement in 1982, Cecelia was office manager for ASCS, Department of Agriculture in Woodstock. She often reflected on these years with ASCS and the enjoyment she had working with farmers throughout Windsor County.
An avid Red Sox and Celtics fan, she rarely missed a game.
Survivors include her brother James Bradley of Woodstock; a son, Daniel and his wife, Wendy of Portland, Tenn.; four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Cecelia was predeceased by her husband of 58 years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Bridgewater Vermont Ambulance Service.
This obituary first appeared in the April 17, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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There will be no services for Fred C. Peck II. He will be cremated and his ashes will be buried at Riverside Cemetery in Woodstock.
He was born in 1935, son of Victoria Zemo and Seth Hubbel Peck and stepfather Harry Tarleton of Woodstock, Fred’s hometown.
He was a graduate of Woodstock High School, Springfield College, and Colgate University with several hours of advanced studies at various colleges.
Fred began his teaching career at Lamoille Central Academy in Hyde Park and Chester, before moving to New York State where he become internationally known for developing a successful rehabilitation for troubled youth. He was director of the Masonville Youth Opportunity Camp at Camp Brace in Masonville, N.Y. He worked with the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps Cape Cod Adolescent Treatment Center in Massachusetts, serving as director of the Robert F. Kennedy School.
A resident of Cape Cod for many years, he served as executive director of the A.I.M. Medical Center and facilitated his private psychotherapy practice.
He returned home to Vermont serving as senior counselor in Rochester and South Royalton. He was also the principal at the Northfield Middle School and Stafford Technical Center.
He retired to Cape Cod, and eventually to Florida where he enjoyed the warmer climate.
He is survived by his daughter Deborah Hripak of Milford, Conn. (deceased husband David), and his grandchildren David and Megan Hripak, also survived by daughter, Karen Nunes of Springfield, Mass. (husband Jerry), one son, Fred C. Peck, III of Charlottesville, Vir. (wife Susan), and his grandchildren Kelsey, Emily, and Justin Peck; adoptive daughter, Sharri Maynard of Franklin, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Carlee Kendall, Ryan, and Thomas Maynard, and one great-grandson, Caden Roberts; one sister Emelia Peck; and niece Cindy and nephew Mark Maynard; and his dear friend and companion Lee of Seminole, Fla.
This obituary first appeared in the April 17, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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DENVER, CO – Visiting hours will be held Monday, April 21 from 3-5 p.m. at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., with a memorial service following at the funeral home at 5p.m. for Sean M. Densmore, 24, formerly of Hartland and Hartford, VT was killed in a hit and run accident on Sunday April 13th in Denver.
A social gathering with refreshments will be held at the Wilder Center after the service.
Sean was born Dec 14, 1989 in Hanover, N.H. son of Brian and Gloria (Perreault) Densmore.
He grew up in Hartland and graduated from Hartford High as President of the Class of 2008. He participated in soccer, lacrosse, track, rec basketball and was on the Student Council.
He will be remembered as a friendly, easy-going person who got along well with everyone. He was lucky to have a good group of close friends both in high school and college. Sean was a bright student and a hard worker. During high school and college he worked for the Quechee Club grounds crew, Shaw’s, Videostop, Merrill Lynch and JPMorgan Chase. He had worked his way from valet parker to parking site manager at the Marriott Downtown Denver.
Sean loved the outdoors, especially skiing, which drew him to Colorado Univ. at Boulder. He also loved kayaking and hiking. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed writing fiction and poetry. His passion for learning and sharing his knowledge with others led him to Metro State Univ. in Denver where he was pursuing a degree in history and education.
In recent years, Sean got a kick out of playing the ukulele and singing along. He also had become adventurous in the kitchen and cooked a big Thanksgiving meal for his roommates along with 25 or so of their friends. Hot and spicy was his favorite!
Sean is survived by his father, Brian Densmore of Quechee; his mother, Gloria Densmore of Boxboro, Mass. and Windsor; one sister, Chelsea Densmore and her fiancé, Zach von Hasseln of Missoula, Mont. as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Condolences may be expressed to Sean’s family in an online guest book at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
This obituary first appeared in the April 17, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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SOUTH ROYALTON —There will be a private graveside burial for Ruth Page (Mori) Morgan, who passed away peacefully at her home on April 8 with her husband and daughters by her side. She died of Leiomyosarcoma cancer. Ruth was 54 years old.
Ruth was a deeply loved and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She had a beautiful ready smile for all she met.
She was born in Glen Cove, N.Y., daughter of Albert and Dorothy (Wyman) Mori on Dec. 20, 1959.
Ruth graduated from Manhasset High School and attended Wheaton College. She lived in Concord, Mass., where she and her first husband had three daughters.
Ruth and the girls moved to Hanover, N.H. in 1989 where she spent the next 14 years. She met her future husband, Steve Morgan, in 1994 and the two were married in July 2001.
With her radiant disposition, unwavering optimism, and warm heart, Ruth worked in education at The Bernice A. Ray School and Crossroads Academy and later as a case manager at the Upper Valley Haven where she was an advocate for all ages and backgrounds. She also had fond memories of summers working with special needs children. When recently asked her favorite occupation, without hesitation Ruth replied, “Grandmother.”
Ruth and Steve shared a marriage filled with love, laughter, many adventures and long walks. They were partners in life and best friends. They took trips throughout North America and visited Ruth’s sister in Italy. Happiest with her toes in the sand and her face tilted towards the sun, Ruth had a special place in her heart for the island Eleuthera.
Ruth referred to her three daughters as her “girlie girls” and was an extraordinarily devoted mother and friend. Ruth’s strength, positivity and terrific sense of humor were apparent to all who knew her and she was proud to have instilled these qualities into her legacies. She considered raising her daughters her greatest accomplishment.
Ruthie will be greatly missed.
Survivors include her husband Steve Morgan of South Royalton; three daughters, Christina Finigan Nihan of Manhattan N.Y., Holly Finigan of Nantucket Mass., and Sanna Finigan McAuliffe of Boston Mass.; granddaughter, Ava Page Nihan; mother Dorothy Mori of West Lebanon; sister Nina Mori Gorini of Florence, Italy; brother, Stephen L. Mori of Huntington N.Y.; and two nephews, Alberto and Giorgio Gorini.
Ruth was predeceased by her father, Albert H. Mori.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Vermont & New Hampshire, 66 Benning Street Suite 6, West Lebanon, N.H. 03784.
The Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock assisted the family, condolences may be offered by visiting cabotfh.com

This obituary first appeared in the April 17, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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SOUTH READING — The memorial service for Willem A. Bijlefeld, 88, who passed away Dec. 15, 2013, will be held Saturday, May 3 at 11 a.m. at the United Church of Ludlow at 48 Pleasant Street in Ludlow. Rev. Donald Harpster, Pastor will officiate.
The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor is entrusted with the arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed to his family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com

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HARTLAND — A graveside service will be held Thursday, May 15 at 11 a.m. at the Vermont Veteran Center in Randolph Center for Robert Weston Morancy, Sr., 86, who died April 14 at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in White River Junction.
He was the fourth son and seventh of eight children born to Verginand Joseph and Lorna Bertha (Weston) Morancy on May 21, 1927 in Morrisville.
Employment opportunity brought him to White River Junction in the early 1940s. He served in the U.S. Army as a machine gunner during World War II. Four bronze stars were awarded to him for serving in the Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland, Rome-Arno and Southern France campaigns during the European Theater of Operations while assigned to the 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart with an Oak Leaf Cluster for wounds received in action during the Battle of the Bulge. In 1980, he retired following 33 years of employment by the Veterans Administration.
Robert married Lucille Antoinette Hill on Dec. 1, 1945, in White River Junction. They were later divorced. On March 21, 1975, he married Rosemary Barbara (Howard) Spear in Hartland.
He served on the Executive Board, as President of Vermont Federation of Chapters, National Association of Retired Federal Employees; Hartford Civil Defense Director 1973 – 1977; Hartford Volunteer Firefighter and EMT; and Hartland Deputy Health Officer. He was a member of the Sierra Club, Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans.
He was a sociable, inquisitive being who enjoyed people in general. He enjoyed what most considered work. Depending upon seasonal beckoning, a good day was to split and stack firewood, mow the lawn, lend a hand in the hayfield, clear snow, and when nature interfered, window washing sufficed. Above all, he took pleasure in the company of family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Rosemary of Hartland; two sons from his first marriage, Robert Weston Morancy, Jr. and wife Julianne (Rohanik) of Croydon, N.H. and Timothy Edward Morancy and wife Maryhelen (Gibson) of East Waterboro, Maine; a son from his second marriage, Daniel Howard Morancy and wife Mandi Potter of Hartland; a step-daughter, Barbara Brooks Spear (Gary Coolidge) of Claremont, N.H., a brother, Walter Oliver Morancy of White River Junction; a sister, Mildred “Joan” Kowalski and husband, Frank of Pennsylvania; 13 grandchildren: Robert Weston Morancy III, Ryan Morancy, Thomas Morancy, Tye Morancy, Derek Morancy, Alexandra Morancy, Dominick Morancy, Cole Morancy, Bryce Morancy, Ava Morancy, Julie Morse, Courtney Coolidge, Kyle Coolidge; five great-grandchildren: Robert Weston Morancy IV, Hannah Rose Morancy, Madison Morancy, Weston Kyle Gunnip, Emma Sofia Dematteo; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Albert Ferdinand Morancy and Raymond Norris Morancy; three sisters, Pearl Dorothy Laraway Coan, Elsie May Beal, and Helen Rose Maillioux; one granddaughter, Kimberly Dawn Morancy; and a great-grandson, Elijah James Gunnip.
The Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction has been entrusted with arrangements.

This obituary first appeared in the April 24, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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LITTLE RIVER, SC — Private services will be held with the family for Patricia Hayden McCullough, who passed away unexpectedly at her home on April 18, 2014, in Little River, S.C. She was born in St. Albans, on May 23, 1952, the daughter of Stanley and Elizabeth (Robie) Hayden. Patti was a 1970 graduate of Rutland High School.
Survivors include her mother, Elizabeth, of Center Rutland; her loving husband, Gary, formerly of West Rutland; one son, Eric, and his wife, Nancy, and their two children, Alex and Elliot of Nanticoke, Penn.; one daughter, Melinda, and her husband, Steve Nafe, and their two children, Breeanna and Hayden of Coates, N.C.; one brother, Robert Hayden, and his wife, Joan, of Quechee; one sister, Linda Flynn, and her husband, David, of North Chittenden; one niece, Trysh, two nephews Joe and Travis, and aunts, uncles and many cousins.
Patti was predeceased by her father in 2010.
She enjoyed her flowers, decorating her home and spending time with her family. Patti will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.

This obituary first appeared in the April 24, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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