Obituaries
• Kåre Andersen, 96, of Londonderry. Died Dec. 20 in Brattleboro. Born in Kolbotn, Norway, he was educated in the Norwegian public education system before apprenticing as a tailor. He worked first in Oslo as a master tailor/designer with his sister Martha before travelling to India in 1953. There, he worked until 1957, personally designing outfits for maharajahs, ambassadors and Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. In 1957 he travelled to Montreal, before emigrating to the United States in 1958, settling in New Haven, Conn. He continued to work as a master tailor/designer, first with Fenn Feinstein Co., and then A.M. Rosenberg Co. of New Haven. He personally designed suits for the late President John F. Kennedy, Sargent Shriver, members of the Mellon and Ford families, and many others before retiring in 1981 and moving with special friends to VartLand in Londonderry to dedicate himself full time to Telemark skiing, singing, baking and golf. As a boy, he learned cross-country skiing in order to travel 20 kilometers to school, and was a regionally recognized ski jumper. In this country, he was an early proponent of Telemark skiing and was a PSIA Telemark instructor at Bromley Mountain in Peru until he was in his mid 1990s. In 1985, he started his annual Telemark ski race, which has run continuously for 27 years. Currently held at Bromley, it is one of the oldest Telemark races in the United States. He was famous for his almond cakes, which he gave to sponsors of his race. PSIA made him a lifetime member in 2002 and in 2011, and the Kåre Andersen Telemark Center at Bromley was named in his honor. He was known for his strong tenor and was a member of the Swedish singing groups Nordic Harmoni, Apollo Singing, and others. His last concert was in early December. During the summer, he was a groundskeeper at Tater Hill Golf Club, as well as an active golfer well into his nineties. He is survived by his very close friend and partner in many of his adventures, Valerie Johnson. He will be missed throughout the state of Vermont by his many friends and neighbors, as well as in many more states across the country. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Jan. 4 at the Second Congregational Church in Londonderry.
• Michael Wayne Austin Sr., 56, of Belchertown, Mass. Died Dec. 28. Husband of Linda Baillie Austin. Father of Michael Austin Jr. and Erik Austin, both of Belchertown. Twin brother of Mitchell Austin and his wife, Linda, of Bristol, Conn. Brother of Glenda Baldissero of Bridgeton, N.J. and Lori Bunton and her husband, Marion, of Acworth, Ga. Half-brother of Glenn R. Austin and his wife, Joan, of Somersworth, N.H. and Jeffrey Austin and his wife, Leah, of Brookline. Born in Townshend, he was the son of Marion DelGiudice of Greer, S.C., and the late Glenn Austin, Sr. He lived in a variety of places throughout his life and had settled in Belchertown 14 years ago. He worked for Superior Carriers in Springfield, Mass. for 20 years and served as its Eastern regional fleet manager. In his leisure, he enjoyed NASCAR, trips to Florida, as well as to the woods of New Hampshire and Vermont. Additionally, he was a Patriots and Red Sox fan. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held Jan. 2 at Beers & Story Funeral Home in Belchertown. Donations to VNA & Hospice of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 168 Industrial Dr., Northampton, MA 01060.
• Jerald S. Boldezar, 71, of South Londonderry. Died Dec. 26. Husband of Diane Boldezar. Father of Christine Reina, Dee Kuiken, Michael Boldezar, and daughter-in-law Tonya Boldezar. He lived in Hawthorne, N.J., and Elmwood Park before moving to Vermont. He was a lifelong New York Giants fan and loved football. He coached the Elmwood Park Bombers for many years. He was an avid reader and enjoyed drum corps, skiing, and playing golf. He was a dear friend to many, a member of American Legion Post 37 in Chester and served in the Army. He enjoyed giving to others and sharing in making memories with friends and family. Memorial information: Services were private. Donations to American Legion Post 67, P.O. Box 75, Chester, VT 05143.
• Dorothy Clark, 92, of Guilford. Died Dec. 28 at Thompson House in Brattleboro. Wife of the late Kenneth Clark for 47 years. Mother of Alan Clark and his wife, Kathy, of Westcliffe, Colo., and the late Philip Clark. Born in Guilford, the daughter of the late Edward and Bertha Franklin. She was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1938. She worked for many years as a waitress at the Latchis Restaurant and at Stacia's in Brattleboro. She was a devoted daughter, caring for her mother in her later years. She enjoyed her flowers and vegetable gardening and was a member of various Guilford community organizations. She was also a member of the Guilford Community Church and attended services there until her health prevented her from doing so. She was also a member of the Ladies Aid Society and Church Bible Study Group. After a lifetime in Guilford, she spent three years in assisted living at Hilltop House in Brattleboro prior to being placed in nursing care at Thompson House. Memorial information: Funeral services were held on Jan. 4 at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Interment will take place a later date in Guilford Center Cemetery.
• Helen Bennett Clark, 93, of Bellows Falls. Died Dec. 31 at her home. Wife of the late Bernard A. Clark for 66 years. Mother of Donald Clark of Grafton and the late Carolyn McAuliffe. Sister of the late Lt. Col. Herbert Bennett and Edmund Bennett. She was born in Bronx, N.Y., the daughter of the late David E. and Sarah (Copeland) Bennett. She was a member of many church and social clubs in Saxtons River, many of which involved her children. She acted in several plays at Vermont Academy, the Odd Fellows Hall and Kurn Hattin. She had the lead in Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience and Pinafore, Honey Bun, and Annie, Get Your Gun. She was a 62-year member of the Eastern Star and held many offices. She was an active member of the Bellows Falls Woman's Club, and a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, chair of the Gift Shop, and participated in the nourishment program. She enjoyed vacationing in Florida, ceramics, and music. Memorial information: A celebration of her life was held on Jan. 5 at Christ's Church in Saxtons River. Donations to Kurn Hattin Homes, P0 Box 127, Westminster, VT 05158; or to Ed and Chris DeCamp MGM, 73 Atkinson St., Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Kazimir Deloch, 59, of Bellows Falls. Died Dec. 26 at his home. Brother of Edward Detach, Lempster, N.H., Monica Howe and Hellen Deloch, both of Bellows Falls, and Rosita Deloch of Keene, N.H. Born in Bellows Falls, the son of the late Antoni and Anna (Klapa) Deloch, he went to North Walpole School and received his GED from the Army. He worked for Donald Highter Construction, Steve Moore Construction, was a painter for Wayne Rounds, and did various odd jobs. He served in the Army for 1975 to 1978. To all who knew him, he was and is a free spirit. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Jan. 5 at American Legion Post 37 in Bellows Falls.
• Mary Elizabeth (Barrett) Galanes, 83, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 31 at home following a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Wife of the late James G. “Jim” Galanes for 55 years. Mother of James Galanes of Ketchum, Idaho; Jerome Galanes and his companion, Susan Nelson, of Oak Island, N.C.; Matthew Galanes and his wife, Lynn, of Keene. N.H.; Joseph Galanes of Norwich; Linda Galanes of Keene, N.H.; Melissa Galanes and her husband, Richard “Dick” DeGray, of Brattleboro; Catina Galanes Grass of Holyoke, Mass.; and the late Timothy Dube Galanes. Sister of the late John Barrett, Bernard Barrett, William Barrett, and Barbara Barrett Daniels. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late William and Helen (Dunn) Barrett, she attended St. Michael's Parochial School and was a graduate of St. Michael's High School, Class of 1947. She was a devoted homemaker whose life centered around her family. For 26 years, she wintered with her husband in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. She was a painter, an avid reader and considered herself to be a lifelong learner. An accomplished artisan, she especially enjoyed knitting. Throughout the years, she completed an afghan for each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild in her family. She also enjoyed following her grandchildren's sporting events. She was a member of the Brattleboro Country Club and Pine Grove Springs Country Club in Spofford, N.H., and was a club champion at both courses. She was especially proud of the hole-in-one she achieved at the Brattleboro Country Club several years ago. She cherished the summers that were spent at her family's seasonal home on Lake Spofford. A devout Catholic, she was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Parish, where she was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, Ave Maria Circle #128. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Jan. 4 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, with burial in the family lot in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to Brigid's Kitchen, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at http://www.atamaniuk.com.
• Barbara M. Greenwood, 84, of Charlestown, N.H. Died Dec. 16 at Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland, N.H., where she lived for the past 12 years. Wife of the late Raymond Greenwood, the late Paul Blake, and the late Vincent Merenda. Mother of Paul Blake of Lebanon, N.H., Kathleen “Kitty” Foster and her husband, John, of North Walpole, N.H., and Margaret Little and her husband, Les, of El Cajon, Calif. Sister of Robert Mills and his wife, Cindy, of Newington, N.H.; Elsie Chapman and her husband, Philip, of Brattleboro; and the late Francis and Thomas E. Mills. She was born in North Haverhill, N.H., the daughter of the late Thomas and Margaret (Davis) Mills, she attended elementary school in Westminster and attended Bellows Falls High School. She worked for Basketville in Putney, Claremont Woven Label, and was a toll collector for the state of New Hampshire. Memorial information: There will be a graveside service at the convenience of the family in the Westminster Cemetery.
• Jane M. Hammond, 89, formerly of Hollis, N.H. Died Dec. 23 at the Genesis Nursing Facility in Keene, N.H. Wife of the late Norris Roget Hammond Jr. for 50 years. Mother of Jay Hammond of the Philippines, Lauren Hammond of Milford, N.H., Kent Hammond of San Jose, Calif., Norris Roger Hammond III of Hampden, Maine, and Margaret (Marty) Hammond of Springfield. Born in Bellows Falls, the daughter of the late Lester and Annaliese (Taylor) Williams, she was a graduate of Bellows Falls High School, Class of 1941, and Endicott Jr. College in Beverly, Mass., Class of 1943. She was a member of the Westminster Mothers Club and the Westminster Congregational Church. Memorial information: A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations to the Springfield Santa Claus, in care of 365 Summer St., Springfield, VT 05156.
• Anna Lucy Hart, 87, of Weston, Died Dec. 21 at her home. Longtime companion of the late Toot Hart. Mother of the late Larry Hart. Sister of Helen Merrow of South Londonderry, Elsie Fuller, and the late Harry and Charles Hart. Born in Weston, the daughter of the late Henry and Rosetta Hart, she worked at H.C. Jacquith Co. and the Bowl Mill in Weston for many years. Memorial information: A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Maple Grove Cemetery in Weston.
• Alfred W. Jackson, 89, of Newfane, formerly of Lexington, Mass. Died Dec. 28 at Grace Cottage Hospital. Husband of the late Ida Jackson. Father of the late Maryanne Jackson. Devoted companion of the late Lise Borth. Brother of George, Phillip, Mary, Alfreda and Edward Jackson. He was orphaned and blissfully adopted at a very young age. He served his nation proudly in World War II in the Navy; stationed abroad. He loved nature and caring for God's earthly gifts. His job as supervisor and groundskeeper for the Harvard/Radcliffe campus was a beloved and proud occupation. Memorial information: A private ceremony will be announced at a later time. Donations to The Home for Little Wanderers, 271 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115.
• John Pershing Kunkle, 94, of Putney. Died Dec. 26 at his home. Husband of Gerry (Gaidosh) Kunkle for nearly 61 years. Father of Jeff Kunkle and his wife, Cathy, of Harrisonville, N.J.; Wayne Kunkle and partner, Camilla Arnold, of Westminster West; Diane Vergara and partner, Pierre Landry, of Brattleboro; and Judy Harlow, Jan Spanierman and husband David, and Dave Kunkle, all of Putney. Brother of Mary Jane Primozic of Greensburg, Pa., and the late George, Paul, Clair, Charlotte, Susannah and Virginia Kunkle. He was born in Youngwood, Pa., the fifth of eight children of the late George and Elizabeth (Smith) Kunkle. He was a kind and gentle man whose life was long and distinguished. He grew up in hard times and developed a strong work ethic. Excelling in school and athletics, he found baseball to be his calling, playing sandlot ball against opposing teams with the likes of Stan Musial. With an eye on the ball, he had every intention of following up on an invitation to try out for the Philadelphia Athletics, only to be dissuaded by his mother, as she felt he “would never make a living playing ball.” Trading in his ball glove for a coal shovel, this led to work as a fireman with the Pennsylvania Railroad and pursuing an education in medicine. After completing high school, he attended the University of Pittsburgh as a pre-med student. Interrupted by World War II, he was drafted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving as a radio operator and earning the rank of staff sergeant in the 35th Fighter Control Squadron of the 5th Air Corps, stationed in the Dutch East Indies, New Guinea, and Australia. During his military career, he received the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippines Liberation Medal, and the Bronze Star. After the war, he went to St. Vincent's College in Latrobe, Pa., completing three years and then transferred to Thiel College in Greenville, Pa., graduating in 1950 with a B.S. in Biology. He went on to attend the Franklin School of Science and Arts in Philadelphia, completing certification in medical technology. The Kunkles settled in Woodbury, N.J., and together raised their family. It was during this time that he owned and operated Pitman Clinical Laboratory, an independent medical laboratory for 25 years. He served as president of the New Jersey Association of Bioanalysts from 1972 to 1974. In 1978, the Kunkles fulfilled their desire to live in Vermont. Never one to sit still, he embarked on many new experiences in retirement, including working at the Putney post office, courier for C&S Wholesale Grocers, as well as serving as the Putney Health Officer. His greatest interests included “puttering” around his home and yard, baseball, planting vegetable gardens and fruit trees, gatherings of family and friends, harness racing, reading, and watching the evening news. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 12, at 1 p.m., at the Putney Friends Meeting House on Route 5 in Putney. Donations to the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of Vermont/New Hampshire, P.O. Box 976, White River Jct., VT 05001.
• Howard Norman Lott, 64, of Townshend. Died Dec. 30 in the home he built in Townshend. Longtime companion of Michalina Wasung. Father of Ellenka Wasung-Lott, and her husband, Robert, of Townshend. Son of Norman and Junellen Lott of Marathon, Fla. Brother of Randi Lott of Solola, Guatemala, Junellen Lott of Montague, Prince Edward Island, and Steve Lott of Townshend. Born in Montclair, N.J., he spent all his summers and school vacations at his grandparents' farm on what is now Lost Mile Road near Sunset Lake. He attended schools in Essex Fells, N.J., graduating from West Essex High School. He continued his studies at Franklin Pierce College, by which time the rest of his family had moved to Townshend. An accomplished air guitar player, he was a great lover of music, and attended hundreds of concerts. He spent two summers working on fishing boats in Alaska and traveling around the country getting into mischief. He was a fantastic storyteller, especially about when he was a kid in Vermont. He taught his daughter how to drive when she was 12 and loved a clever prank. A faithful baseball fan, he never deserted the New York Giants when they moved to San Francisco. He spent much of his life as a salesman and served the town of Townshend for many years as an Auditor and Lister. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held on his birthday, Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 4-7 p.m., at the Phelps Barn at the Grafton Inn. Donations to the Free Care Fund at Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353.
• Rita Sackevich, 95, formerly of Bellows Falls. Died Dec. 28 at Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center. Wife of the late Frederick Sackevich. Mother of Paul Sackevich of Charlestown, N.H., Ann Putnam and husband, Robert, of Charlestown, N.H., and the late Walter Sackevich. Sister of the late Herman, Ruel, and Walter Young and Emily Aher. Born in Bellows Falls, the daughter of the late Alfred and Mary Louise (Nadon) Young, she was a graduate of Bellows Falls High School, Class of 1938. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and St. Charles Parish. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Dec. 31 at St. Charles Church, with burial in the St. Charles Cemetery in Westminster. Donations to St. Charles Parish or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Tribute Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.
• Agnes Rose “Aggie” Zielinski, 95, of Bellows Falls. Died Dec. 21 at Lebanon Center Genesis in Lebanon, N.H. Wife of the late Edward S. Zielinski. Mother of Sue Richmond of Etna, N.H., and Stanley Zielinski and his wife, Kunyu, of Denton, Texas. Sister of Ralph of Contoocook, N.H., and Sophie McKenney of West Lynn, Mass. Predeceased by siblings Joseph, Peter, Francis, Bernard, and Lillian. Born in Bellows Falls, the eldest daughter of the late Stanley and Mary Golec, she was educated in local schools and was a lifelong resident of Bellows Falls until her move to Genesis in the fall of 2007 to be closer to her daughter. During the early years of her marriage, she was an enthusiastic member of St. Theresa's Society at Sacred Heart Church and was an active member of the school's PTA. She worked for nearly 20 years at Walpole Wire in North Walpole, N.H., rising to a supervisory position through hard work and a strong work ethic. She loved cooking, sewing, and nurturing her plants, starting tomatoes from seed in early March of every year. After her retirement, she devoted much of her time sharing those loves with her three granddaughters. She cooked and baked with them, sewed for them and taught them how to sew. She especially delighted in their overnight stays with her and never tired of hearing about them and their families. She believed strongly in family and was always available to help a member in need. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held in the spring. Donations to Rockingham Free Public Library in Bellows Falls.
Births
• In Brattleboro (Memorial Hospital), Dec. 21, 2012, a son, Dominic James Garceau, to Kaleigh (Johnson) and Daniel Garceau of Hinsdale, N.H.; grandson to Dennis and Lori Johnson of Hinsdale, Jim and Gloria Pinkerton of Vernon, and Mitch and Donna Durocher of Barton.
• In Brattleboro (Memorial Hospital), Dec. 11, 2012, a daughter, Mya Marie Sargent, to Katie Marie (Williams) and Johnathan Mark Sargent; granddaughter to Christopher and Barbara Williams, and Mark Sargent; great-granddaughter to Edward and Beverly Coughlin, and Stephen and Patricia Sargent; great-great-granddaughter to Thelma Herbert.
College news
• The following local residents were recently awarded degrees from Union Institute & University: David Eagle of Marlboro earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, and John Petty of Putney earned a Master of Arts.
• Kathryn Annis of Dummerston, Charles Eastwood of Townshend, Katherine Given of Brattleboro, and Ashley Moran of Westminster were all named to the Dean's List for the fall 2012 semester at Rochester (N.Y.) Institute of Technology.
• Brooks Memorial Library's Lindsay Bellville, assistant children's librarian, and Jessica Weitz, serials clerk II, have both completed their studies for Master's degrees this past fall. Weitz received her MLIS (Masters in Library & Information Science) from Southern Connecticut State University this fall with a focus on digital collections. Bellville received her Master in Library Science in December from North Carolina Central University, School of Library and Information Sciences, with an emphasis in public librarianship.
Awards
• Three Wilmington residents were recently honored with a Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects, Vermont Chapter. Architect Joseph Cincotta, contractor Larry Mill, and finish carpenter Ronnie Poplar all received certificates for their work on the LineSync Architecture Studio and Offices in an award ceremony at the Vermont Statehouse.
Transitions
• Mary Hancock of Putney recently joined the board of directors of Youth Services. A native Vermonter, Hancock worked in Massachusetts as a silkscreen printer for several years after majoring in fine art in college. She then returned to Vermont to raise her family.