College news
• Andrew Falion of Brattleboro graduated with an M.S. in special education from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
• The following local students graduated from Binghamton University, State University of New York: Sophie Rodenbush of Putney received a B.A. in psychology and Nathaniel L. Goldman of Saxtons River received a B.A. in history. Goldman was also named to the Dean's List for the spring 2017 semester, as were Katia E. Brock of Brattleboro and Hannah K. Swanson of Wilmington.
• Jennifer A. Spero of Londonderry graduated with a B.S. in biological sciences, summa cum laude, from the University of Rhode Island.
Transitions
• Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson has appointed Emilie Kornheiser of Brattleboro as a new member of the Vermont Commission on Women, a non-partisan state agency working to advance rights and opportunities for women and girls. Kornheiser is currently the Early Childhood Action Plan Director with Building Bright Futures and works to support communities to identify and achieve shared outcomes for young children and families. Before a career transition to local service, she was an international development consultant with a private firm working primarily under federal contract. In this position, Kornheiser strategized, trained, brokered, and evaluated partnerships between private corporations and government agencies to meet humanitarian and community development goals. She has worked overseas promoting democracy and supporting small business development, in various positions at community-based organizations serving vulnerable populations throughout Vermont, and started her own small business in Brattleboro.
Obituaries
• Raymond E. “Ray” Brown Jr., 60, of Greenfield, Mass. Died July 12 at his home. Born in Springfield, Mass., on Dec. 12, 1956, the son of Raymond and Ruth (Packard) Brown, he grew up in Westfield, Mass., and graduated with a bachelor's degree in management and finance from the University of Massachusetts. He began his career with the Massachusetts Department of Corrections in 1979 and continued for 33 years until his retirement from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office in January of 2012. During that time, he also served at the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office and the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office. An integral part of the daily operations at the jail, he was involved in many aspects and programs available at the county jail in Greenfield. When he retired in 2012, he was the superintendent and chief financial officer for the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. Although “retired,” he remained a vital source for his knowledge and willingness to assist the Sheriff's Office on a part-time basis. His connections with colleagues and staff at the jail will be missed for years. He was a talented musician and was the beloved conductor of the Brattleboro American Legion Band. As an athlete, he was a cyclist and runner who finished two Ironman competitions, one in Lake Placid, N.Y., and one in Mont Tremblant, Canada. He was an active supporter of the Friends of Greenfield Recreation and the Sheriff's Office Dog Shelter and Adoption Center. Above all else, his first love was his family, always putting others' needs before his own and never wanting any recognition or praise. His summers on Lake Winnipesaukee were filled with sailing, family barbecues, training for triathlons, and fireside debates. As an unfailing role model, he instilled the importance of integrity, hard work and perseverance. With his subtle humor and steady mentoring, he was the rock of the family, offering sound advice and a positive perspective whenever needed. He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife, Eileen (Mulloy) Brown, whom he married in 1978, his four children: Raymond “Ray” III and his wife, Laura, of Waltham, Mass.; and Sarah Corbett and her husband, Vincent, Rebecca Brown and Marshall MacKinnon, and Meaghan Gadbois and her husband, Barry, all of Westfield; a sister, Janice Malcovsky of Westfield; four grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. He was predeceased by a sister, Patricia Brown. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held July 17 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Holyoke, Mass. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Donations to the Brattleboro American Legion Band, 32 Linden St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send a message of condolence to the family, visit www.smithkelleherfuneralhome.com.
• Edwin W. “Ed” Curtiss, 90, of Guilford. Died July 15 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Born in Lebanon, N.H., on Feb. 9, 1927, the son of Edwin J. and Susie (Hubbard) Curtiss, he was raised and educated in Lebanon, attending public schools. World War II interrupted his high school education when he was drafted into active service. He proudly served his country in the Army, stationed in Korea. Following his honorable discharge at the rank of tech sergeant, he returned home to finish his education, graduating from Lebanon High School with the Class of 1948. He went on to graduate from Keene Teachers College where he earned an education degree. His first teaching position was in Sunapee, N.H., and later in Cavendish, where he taught and was acting principal in a three-room schoolhouse. In 1958, with his wife, he moved to Brattleboro, where he taught special education and eventually became principal of the former Francis Hicks School from 1958 until the school closed in 1980. He joined the faculty at Brattleboro Area Middle School and taught special education, retiring in 1989. He was admired and well respected by many of his students, several of whom became very successful in their careers as business owners and dedicated employees in their positions. Several of Mr. Curtiss's former students credited their success to his teaching skills and genuine interest in their education well-being. Active fraternally, he was a member of the B.P.O. Elks, Brattleboro Lodge #1499, where he held the chair of Tiler; held membership in the Cheshire/Mount Vernon Lodge #23 F &AM in Cornish, N.H., where he was a 32nd degree Mason; the Brattleboro Shrine Club, Cairo Shrine Temple; and American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro, where he was a longtime member of the Joint Memorial Unit and Color Guard. Additionally, he was a life member of VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034, and a former member of the Keene Moose Club. For years, he was active with Bingo programs in Brattleboro at the Shrine, American Legion, and, in particular, the Elks, where he was active for 32 years, 18 years as chairman. He was a member of Guilford Community Church, where he sang in the church choir and served as church treasurer for 22 years. He was also a member of the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and puttering around his home. He also enjoyed helping people and, for many years, was the Post 5 service officer, driving fellow veterans to their medical appointments. A faithful blood donor for the Windham County Chapter of the American Red Cross, he was one pint shy of hitting the 38 gallon mark. In 1953, he married Marguerite “Peg” Raymond, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of nearly 64 years, he leaves a daughter, Susan Husser and her husband, Kevin, of Husser, La.; two sons, Mark Curtiss and wife, Cindy, of Hinsdale, N.H.; Sumner Curtiss and his wife, Kim, of Vernon; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two nieces, and three nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Herwood “Zeke” Curtiss and a grandson, Dustin Curtiss. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on July 22 at the Elk's Home in Brattleboro. Donations to the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department 108 Guilford Center Rd., Guilford, VT 05301; or to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Arabelle C. Dix, 97, of Vernon. Died July 13 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Born in Bellows Falls on Feb. 23, 1920, the daughter of the late Clifford N. and Mae (Reed) Hill, she was educated in the Bellows Falls school system, graduating from Bellows Falls High School, Class of 1940. She was employed as a proofreader for Americomp, until her retirement. She enjoyed spending time at the beach, York Beach in Maine being her favorite, as well as tending to her flower gardens and animals. She especially loved spending time with her family. She is predeceased by her husband, Kelton Dix, in 1984; a daughter, Patricia Anderson; two brothers, Neil and Herbert Hill; and a sister, Arlene Dix. She is survived by a son, Gary Dix (Linda) of Hinsdale, N.H.; a daughter, Karen Brackett of Burlington; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Memorial information: Services will be private. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.
• Ronald Guevin, 74, of North Providence, R.I., formerly of Brattleboro. Died June 21 at home. Born in Woonsocket, R.I., he was the son of the late Dennis and Emma (Boudreau) Guevin. He worked in the accounting field for many years, earning his MBA from Franklin Pierce College. He was a lifelong learner and enjoyed teaching in his spare time at local community colleges and adult education programs over the years. He enjoyed social gatherings and hosting family and friends in his home. He enjoyed touring local attractions and sharing his discoveries with family and friends, affectionately known as “Ronnie's Weekend Tours.” He had a love for the mountains of Vermont as well as the coast of New England. Among his many hobbies, he enjoyed photography, cooking, and was an avid philatelist. He collected thousands of stamps over his lifetime. In 1971, he wed Charlene Kemp. Their marriage resulted in divorce, but they remained friends and enjoyed spending time with family. He is survived by his three daughters, Aimee L. Guevin of East Dummerston, Michelle D. Guevin of Williamsville, and Sarah A. Guevin of Whitingham; two sisters, Vivian (Arthur) Drake of Plainville, Mass., and Diane (Tom) Lavery of Mansfield, MA; and four grandchildren. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held on Aug. 5 at Maceroni Funeral Home in North Providence at 10 a.m. A reception will follow the service at a nearby location to be determined.
•Kristin Elaine Sleeper Handshaw, 41, of Londonderry. Died July 12. She was born in Townshend on Jan. 30, 1976, the daughter of Cory and Carolyn (Curran) Sleeper. She married Haig Handshaw in 2000. They had three children. She was a kind and caring person. She enjoyed reading and cooking and had a passion for writing. She especially loved to cook for other people and enjoyed bringing meals to others in her community, but most of all, she loved her family dearly. Along with her parents, she is survived by her husband; their two children, son Grayson Handshaw and daughter Sawyer Handshaw; her mother and father in-law, Barbara and Raymond Handshaw of Leesburg, Fla.; her sister, Michelle Sleeper Bostrom and her husband Kurt; a nephew, Kohlin Bostrom, and a niece, Kelsi Bostrom, both of Townshend; an aunt, Elaine Hill of Townshend, and her children Jennifer (Hill) Flynn, husband Michael and son Jax of Newfane, Kelley (Hill) Grover and her husband Zack of Dummerston; and uncles Michael Curran and his wife, Teresa, of Pensacola, Fla., Alan Curran and his wife, Lynn, of Walker, La., and Stephen Curran and his wife Angela of Milton, Fla., along with many more cousins. She was predeceased by her daughter, Jayden Nicole Handshaw, in 2004. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
• Bernard Timothy Haus, 66, of Brattleboro. Died July 18 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following a lengthy illness. He was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1970. He continued his education and followed his passion for cooking by attending the Culinary Institute of America in New Haven, Conn. He later shared his talent for cooking with the West Coast and moved to California, where he resided for 30 years working as a Head Chef at The SunnySide Restaurant and Lodge and The Tahoe House. He was an avid skier and spent many of his younger years on the slopes of Vermont and California. He also enjoyed several years of skydiving in the California desert with his friend Willie Madore, who predeceased him. His later years brought him back to his roots in Vermont where he continued his passion for cooking at The Putney Inn and Chelsea Royal Diner. His love for his family and his happy smile will be remembered forever. He was predeceased by both of his parents; Bernard Haus and Ann Whitman. He is survived by three sisters: Midge Gembarowski of Brattleboro, Karen Haus of Washington, D.C. and Sue DeGraff of Sacramento, Calif.; three nieces and one nephew: Jessica Justin and her husband Stephen of Grosse Point Park, Mich, Katrina Gembarowski of Brattleboro, Alexa Gembarowski of Brattleboro, and Daniel Haus-Caulk of Washington, D.C.; and several great-nieces and a great-nephew. Memorial information: A service will be held at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro on Thursday, July 27, at 11:30 a.m. A celebration of his life will follow at the Brattleboro Eagles Club. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Keith Walter Johnson, 22, of Londonderry. Died July 12 at his home. He loved the outdoors, and spent a lot of time hiking, hunting, and fishing. He was adventurous and spontaneous. He loved spending time with animals and children. He was employed at North Meadow Farm in Manchester, and enjoyed his work and excelled at the job. He was loved and respected by many prominent members of the community for by he was previously employed. He is survived by his father, Frank Johnson, and his stepmother, Sarah Johnson, of Landgrove; his mother, Tonya Churchill, and stepfather Erik Churchill of Corpus Christi, Texas; his brothers, Jacob Johnson of Springfield, Aaron Johnson of Corpus Christi, and Timothy Johnson of Landgrove; a sister, Sara Johnson of Bennington; nephews Dustin Johnson of Londonderry, Alexander and Matthew Wallner of Bennington; his paternal grandfather, Edward Johnson of Weston, Vermont; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorial information: There was a gathering to celebrate his life on July 20 at Pingree Park in Londonderry.
• Gregory R. Lugliani, 58, of West Brattleboro. Died July 8 at his home after living with bladder cancer for two years. A writer and activist, he was a native of San Bruno, Calif. He moved to New York City in 1988, joined ACT UP, and began his long history of activism in the effort to fight AIDS. Greg parlayed his activism and deep knowledge of physiology into a professional writing and communications career. He spent more than 25 years in health and medical public affairs and was a recognized leader in AIDS advocacy and communications. Most recently, he spent 10 years at The Corkery Group, where he directed public affairs for leading government and private sector clients in HIV treatment and prevention. Prior to joining the firm, he led communications at Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), the nation's oldest and largest AIDS service organization. As communications director for the NAMES Project Foundation/AIDS Memorial Quilt, he led outreach for the 1996 Quilt display in Washington, DC, which remains the largest AIDS awareness event in U.S. history. Greg was a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and an editor and contributing writer for POZ magazine. A voracious reader and lover of art and opera with an encyclopedic knowledge of history, he was also a nature lover and attracted to the state of Vermont for its natural beauty and tranquility. After years of visiting the state, he purchased his own home in West Brattleboro in 2006 and moved to Vermont full-time in early 2015. He is survived by his mother, Marlene Lugliani, of San Bruno; two younger brothers, Glenn Lugliani of Fulsom, Calif., and Guy Lugliani of Benicia, Calif., their families, and his family of close friends in New York City and Vermont. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday Aug. 10, at Church of St. Francis Xavier, 46 West 16th Street, New York, N.Y. Donations to the following organizations: ACT UP (endaids.actupny.com), GMHC (gmhc.org), Mercy Center (mercycenterbronx.org) or Xavier Mission (xaviermission.org). A memorial gathering will take place in Brattleboro at a later date. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Doreen Patricia McNamee Sacco, 79, of Auburn, Mass., formerly of Brattleboro. Died July 6. Born in Brattleboro on Jan. 9, 1938, the daughter of Owen and Harriette McNamee, she grew up loving sports, especially her beloved (and aggravating) Red Sox, Bruins, and Patriots, as well as Notre Dame and Duke. She graduated from St. Michael's High School in 1955 and attended the University of Vermont, Katharine Gibbs School in Boston, and Catholic University in Washington, D.C. While in college, Doreen was nominated for and won the Miss Vermont title, going on to be crowned Miss New England, and then onto the Miss Universe Pageant, where the contestants had a cameo in the Elvis Presley film, “Girls! Girls! Girls!” She went on to work for the FBI in Washington, working at the Most Wanted Division. She came back to Vermont and worked at Dartmouth College, where she met her husband, Jim. The couple eventually made their home in Auburn in 1969, where they raised their 6 children. She spent time in the 1980s as a sports writer for the Auburn News and as a CCD secretary for North American Martyrs Church. Then, in 1987, she continued her career in law enforcement with the U.S. Federal Probation and Parole Office in Worcester, Mass. retiring in 2015 as Chief Clerk. She was extremely compassionate and gracious, and volunteered with fundraising for many charitable organizations over the years. Her greatest joys in life were her children and grandchildren. She was always front and center at every ballgame, play and concert. You could always hear her cheering or yelling for her kids, grandkids and. yes, the Red Sox. She spent summers at Rye, N.H., and many enjoyable times with her family at her home in Vermont. She loved family traditions, especially holidays and birthdays, and always made them special and meaningful. She loved to laugh and sincerely loved life, playing board and arcade games, reading, walking the beach, bocce, croquet, and any (well, most) sports! She is survived by those she loved most: her husband of 55 years, James Sacco, her daughters Michelle and Melinda, her sons Jim, Tony, Mike and Phil, her son-in-law, Joe Barbour, daughter-in-law, Julie, and her four grandsons. Memorial information: Burial took place at St. Michael's Cemetery in Brattleboro on July 12. Donations to the American Heart Association.
• Myrtle M. Sprague, 87, of Brattleboro. Died July 20. A lifelong resident of Brattleboro, she was born May 10, 1920, the eldest child of Emile and Cora Lavalley. She attended Saint Michael's School until the age of 16 when, in the fashion of the time, she went to work in the cotton mill to help support her family. In 1942, she married the love of her life, Bertie E. Sprague Sr., and with him raised four children - Bertie Jr. (Christine) of Brattleboro, Stewart (Donna) of Fuquay Varina, N.C., Cheryl (Karl) of St. Albans, and Darlene (Paul) of Hinsdale, N.H. Her husband predeceased her in 2011 after 69 years of marriage. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by two brothers, Donald and Bernard Lavalley and one sister, Irene Supernaw. She was a hard worker all of her life. When the cotton mill closed, she took employment at the Book Press for a short time, then the dietary department of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, and later the dietary department of the Brattleboro Retreat, from which she retired after 21 years of faithful service. After retiring, she earned her high school diploma through the Adult Diploma Program. She and her husband also traveled extensively and especially enjoyed their trip to the Holy Land. She was active in her Roman Catholic faith and was a member of the Daughters of Isabella. She also supported and joined her husband in many of his activities with the Knights of Columbus. Together with her husband, she worked very hard to provide a home for their family. They maintained large gardens, and picked and canned whatever fruit was in season. She was an accomplished seamstress and quilter. In addition, she created many beautiful items with her knitting needles and crochet hooks. For many years, she made countless pairs of mittens and hats for the Reformer Christmas Stocking. She was an excellent cook and loved cooking and baking for large family gatherings. In 2014, facing failing health, she went to live at the Holton Home, where she made many friends among the residents and staff with her sharp wit and caring personality. In addition to her four children, Mrs. Sprague is survived by 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by one sister, Bernice Trombley of Brattleboro. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held July 26 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro, with committal rites and burial in the Sprague family lot in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 or to Holton Home 158 Western Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Garrett John Zampini, 20, of Brattleboro. Died July 17 at his home. Born March 4, 1997, in Bennington, the son of Ethen and Lisa (Eggsware) Zampini, he graduated from Arlington Memorial High School and attended Community College of Southern Maine. He enjoyed music, playing basketball, skateboarding and riding his bicycle. Survivors include his parents; two siblings, Jacob Zampini of North Pownal and Sophia Zampini of Bennington; his maternal and paternal grandparents; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and his companion, Tori Wraga of Pawlet. Memorial information: A celebration of life service was held on July 22 at Mahar and Son Funeral Home in Bennington, followed by a private burial. Memorial contributions to help his family at this difficult time may be made to Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201.