College news
• The following local students are members of the Class of 2022 at Colby College in Waterville, Maine: Lillian A. Fisher of Brattleboro and Skye O. Rhomberg of Putney.
• The following local students were named to the summer 2018 honors list at Community College of Vermont: Amanda Conley of Brattleboro, Abigail Maken of Brookline, Sage Hall of Newfane, Alexandra Petyk of Putney, John Salzman of Williamsville, and Ryan Bartlett and Tabitha Felisko of Wilmington.
Obituaries
• Clara Janice Boyd, 84, of Wilmington. Died Sept. 11, 2018 at Sweet Brook Nursing Home in Williamstown, Mass. Born in Whitingham on May 16, 1934, the daughter of Truman and Alice (Harvey) Powers, she attended local schools. She later attended the Wilton Cake Decorating School and was well known for her expertise in making and decorating wedding cakes. She enjoyed gardening, listening to country and gospel music, and times spent with her family. She is survived by her children, Steven Boyd and his wife, Deb, of Whitingham, Randal Boyd and his wife, Julie, of Hinsdale, N.H., Kent Boyd and his wife Heather of Whitingham, Tonia Martin of Worcester, Mass., and Bonnie Stuart of Bennington; brother Chester Powers of Marlboro, sister Pearl Green of Wilmington, 13 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Hewitt Boyd, whom she married in 1952. Memorial information: A celebration of her life was held Sept. 15 at the Community Church of Whitingham. Interment was private. There are no visiting hours. Donations to the Alzheimer's Association, in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home P.O. Box 215 Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Everett A. Brown, 60, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 4, 2018 at Pine Heights Nursing Home. He was born in Concord, Vt., on July 22, 1958, the son of the late Fred and Alyce (Howland) Brown. He was a graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy and later moved to Brattleboro. He lived at the “High Rise” on Elliot Street for some time before he went into Pine Heights. He held several jobs in the Brattleboro area, and was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Eagles Club. He leaves two sisters and three brothers in northern Vermont, and an aunt and uncle, Don and Grace Gunnip of Brattleboro. He was predeceased by a sister and a brother. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held at a later date in the Lunenburg Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his parents.
• Seth Warner Christmas, 41, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 8, 2018 at his home following a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Brattleboro on July 12, 1977, the son of William and Gail (Goldsmith) Christmas, he attended Brattleboro public schools and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1995. Following graduation, Seth went on to attend the University of Vermont. He had been employed as a radiation protection technician for the DZ Atlantic Company, based in Virginia ,and spent the last two years at Vermont Yankee in Vernon. Previously, he worked for 15 years at Hotel Pharmacy on Elliot Street employed as a pharmacy tech, a position he began while still attending high school. Seth also attended a cabinet making school in Hadley, Mass., and was a skilled and accomplished woodworker. In his youth, he would assist his grandfather, Frank Goldsmith, making birdhouses which were distributed throughout New England. This was when his love for woodworking started to develop. A gifted athlete, Seth was active with the Greater Brattleboro Men's Softball League and was an assistant coach for the varsity football team at BUHS for several years. He also enjoyed boating and spectator sports and was an avid New York Yankees and Giants fan. He was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and was a member of the B.P.O. Elks, Brattleboro Lodge #1499. Survivors include his father of Brattleboro, a son, Carter Joseph Christmas of Brattleboro, two sisters, Courtney Millerick and her husband, Chris, of Vernon, and Whitney Christmas of Brattleboro; a niece, Devin Millerick; a nephew, Tyler Millerick; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, maternal grandparents Frank and Nancy Goldsmith, and paternal grandparents Basil and Catherine Christmas. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Sept. 17 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with burial in the Christmas family lot in St. Michaels Parish Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Carter Christmas's name may be made to a special fund being established for his future education at Brattleboro Savings and Loan, P.O. Box 1010, Brattleboro, VT 05301, attention Aly Summerall. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Sharon Alice Denizard, 75, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 6, 2018 at home, following an extended illness. Born in Brattleboro on Jan. 12, 1943 the daughter of David and Edith (Dwyer) Hannigan, she was raised and educated in Brattleboro where she attended public schools. She had worked as a caregiver in Greenfield, Mass., for handicapped children, two of which she had adopted into her family. She was known as a very giving and generous person devoted to her family and will be remembered for her happy and joyous spirit. She enjoyed arts and crafts, reading, playing video games, and time shared with her family. She was first married to Leonard Stockwell and later Roscue Thereault, both of whom are deceased. In 1993 in Brattleboro, she married Erick Denizard, who survives. Besides her faithful and devoted husband of 25 years she leaves three sons, Timothy Stockwell of Westminster, Leonard Stockwell of Putney and Ross Thereault of Everett, Mass; one daughter, Lisa Stockwell Almazan of Magnolia, Texas; one stepson, Gilbert Denizard of Texas; and two sisters, Diane Beam and Michele Foley, both of Brattleboro. Additionally, she leaves 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one daughter, Shelby Thereault; a son, Christopher Thereault; a stepson, Erick Denizard, Jr.; and two sisters, Darlene Hunt and Lori Momaney. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Burial will be in Green River Cemetery in Greenfield. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Richard R. “Dick” Farnum, Jr., 63, of Guilford. Died Sept. 9, 2018 at Thompson House in Brattleboro, following a period of declining health. Born in Plattsburgh, N.Y., on Aug. 17, 1955, the son of Richard R. and Jeannette (Johnson) Farnum, he was raised in Brattleboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1974. For many years, until he was taken ill, he owned and operated Rick's Towing and Recovery in Guilford. Of his hobbies and interests, he enjoyed hunting and racing “coupes” with his son Rick. He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed attending his grandson Garrett's baseball games. He was the husband of Linda Sullivan, who he married in 1984. Besides his wife of 33 years he leaves one daughter, Jennifer Littlefield and her husband, Robert, of Halifax; two sons, Stuart Wheeldon of Guilford and Richard Fletcher and his fiancé, Becca, of East Dover; two sisters, Patricia Newton Hemmingway of Brattleboro and Caroline Kontos of Alton, N.H.; seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and several cousins. He was predeceased by two sisters, Joan Ballou and Jane Pike, and a brother, Leland Andrews. Memorial information: Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro on Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m.. Burial in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery will take place at a later date. Donations to Guilford Volunteer Fire Dept., 101 Guilford Center Rd., Guilford, VT 05301, or to the Thompson House Activities Fund, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Louise Farnam Harvey Guion, 94, formerly of New Haven, Conn. Died Aug. 25, 2018, at RiverMead in Peterborough, N.H. She was born May 21, 1924 to Katherine Kingsley Farnam and Dr. Samuel Clark Harvey, of New Haven. A cheerful, optimistic and adventurous child, Louise was always ready to lend a helping hand. Raised in New Haven, she attended the Day School (later to be merged with the Hopkins School). In 1938 a secondary home was found in Madison, Conn.: an old farm atop a broad drumlin affording far-distant views to Long Island Sound. Purchased as a retreat for her father, who had recurring bouts of TB acquired while a professor of surgical studies, the farm provided ample opportunities for Louise to build sheep pens, parade goats about on leashes, and ride her horse, Bill. It was from this home that she witnessed the Great New England Hurricane of September 1938, watching as stately elms were blown down in one direction, then picked back up and scattered in the other as the eye of the hurricane passed. Off to college during World War II, Louise graduated from Vassar through an accelerated program, earning her bachelor's degree in sociology in 1945. Following the Hudson south, she landed in New York City, sharing an apartment with friends (who would remain so for life), getting her big-city experience, and working at the Sloan-Kettering Institute. In 1952, she met H. Gibson Guion at a party in New Haven of mutual acquaintances; she having grown up there and he having gone to Yale and Yale Law. They were both liberal politically, active physically, enjoyed the outdoors and neither was taller than 5-foot-7. Although 15 years her senior, their energies were complementary. However, she was always the better golfer. By far. Married in 1953, they began their domestic life in a little house located in the woodsy outskirts of Thomaston, Conn. Here, they had their first two daughters, Calli and Katie, as well as the first of many dogs. Moving to an old farm on Jefferson Hill in 1959 meant moving back to Dad's hometown of Litchfield, Conn. Here, in quick succession, they had a son and two more daughters (Hobie, Annie and Koo) plus more dogs, ponies, horses, a donkey, chickens, guinea pigs, gerbils and fish. Only in later years did her offspring realize the acquisition of these animals was, in no small way, to impart the important lessons of animal care and ownership; they did a lot of muckin' out. With daughters came Louise's involvement as a Brownie leader. With horses came the daughter's involvement with Pony Club and Mom's endless shepherding of children and beasts to events - never mind the continuing care of these animals once all children had left for college and beyond. She did a lot of muckin' out. When she wanted to expand the world for her offspring, she signed up for the Fresh Air Fund and hosted Walter for weeks every summer, giving her son another boy to play with, and all her offspring a chance to see life through another person's eyes. As her kids got older, she desired that they see even farther afield and signed up to be a host family for an AFS student, hosting Sylvie who would become our “French sister” and the start of what are now multi-generational connections between distant families of different nations. To her community, Mom gave decades of volunteer time and organizational effort to both the League of Women Voters and Litchfield Community Services Fund. Though she had blinding speed when running away from the spotlight, she was nevertheless a quiet competitor, accumulating a small pile of trophies from local golfing events, as well as a few accolades for her tennis. She was a beautiful skier. Without her, her offspring might never have learned to ski properly. In addition to being an intrepid traveler, bridge player and pianist, Mom was a lifelong music lover and supporter of the New Haven Symphony, having attended her first concerts while sharing, with her sister Bet, the over-commodious seat custom-built for President Taft. Always busy, she must have knitted a million sweaters. Besides her parents, Louise was predeceased by her husband, H. Gibson Guion; her brother, Samuel Clark Harvey; and her sister, Elizabeth Kingsley Harvey. She is survived by all her offspring and her “French daughter”; Calli Guion (Erik Blanchard) of Norwich; Katherine Featherston (Barry Featherston) of Dublin, NH; Hobart Guion (Abigail Faulkner) of East Montpelier; Ann Guion (Chuck Corman) of Newfane; Koo Schadler (Jeffrey Schadler) of Alstead, N.H.; Sylvie Plantey (Patrick Plantey) of St. Nom la Bréteche, France. She also leaves four grandchildren. Memorial information: Donations to Litchfield Community Services Fund (litchfieldcommunityservicesfund.org), League of Women Voters of Litchfield County (litchfieldlwv.org) or The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (cfgnh.org).
• Wilma Beth (Higley) Higgins, 91, of Guilford. died on August 26, 2018 at Hanover Terrace in Hanover, NH. She was born Oct. 18, 1926 in Guilford, the youngest daughter of William Elliot Higley and Bessie Elida (Davis) Higley. She attended the Higley School in Guilford, graduating in 1940 and Brattleboro High School, graduating in the Class of 1944. She worked for Judge Edward J. Shea from 1944 to 1945, at Vermont Peoples National Bank 1946 to 1948 and again at Vermont National Bank from 1956-1990. She began her career in the bookkeeping department and retired in 1990 as administrative assistant to the CEO of Vermont Financial Services Corporation. She was married to Kenneth S. Higgins on Oct. 26, 1948 in Hinsdale, N.H., where she lived until the marriage ended in divorce in 1963. She then moved her family to Guilford. She was very active in community and business organizations. She was a charter member, treasurer, and president of the Guilford Historical Society; editor of The Slate, a publication of the Guilford Historical Society; treasurer, Guilford Community Education; president, Guilford Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary; vice president, Buck Hill Television; treasurer, Christ Church Guilford Society, Inc.; clerk, Guilford Community Church; president, Windham Division, American Heart Association, Vermont Affiliate; treasurer, Vermont National Bank HELP (Healthier Lifestyle Program); and organizer and president of New/Mont Chapter, American Institute of Banking and TOFA/NEAIB (The Official Family Association, New England American Institute of Banking). She also served on the Brattleboro Winter Carnival Committee and BHS/BUHS Alumnae Association; was a member of RSVP, and volunteered at the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Coffee Shop and at the Windham County Red Cross blood drawings. She was awarded life membership in the Guilford Historical Society; was the Broad Brook Grange Guilford Community Citizen of the Year in 1988; and received Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont, Inc. Neighbor Helping Neighbor Award in 1999. Pastimes and special skills included gardening, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, quilting, and making baked beans and chili. She attended Guilford Community church. She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Harry Mervin Higley and Herbert William Higley, her half-brother George E. Higley, her half-sisters Lucy Isabel Higley and Evelyn Mary (Higley) Clark; and two children, John Kenneth Higgins at age 4 and Patsy Jeanne Higgins at age 4 months. She is survived by her son Andrew William Higgins and his wife Anna (Lerch) Higgins and daughter Fallon Dana Higgins of Gainesville, Va.; and her daughter Wendy L. (Higgins) Aarnio and her husband Frey A. Aarnio of North Pomfret. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at the Guilford Community Church at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, followed by a committal service at Christ Church Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. A reception will follow at the Guilford Community Church. Donations to the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary or the Guilford Historical Society. Ker-Phaneuf Funeral Home and Crematorium of Brattleboro is assisting the family with arrangements.
• Michael W. Hood, 77, formerly of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Sept. 8, 2018 at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, Mass. Born in Westminster, Vt., on Feb. 22, 1941, the son of the late Howard and Eila (Barnes) Porter, he was raised and educated in West Chesterfield and later in Hinsdale, where he attended Hinsdale High School. At an early age, he was adopted by the late Richard and June Hood, Sr. who lovingly raised and cared for him from the age of five years old. He worked most of his career as a lab assistant at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. In his earlier years, he owned and operated the former All States Café on lower Main Street in Brattleboro. Of his leisure time activities, he was an avid reader, liked following current events, appreciated music, and enjoyed time spent with his family. He was a faithful and devoted husband and exceptional father and proud grandfather. He was a humble man, known for his lively and enthusiastic character. In 1965, he married Irene Kuch, who survives. Besides his beloved wife of 53 years, he leaves a daughter, Sonja Anna Hood (Christopher Wilkins) of Toronto, Canada; four brothers, Richard Hood, Thomas Hood, Robert Hood, all of Hinsdale, and Andrew Hood of Manchester, Conn.; a sister, Debbie Hood of Fort Edward, N.Y.; and a grandson and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Sept. 14 at the North Hinsdale Community Church, with burial in Chesterfield West Cemetery. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Timothy P. John, 71, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 9, 2018, at home in Vernon, Conn., following a period of declining health. Born on Aug. 9, 1947 in Brattleboro, the third son of Samuel and Amelia John, he is survived by his wife Sharon Abrams John of Vernon, Conn.; daughter, Christine of Long Island, N.Y.; and brothers Rick John (Kate), and Steve John (Wynetta) of Brattleboro. He is also survived by his nephew, Eric John and nieces Tracey John of Brattleboro, and Stephanie Ringey, Michelle John, and Cindy Beck, and his sister-in-law, Susan John of California. Also surviving are two stepdaughters, Kali Abrams and Keoshia Abrams-Wilson and three grandsons, Javien Williams, Chase Wilson and Rahsir Wilson. He was predeceased by his parents; a son, Christopher; and his older brother Michael (Mike) John. Tim was educated at St. Michael's School and graduated from BUHS in 1966. In 1970, he opened the Vermont Market on Elliot Street in the location originally established by his grandparents as John's Fruit Store in 1928. After selling the market, he worked as a sales rep for Sysco Foods for several years. In 1984, Tim and his former wife Judy purchased B. Robinsons, which they owned and operated until 1988. He purchased the Vermont Country Store in 1986 and renamed the business the Vermont Country Deli. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1990 at which time Tim rebuilt the structure that exists today. He owned and operated the business until the late 1990s, when he turned over operations to Judy. His creative talents and passion for food were the strength behind his many business ventures that took him from Vermont to New York and Connecticut over the past 20 years. While in high school, he played drums with several local bands and formed his own band, the Zip Codes, in 1963. The band was well known for its Monday Night Spectaculars at the Rec and performed all over New England until the late 60s. Tim's love of food helped to define him as a great chef who enjoyed experimenting with all types of cuisines, much to the delight of his clientele that appreciated his talents. Memorial information: Join the family for a celebration of Tim's life on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 2 p.m., at American Legion Post 5, Linden Street, Brattleboro. Donations to the Brattleboro Music Center or Brigid's Kitchen.
• Russell James Pelloni, 62, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Sept. 9, 2018 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Meriden, Conn., on Nov. 14, 1955 the son of John and Matilda (Kovacs) Pelloni, he attended grade school in Meriden and later moved to Hinsdale in 1967, graduating from Hinsdale High School, Class of 1973. Following high school, he worked a short time at Five Acres Farm in Northfield, Mass., later moving to New York state in 1986 where he met Ellen Ross. The couple got married in Corning, N.Y., on Feb. 14, 1986 and returned to Hinsdale that same year to work at Capitol Plumbing & Heating in Keene, N.H. In 1990, he joined F.W. Webb in Brattleboro. His association with F.W. Webb made it a place where he developed strong friendships with his coworkers and many customers. During his earlier years, he worked for his father at the Pelloni family farm on Northfield Road in Hinsdale. He enjoyed puttering on different projects in his garage (his favorite hideaway), and especially liked working on his classic 1948 Chevy pick-up truck. He also enjoyed socializing with his many friends that would drop by for visits. He was devoted to his family and friends. Russell especially enjoyed spending summers and weekends with his wife at their campsite at Travelers Woods in Bernardston, Mass. Besides his wife of 32 years, he leaves his father, of Hinsdale; two brothers, John Pelloni, Jr and wife Marie of Clyde, N.Y., and Gregory Pelloni and wife Susan of Hinsdale, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and his beloved pet Lab, Sadie. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at the Brattleboro Elks Lodge on Saturday, Oct. 20 from noon to 4 p.m. Donations to the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Dept. 13 Depot St., Hinsdale, N.H. 03451, or to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Joseph Cornelius “Neil” Quinn Jr., 78, of Dummerston. Died peacefully on Sept. 13, 2018 in Hanover, N.H., after a short bout with cancer. He was 78. He was born on June 24, 1940, son of the late Joseph C. Quinn, Sr. and Phyllis Hight Quinn, in Washington, D.C. As a child, Neil lived in the states of Washington, California, Arizona, and Massachusetts. He graduated from Governor Dummer Academy in Byfield, Mass. He attended Denison University, Harvard Summer School, Columbia University Summer Programs, and Marlboro College. He moved to Guilford in 1964 and lived there for over 50 years. He also lived in Marlboro, Halifax and Brattleboro, and had very recently moved to Dummerston. After college, he worked in Brattleboro at The Book Cellar and the Stephen Greene Press. He then worked as a book designer at R.L. Dothard and Associates in Guilford. Book and publication design led him to interests in bicycling and cross-country skiing. Neil is well-remembered as the former owner of the West Hill Shop, a bicycle and cross-country ski shop, in Putney, and as a cyclist and skier. He was a founder of the business in 1971 and later became sole owner. He sold the shop in 2004. He was an avid cyclist and skier and was involved in promoting many bicycle races, ski races, and related events. He was a founding member of the Putney Bicycle Club and was actively riding until recently. In recent years, he was a self-employed carpenter and contractor, working as Waterhouse Hill Services. He built houses, barns, and tree houses, and also performed handyman jobs, tractor work, and occasional book design or website work. He served in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1958 to 1964. He became a volunteer fireman in 1966 and served as a lieutenant and captain. He remained involved in the fire department to the present day as a trustee, serving terms as president, clerk and treasurer. He was a trustee and treasurer for Christ Church in Guilford. He was a long-time auditor for the town of Guilford and did the design and layout of the annual town report. He served as town meeting moderator for 12 years. He is survived by his wife, Betsy Bates; his son Bevan and wife Tammi, of Guilford; his daughter Mauireen Derby Quinn and husband, Watson E. Bell III, of St. Thomas, Scotland; and two sisters, Ellin Martin of Rutland and Deborah Quinn of Santa Fe, N.M. Additionally he is survived by four grandchildren, three nieces and a nephew, and several grand-nieces and nephews. His first marriage to Virginia Whitman ended in divorce. He was predeceased by his son, Jeremy. Memorial information: A wake will be held on Friday, Sept. 21, at Christ Church on Route 5 in Guilford, from 5 to 8 p.m. A funeral will be held at Christ Church on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow at the Guilford Volunteer Fire Dept. Donations to the Guilford Volunteer Fire Dept., 108 Guilford Center Rd., Guilford, VT 05301, or Christ Church Guilford Society, in care of A. Montgomery, 57 Indigo Dr., Guilford, VT 05301.
• James E. “Jim” Russell, 69, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Aug. 8, 2018 in Englewood, Fla. He leaves behind his life companion, Joyce Fitzer; three sons, Scott and his wife, Barb, and Todd and Chris; his father, Clayton; brothers John and Gary and his wife, Monica; sister Linda and her husband, Terry Howe; and grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held Sept. 16 at the Elk's Lodge in Brattleboro.
• Mitzi H. Miller Souza, 87, of Micco, Fla, formerly of West Chesterfield, N.H.. Died August 1, 2018. She was born on March 26, 1931 in Stratford, Conn., to the late Luke E. Miller and Annette Scott Miller. After graduation from Warren Harding High School in Bridgeport, Conn,, she spent several years employed at various businesses in the city. It was during this time she met, married, and was a loving wife to Antonio Souza for close to 48 years until his death in October 2000. Mitzi, her husband Tony, and two children moved from Stratford to West Chesterfield in 1965. She filled her years with unparalleled devotion to her family, helping friends and neighbors in need, volunteering at the Chesterfield School library, as secretary of candlepin bowling leagues, and refining her hobbies such as knitting, crocheting, and plastic canvas projects. In the late 1980s, the Souzas began spending part of each year in Florida and made a permanent move to Micco in 1998. She had a generous spirit and the gift of hospitality. She made the world a better place, and touched the hearts of all who knew her, leaving a legacy of unconditional love and acceptance. No matter what the obstacle, “Better Days are Coming” were the words Mitzi lived by. Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Luke Miller Jr. She is survived by her brother William Miller, son Anthony Souza (Eakanong); her daughter Kathleen Berthiaume (John); and four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, plus a great number of beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Memorial information: There will be no services at this time, the family respecting her wishes by quietly remembering and celebrating Mitzi's life and accomplishments. In the spring of 2019, a private burial service will be held at Friedsam Cemetery in Chesterfield.
• Gerald Bruce Thomas, 63, of South Londonderry. Died Sept. 1, 2018. He was born May 4, 1955, in Seattle, Wash., the son of Mary (Snoke) and Preston David Thomas. He married Catherine Aragi in 1986. He built his house in South Londonderry, where he had his own construction business. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, shooting, biking and hiking. Survivors include two daughters, Victoria and Alexandra Thomas, both of South Londonderry; a granddaughter and a grandson; his mother, of Bend, Ore.; siblings Tom Thomas, of Richland, Wash., and Emily Shaw, of North Granby, Conn.; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife and his father. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7, at First Baptist Church of South Londonderry, followed by a reception at Londonderry Rescue Squad. Memorial information: Memorial contributions may be made to Londonderry Rescue Squad or First Baptist Church of South Londonderry, in care of Brewster-Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 885, Manchester Center, VT 05255.
• Keith Emmett Waite Sr, 84, of Rochester, N.H. Died at his home on Sept. 4, 2018. He was born Jan. 25, 1934, in Brattleboro,to Mabel Josephine (Young) Waite and Millard Dexter Waite. He is survived by two siblings, Millard D. Waite Jr. and Marilyn (Waite) Grassi. He was predeceased by his brother Neil Waite and sister Audrey Jean (Waite) Johnson. Keith attended Brattleboro High School and met his lifetime partner and friend, Sonya, at youth group in West Brattleboro. They were married in 1952, and had five children, all of whom survive: Kathleen Waite of Bellows Falls, Patricia Morrill of Guilford, Brian Waite of Greenland, N.H., Robin Rowe of Barrington, NH, and Keith Waite Jr. of Newmarket, N.H. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. His children knew him as an intelligent man who was successful as a member of the Vermont National Guard, and employed by Jim Alan Construction and Bechtel Construction. As a survey engineer for Morrison Knudsen, he was involved with several large projects including the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station in Vernon, Seabrook Nuclear Power Station in Seabrook, N.H., Millstone Nuclear Power Station in New London, Conn., and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel in Norfolk, Va. After a childhood disease returned while working underneath the ocean floor in harsh conditions, he was forced to retire from construction and find a new calling. While his grandchildren were still just babies, Keith and Sonya moved to Charleston, Maine, where Keith attended Faith School of Theology (now Faith Bible College International) for three years earning his Certificate of Ministry. He and Sonya went on to be pastors at several New England Churches, including the Rochester (N.H.) Assembly of God, and the Full Gospel Center in Southbridge, Mass. During his life, Keith enjoyed many different passions such as hunting, fishing, gardening and reading. He loved woodworking and always had a project or two going. He loved building birdhouses and shared a love of birds with his wife Sonya, as well as making furniture and dollhouses for his children and grandchildren. However, no craft was as important to him as playing his guitar and singing. When Keith became a Christian in the late 1970's, his love for music took on a whole new meaning as he began using his talents to share what Jesus had done in his life. He was known to just show up at churches around New England with guitar in hand to share a few of his original songs. After more than 20 years of ministry, he began having difficulty playing guitar following a stroke. For the next 15 years, he courageously fought through the effects of several strokes and several different types of cancer. He never lost his faith, his smile, or his nutty sense of humor, and his love for his wife Sonya, and his extended family never diminished. He was bold in his love for Jesus and never would shy away from sharing his faith or lending an ear to those around him who may be hurting. On Aug. 30 of this year, Keith and Sonya celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary together at home surrounded by several of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. On the day before he died, he joined his wife outside their home to enjoy the sunshine and the delightful view of his beloved Rose of Sharon tree which had blossomed in his front yard. His presence will surely be missed by all who loved him. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 2 p.m., at the Harvest of Praise Church of God in Rochester, N.H. Donations to Lighthouse Christian Academy, 17 Heaton St., Rochester, NH 03867.