College news
• Several local students were honored by Castleton University for academic excellence in the fall 2020 semester. Named to the President's List were Greer Bills of Wardsboro, Saima Cassell of Westminster, Abby Chapman of Brattleboro, Maureen Hughes of Westminster, Maria Page of West Halifax, Jonah Siegel of Brattleboro, and Veronica Stevens of Newfane. Named to the Dean's List were Cody Cutler of Newfane, Taylor Goodell of Westminster, Rebekah Lazarek of Westminster, Valentina MacEachern of Vernon, Devin Millerick of Vernon, Scarlett Pugliese of South Londonderry, Kelsey Rabideau of Dummerston, Jessica Roberts of Putney, and Laura Vogell of Springfield.
• Tyler Godin of Vernon and Thomas Carroll of Vernon were named to the fall 2020 Dean's List at Curry College in Milton, Mass.
• Kim Amidon, an environmental studies major from Vernon, was recently named to the President's List for the fall 2020 semester at the State University of New York at Potsdam.
• The following local students were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2020 semester at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine: Mollie Patenaude and Riley Patenaude of Brattleboro, Olivia Lauricella of Saxtons River, and Emma Krzeminski of Whitingham.
• Caya Greenspan-Layman of Wilmington was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2020 semester at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa.
• Marissa Betit of Vernon has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's fall 2020 President's List.
Obituaries
• Alexander “Buddy” DiSilva, 83, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on Jan. 1, 2021. He was born March 20, 1937 to Vincent and Gladys DiSilva. Mr. DiSilva, formally of Lexington Mass., was a graduate of St. Mary's High School in Waltham, Mass., and was a 1958 graduate of St. Anselm's College. He worked for many years at his father's trucking company, DiSilva Transportation in Somerville, Mass.. Buddy worked with many relatives and good friends while driving a truck for DiSilva Transportation, and later took over the family trucking operations in Brattleboro - Brattleboro Haulage and Webster Trucking. He retired many years ago in Brattleboro, so he could stay close to and spend time with his children and grandchildren. Buddy was a great hockey coach and passed his skills on to his children. He loved his family, and loved to tell stories to his younger relatives about his childhood and growing up with his four sisters in Waltham, his “war stories” from his days of driving a truck, and his tales of the family business, including him and his cousin Albert unloading freight cars and unloading watermelons in the company yard. Buddy is survived by five children, Michael and Theresa of Wake Forest N.C., Gregory and Heidi of Brattleboro, Mike and Loren of Winchester, Mass., Charles of Arlington, Mass., and Nancy and Brian of Brattleboro. He is also survived by eight grandchildren. He was predeceased by two sisters, Madelyn and Delores, and survived by two sisters, Marie and Bob Stocki of Waltham, and JoAnne and Bill Vrettas of Falmouth, Mass. Memorial information: He had asked to be cremated and his ashes placed with his mother, Gladys, in the family plot in Lexington Cemetery. The family will not be holding any services at this time. They ask that all hold their fondest memories of Buddy in their hearts and remember all the good and smiles he spread in this world.
• Myron R. “Bob” Ingalls Jr., 83, of West Chesterfield, N.H. Died Jan. 12, 2021 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, N.H., after a brief period of failing health. He was born on Jan. 31, 1937 in Chesterfield, the son of Myron R. Ingalls Sr, and Hazel E. (Aldrich) Ingalls. He was the proud husband of the late Doris M. (Dills) Ingalls. They were married in 1959. Bob graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1955, while also working at R.S. Roberts. From there, he worked as a journeyman electrician and appliance repairman at Dompier Electric, then at Bailey's Appliance. Bob eventually retired but still needed to work to stay busy. He worked at Chick's Automotive Electrical Service, and later Gordon's Auto Repair. He was also a long-term member at the Pioneer Baptist church in West Chesterfield. Bob was an excellent craftsman and furniture maker and loved to work on vehicles. He also enjoyed taking trips to Maine with his sisters. Bob was predeceased by his sisters Frances Lougee and Debbie Wartluft. He is survived by his son David W. Ingalls and his wife, Jane, of Brattleboro; sisters Nancy Evans and her husband, Harry, of Guilford, Helen Hebert of Payson, Ariz., and Bette Page and her husband Chip of Swanzey, N.H.; sister-in-law Phyllis D. Banner and her husband Raymond; and two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Bob will be laid to rest in the spring next to his beloved wife at Chesterfield West Cemetery. To leave a message of condolence, visit www.phaneuf.net.
• Paul S. Martocci Sr., 70, of Brookline. Died unexpectedly at home on Jan. 11, 2021, following a period of declining health. Paul was born in Brattleboro on Sept. 27, 1950, the son of Nicholas and Corinne June (Harris) Martocci. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending St. Michael's School. For 15 years, Paul was the custodian at Academy School in West Brattleboro. He was well respected and loved by many of the students during his time at Academy. Previously, he poured concrete for B&B Forms of Dover. Paul was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. He enjoyed his “gentleman's farm,” animals, puttering around his home and riding his motorcycle. In 1970, he married to Rosalee Randall, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of more than 50 years, he leaves two sons, Matthew Martocci and his wife, Karen, of Townshend, and Paul Martocci of Brookline; two brothers, Nicholas Martocci of Brookline and Mario Martocci of Seymour, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Paul J. Martocci and Alisha Martocci, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four siblings, Frank and Phillip Martocci, and Jill and JoAnne Martocci. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, PO Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Marjorie “Mimi” Morton, 74, of Guilford. Died at home on Jan. 10, 2021 of pancreatic cancer, in the presence of her husband, Rick Zamore, her daughter Kathryn Jezer Morton, and her stepdaughter, Leah Zamore. She was born on Feb. 9, 1946 in Riverton, N.J. She was named “Mimi” by her twin brother, John, when he was learning to talk. John and his wife, Pat, had a last visit with Mimi two days before she died. Growing up in Riverton, on the Delaware River, she learned to sail with her brother, acquired her phenomenal cooking and housekeeping skills from her mother, Helen (Landers) Morton, and developed a life-long passion for gardening at the side of her father, John Morton. Educated in the local public schools, she originally came to Vermont to attend the University of Vermont, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in Literature in 1968. A junior year abroad in Scotland incited her love of travel. She received an M.A. from the University of Chicago and taught for a year at Central Illinois College, an experience she described as “spooky” in the era before the Women's Movement. She then earned a Ph.D with distinction from McGill University in Montreal, where she settled. She taught English and humanities for nearly 30 years at Dawson College in Montreal, where she helped found the women's studies program. During this period, she began writing fiction, earning attention but not money, so she moved into freelance journalism for magazines and newspapers in Canada and the U.S., and she also found work as a freelance broadcaster for CBC radio. She thoroughly enjoyed all her work in journalism, and she loved Canada, earning dual U.S./Canadian citizenship. During a visit to the Packer Corners commune, in Guilford, she met and fell in love with Marty Jezer, a historian and anti-war activist. They divided their time between Montreal and Guilford, and in September, 1982 Mimi gave birth to their daughter, Kathryn, named for her godmother, Kathryn Kilgore. After 15 years, the partnership of Marty and Mimi ended, but they remained co-parents and friends. In July, 1998 a mutual friend, Eva Mondon, introduced Mimi to Rick Zamore, a moment that changed both their lives forever. Mimi soon moved to Guilford permanently, and found work teaching English, American Literature, composition, and creative writing at Keene State. Throwing herself into volunteer work, she became president of the Vermont Citizens Campaign for Health, advocating for single-payer health insurance, after being cured of breast cancer free of charge in 1999 by the Canadian health care system. She also served on the boards of the Friends of Music at Guilford, the Guilford Free Library, and the Guilford Historical Society. During the last few years of her life, Mimi spent thousands of hours as a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for children who are under the supervision of the Vermont court system through no fault of their own. She found her GAL work especially meaningful. Mimi completed two books during her final illness. Before the Age of Reason, a Memoir of Racism, is available at Everyone's Books in Brattleboro, and a collection of her superb short stories will be available there in February or March. She gained peace and clarity through her practice of Buddhism with her sangas and teachers Mannie Mansbach, Emily Wiandro, and Walter Hagadorn. In addition to her husband Rick, daughter Kathryn, and her stepdaughter Leah Zamore, Mimi is survived by her son-in-law Gray Miles; her two adored grandsons, Jesse and Orion; her brother John, his wife Pat, their daughters Emma Morton and Liz Kollmeyer, and Liz's husband Kip, and their baby, Jack. Mimi was known for her vivid and entertaining personality, her comprehensive memory, and her loving and generous spirit. She was often the funniest and smartest person in the room, and she liked nothing better than sitting at a large table full of friends and family, watching them enjoy some of her unforgettable cooking. She is greatly missed by many people. Memorial information: A memorial service for Mimi is tentatively planned for Memorial Day weekend. Donations to the Guilford Free Library.
• Mary Catherine O'Rourke, 103, a longtime resident of Agawam, Mass. and recent resident of the Bradley House in Brattleboro. Died peacefully Jan. 9, 2021, with her daughter and son-in-law at her side. Mrs. O'Rourke was born in Springfield, Mass. on July 19, 1917, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Daly) Bolger. She was raised and educated in Springfield, where she was a graduate of Classical High School and American International College. She was a member of the Kappa Sigma Sorority. In 1943, she married Joseph P. O'Rourke. Her faithful and devoted husband of 66 years predeceased her in 2009. Mrs. O'Rourke was a teacher at Agawam Junior High and Middle Schools for more than 25 years until her retirement. A devout Catholic and steadfast in her walk of faith, she was long a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Agawam. She enjoyed taking day trips with her husband, activities with the Agawam Senior Center, visits to the casinos, wintering in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and vacations to the beaches of Florida and Maine. She always had a few books she was reading. She loved her time with family and friends and her independence. She was always eager to shop, to go out to eat, to travel, or attend an event. She always brought a special cheerfulness, appreciation, and a caring concern for how everyone around her was doing. Survivors include: two sons, Thomas O'Rourke (Debbie) of Martinez, Ga., and Joseph O'Rourke (Donna) of Knoxville, Tenn.; her daughter, Patti Cheslawski (John) of Guilford; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers, Joseph, Phillip, and Francis Bolger. Memorial information: Funeral services will be conducted later in the springtime in Agawam, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Donations to Bradley House, 65 Harris Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301; or The Agawam Senior Center, 954 Main St., Agawam, MA 01001. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Brenna (Wrest) Reynolds, 47, of Burlington. Died on Jan. 1, 2021. Brenna grew up in Beverly, Mass, Essex Junction, and Westford, Vt. She graduated from Essex Junction Educational Center and earned a B.A. degree from Trinity College in Burlington. Brenna had many skills and interests. She had significant intellectual capabilities and was interested in current events, particularly about the inequality of people of color. Her sense of humor was renowned and she had a vast collection of friends. She was generous and kind. Most recently, she found talent in using colored pencils, learning how to draw and creating zentangle designs. She was quite an athlete in her younger years and an avid sports fan. Brenna was supported for many years by medical professionals, organizations, family, and friends as she tried to calm the effects of mental health and addiction issues. Brenna leaves behind her beloved children, Gabriel Reynolds of Claremont, N.H., and William and Mya Smith of Ticonderoga, N.Y., her sister Aurie Mercer of Watervliet, N.Y., her brother Dennis Wrest of Burlington, her mother Lois Reynolds of Brattleboro, and her father Charles Wrest of Watervliet, N.Y. Memorial information: The family will have a Celebration of Life service at a later date.
• Linda Ann Smith, 71, of Vernon. Died Jan. 7, 2021 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following a brief illness. Linda was born at home in Guilford on April 11, 1949, the daughter of Michael and Eleanor (Battistoni) Zumbruski. A lifelong resident of the area, she was raised in Guilford where she attended Guilford schools. She was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1967. Linda was a longtime employee of Fleming Oil Company, with her last position as manager of Fleming's Lipton Mini Mart in Greenfield, Mass. Previously, she managed Fleming's Shell/Mini Mart in West Brattleboro and, prior to managing the West Brattleboro location, she worked in the business office on Putney Road. She was a member of the B.P.O. Elks Brattleboro Lodge 1499, the Ladies Shrine Club and held membership in American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. Linda enjoyed time with her family, summers poolside at her home, and trips to Mohegan Sun. She was well-known as an excellent cook. In 1983, she married Gordon “Smitty” Smith, who predeceased her in 2010. Survivors include a son, James Smith of Austin, Texas; two brothers, George Zumbruski of Vernon and Daniel Zumbruski of Guilford; a sister, Marjorie Shield and her partner, Richard Gauthier, of West Chesterfield, N.H.; and her beloved grandpups, Bishop and Tuukka. Memorial information: Funeral services were held Jan. 13 at Mountain View Seventh Day Adventist Church in Vernon, with burial in North Cemetery in Vernon. A Celebration of Life service for the general public will be held in the spring. Donations to the Brattleboro Food Bank, 22 Browne Ct, Unit 108, Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Curtis Tuff, 82, of Putney. Died at home, surrounded by family, on Dec. 9, 2020, following a period of declining health. He was born in Macon, Ga., one of 13 children, to Calvin and Minnie (Galloway) Tuff. He was raised and educated in Macon, where he attended elementary and middle school. He worked as a fruit picker for many years, eventually settling in Putney after being hired by William Darrow. Curtis eventually established his own business in Putney, Curtis's All-American Bar-B-Q, which he ran for more than 40 years. It was a well-known landmark, attracting barbecue fans from around the country. Curtis was simple man of humble beginnings, and was known for his spirit of friendship and generosity. He loved people and through the years he developed a large clientele of customers, many of whom he came to know personally. He was a worldly man in terms of life experiences and knowledge. When not at his barbecue pit, he enjoyed fishing, gardening (of which he had a green thumb), and time shared with his family and many friends. He had a little gambling in his blood and enjoyed trips to the casinos. He was a proud, hard-working man who took pride in being an American and enjoyed following local, regional, and national politics. Being civic-minded, he loved his town of Putney and its residents. In 1983, he married to Christine Goulas, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 37 years, he leaves his eight children, Darryl Tuff, Shawn Tuff, Reshea Tuff and Laurel Tuff, all of Clearwater, Fla.; Anne Walker of Georgia, Raechel Bennett of Harmonyville, Christey Tuff of South Carolina, and Sarah Tuff of Brattleboro; 16 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Frank Tuff and Minnie Galloway, both of Georgia. Additionally, he is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a large host of friends. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held later in the late spring or early summer. Donations to Project Feed the Thousands, P.O. Box 8366, Brattleboro, VT 05304. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Robert Gordon “Bobby” Warwick, 85, formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at Hollybrook Senior Living in Santa Ana, Calif., where he has been a resident for the last two years. He fought a good battle with bladder cancer for the past year and recently tested positive for COVID-19. He was born in Framingham, Mass., in 1935, the son of the late Mary (Dudley) Warwick and Edward Warwick. He graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1954, where he played football and basketball and was active on the Student Council. In 1957, he married Beverley Roberts of Brattleboro, who died in 1993. They met in elementary school and lived in New England until 1972, when they moved to California. He loved to travel and would return to Vermont to visit family and friends, especially around BUHS Alumni Weekend. Other special trips included Hawaii, the national parks, and to visit his daughters and their families. Survivors include four loving daughters, Tari Warwick of Colorado, Traci Johnson of Murphys, Calif., Robyn Hazen of Long Beach, Calif., and Melissa Warwick of Irvine, Calif. He is also survived by a brother, Harold Warwick of Poway, Calif., and two sisters, Virginia Sprague of Brattleboro and Rosemary Smith of Keene, N.H., along with many nieces and nephews. He was a wonderful grandfather to five grandsons, three granddaughters and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard and Ralph Warwick, and his sister Marjorie Bartley. Memorial information: Bobby was lifelong sports enthusiast, and the family suggests honoring his memory by contributing to a youth sports league, or take a child out and play ball.
• Joshua Lionel “Josh” Washburn, 40, of North Walpole, N.H. Died Jan. 7, 2021, after a long battle with polycystic kidney disease. Josh's kidneys may have failed, but his heart never did. He had a huge heart and a hearty laugh. Josh lived to make people laugh and was a good friend to a lot of people. They will remember him most for the goofy smile he almost always wore across his face. Though Josh was playful, always looking for a laugh, he also had a fierce personality that he channeled into his athleticism. He excelled in basketball at Green Mountain Union High School, from which he graduated in 1999. Josh was also unapologetically afraid of the dark. He tried his hand at a number of different careers, including earning a commercial driver's license, that allowed him to see the country from the cab of an 18-wheeler. He leaves behind his longtime partner, Jennifer Merrill, and her son, Isaiah. He is also survived by his mother, Deborah Taylor and her husband, Lawrence, of North Dumpling Island, N.Y., and by his sister, Kayla Brannen and her husband, Barney, of Hanover, N.H. Memorial information: Josh's family and friends will hold a memorial gathering at a later date. Donations to the National Kidney Foundation at kidney.org.