Obituaries
• Robert J. “Rob” Comley, 73, of West Brattleboro. Died at home on April 11, 2022, after a brief illness. Rob was born on Dec. 16, 1948, in Orange, N.J., the second son of James and Gertrude Comley of Essex Fells, N.J. He grew up in Essex Fells, graduated from West Essex Regional High School in 1967, and earned his B.A .in psychology at the University of Connecticut in 1972. After a cross-country auto trip, Rob settled for a time in California, supporting himself through a number of temporary jobs including working nights for the U.S. Postal Service at the main post office in San Francisco. He later found employment driving a taxi for Yellow Cab of Burlingame, where one of his most memorable experiences was when Boston Celtics great Bill Russell jumped into the front seat with him for a run to the airport. After returning to the East, Rob went to work in the Barre, Vt., office of Champlain Valley Work and Training, an arm of the Carter administration's CETA program that was tasked with matching workers preparing for careers with potential employers. He later joined the Vermont Department of Corrections as a probation officer in St. Johnsbury, and eventually became a casework supervisor in the Brattleboro office. A loyal follower of the Red Sox throughout his adult life, Rob and a friend managed to score a pair of tickets to one of the most historic victories in team history, the second-to-last home game of the 1967 season, a win that help the Sox clinch the American League pennant the following day. He never lost his enthusiasm for recalling that historic game. In retirement, Rob enjoyed spending time at his waterfront cottage on beautiful Long Pond in East Lempster, N.H. Surviving members of his family include his older brother, James H. Comley. Jr. and wife Carrie J. Comley of Waterbury Center; their daughter Sara Jacobsen of Wolcott, nephew Peter J. Comley of Seattle, Wash.; and close friend Nancy DuMont of White River Junction. Memorial information: At Rob's request, there will be no funeral or calling hours. To honor Rob's love of animals, donations may be made in his memory to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Lawrence F. Giard, 92, of Winchester, N.H. Died April 20, 2022, surrounded by his family, at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, N.H. He was born on August 23, 1929 in Colrain, Mass., the son of Antoine and Viola (Bernard) Giard. Larry was a graduate of Western New England College with a degree in engineering. He served in the Navy as a submariner on the USS Wahoo during the Korean War. He was married to the former Ruth Ainsworth in 1951. They were married for more than 70 years. Early in life, he worked for Uniroyal and Digital Corp, then started his own business Valley Masonry in Bernardston, Mass., from which he “retired” in 2000. He enjoyed and was an avid hunter, golfer, and gun collector. He helped establish the Windham Community Bible Church in Dummerston, which he attended weekly. He is survived by his wife Ruth and his children, son Larry and his wife Caryl of Bunnell, Fla., son David and his partner Jan Mankowsky of Northfield, Mass., and his daughter Donna Giard and her husband Geoffrey Alexander of Winchester. He is also survived his brother James and his wife Janie of Bernardston, Mass., and five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Alan and his grandson, Sean. Memorial information: Graveside services with full military honors were held April 26 at Evergreen Cemetery in Winchester. Donations to the Bernardston Senior Center, 20 Church St. Bernardston, MA 01337, or the charity of your choice.
• Ronald Sanford Holway, 79, of Putney and Dummerston. Died March 26, 2022 in Gastonia, N.C. He was born in Brattleboro on Aug. 31, 1942, the son of Berton and Edna (Morse) Holway of Putney. In 1946, when Ron was 3 years old, his parents died in a tragic automobile accident. After the death of his parents, Ron was raised by his aunt and uncle Erwin and Eva (Morse) Bryant of Putney, and his maternal aunt, Alice M. Holway whom he adored, also of Putney. Ron attended Putney Central School on Kimball Hill in Putney and Brattleboro Union High School, He married his high school sweetheart, Marion L. Aither, in 1961. They were married for more than 52 years until Marion's death in 2014. Together they raised three daughters; Cindy Russell (husband Tom Russell) of Newfane, Darcy Whitworth (partner Scott Chase) of Dummerston, and Deborah Holway (partner Evan Sabatelli) of Putney. After high school, Ron worked at American Optical in Brattleboro before launching his own proprietorship, Putney Auto Body in Christian Square. Once the business was established, he and Marion moved the shop to their home on Aiken Road, where Ron continued serving the diverse community that watched him grow up and raise his own family. Always a hilarious storyteller who loved a good time, his bark masked a kind, generous heart that found joy in helping people. After hours, his auto body shop functioned as a social club for people near and far, where Anheuser Busch always won and the rest had fun. In 2011, he retired and closed the overhead doors to his shop after 50 years in business. Ronnie and Marion enjoyed winters in Florida, and the remainder of the year gardening and spending time with family and friends in Putney. Although retired, he continued to keep busy growing vegetables, restoring his 1942 John Deere tractor, checking in on friends and family, trout fishing, mowing lawns and attending garlic festivals in search of the biggest cloves. In 2015, he reached out to Jane Smith of Dummerston, asking if she “would like to go for a drive sometime?” They spent seven wonderful years together at Jane's home in Dummerston or his winter escape to Florida. Together they supported each other with plenty of love, good humor, and acceptance. In addition to Ronald's three daughters and his partner, Jane Smith, Ronald leaves seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Other survivors include a brother, Gordon Holway of Arizona. Ronald was predeceased by three additional siblings; Phyllis Walker, Richard Holway, and Gloria Priest. Memorial information: There will be an informal gathering for friends and family to celebrate Ronnie's life on Sunday, May 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Gleanery in downtown Putney.
• Leyeyo Saitoti Kipamba, 24, died on April 18, 2022. In the face of tough circumstances in the rural Maa'sai village of Longido, Tanzania, Leyeyo moved to Townshend with his American parents Sarah Messenger and Paul Weber when he was eight years old. Speaking no English, he started first grade at The Grammar School in Putney and graduated in 2012. He spent four years at Vermont Academy in Saxtons River and a few more years in college. He played all sports, but soccer was his passion, and he played with joy and creativity. Along the way, he went to shows in New York City, surfed in Hawaii, summered at Lake Michigan, saw Barack Obama inaugurated, and camped in our greatest National Parks. Leyeyo loved going home to Tanzania to see Mama Leyeyo and the multitude of family and friends. He, Elie, Devin, and Evan helped to build his mother a new house. He worked as a guide for Gogi Abroad and was proud to be teaching about the Maa'sai culture. He helped his U.S. dad and best friend Dickson to scale the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Leyeyo's smile lit up the room. He knew what love meant and, to a fault, was a kind and generous friend. Leyeyo had a spectacular and intuitive ability to understand children and they gravitated to him; he was one of them. He dreamed of starting a tour business to combine his two cultural experiences. Besides his parents he is survived by many American aunts, uncles, cousins, and a grandmother who loved to measure his height. Among a myriad of African relatives, he leaves four older brothers (Ngutetei, Laisioni, Saitoti, and Isaya) and a younger sister (Leyesu) who predeceased him. He adored his newest half-brother and sister (Emmanuel and Sarah). Memorial information: A gathering to remember the good times will be held at a time not yet decided. Donations to Friends for African Development (FAD - fadeastafrica.com) at 537 Cavalier Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.
• Earl R. Melendy II, 79, of South Londonderry. Died April 5, 2022. Earl was born on Sept. 16, 1942, in Hackensack, N.J., the son of the late Earl R. and Marie (Marubio) Melendy. He grew up in South Londonderry. He will be remembered as being a hard worker. As a child, Earl had an unusual special drink. It was vinegar. He was given the name “Vinegar Joe,” which followed him through childhood. When the family hears a silly joke, they will remember it was usually Earl telling it. He enjoyed bicycle and motorcycle rides. He was always on the road, in part because it was a means to visit people along the way. He loved visiting. Earl was always ready on a Saturday night to do some square dancing. He truly loved to hunt down tag sales. He couldn't leave a good deal on the table. He was especially fond of vintage items. Earl loved shooting pool and was thought a pool shark by many. One of his favorite vehicles was a Cadillac he purchased. This upped the name of “Vinegar Joe” to “Cadillac Joe.” Earl was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Michael Melendy; and a son, William Joseph “Billy” Melendy. He is survived by his daughter, Peggy Lee Shores, of Mount Tabor; a son, Franklin Earl Melendy, and stepchildren, Rosa Martell and Robert Keyes, all of Rutland. He will be missed by his siblings, Marie Purtle, of Tolland, Conn., David Melendy, of Andover, Barbara Rowe and her husband, Leonard, whom Earl considered his dearest friend, of South Londonderry; as well as many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A service will be held at a date to be announced in the summer.
• Robert Lee Pearson, 87, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on April 20, 2022 at Holton Home, where he had been a resident for the past six years. He was born in Norwalk, Conn., the son of James and Dorothy Lee Pearson. He was a graduate of Darien High School. After serving in the Navy during the Korean War, he returned to Connecticut and worked as an electrical engineer for Perkin Elmer in Wilton, Conn. He was predeceased by his siblings John and James. He is survived by his children Bob (Patty), Debbie (Ed) Truesdell, Cindy (Jerry) Theberge, Sandy, and Craig and their families, including seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A private family service will take place in the fall.
• Allen Edward Snow, 62, of Vernon, a lifelong resident. Died April 13, 2022 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, following a period of declining health. Allen was born in Brattleboro on Dec. 22, 1959, the son of Raymond and Susan (Ray) Snow. He was raised and educated in Putney, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1977. Allen worked most of his career as an auto mechanic employed for several area garages that included: Richmond Auto in Algiers, Gordon Hickey on Old Ferry Road, Sonny's Sunoco on Canal Street, and D&M Texaco on Main Street in Putney. He also was a paid firefighter working for the Bellows Falls and Brattleboro fire departments. For many years, Allen was also an active member of the Putney Volunteer Fire Department. Allen also held membership in the B.P.O. Elks, Brattleboro Lodge #1499. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and playing softball, of which he was involved in both the Brattleboro and Putney men's leagues. Allen also enjoyed classic cars and was the proud owner of a 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. Survivors include: one brother, Mark Snow (Christina) of Vernon; and two sisters, Kimberly Fletcher (Skip) of Dummerston and Pamela King (Brad) of Putney. Additionally, he leaves several nieces, nephews and cousins that include a special nephew, Ryan of Vernon, and his beloved cat, Peggy “Pegs.” Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m., in Riverview Cemetery in Wilmington where he will be laid to rest next to his parents. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Edgar James “Eddie” Starorypinski, 83, of Vernon. Died peacefully at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital on April 18, 2022, surrounded by his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. Eddie was born on May 5, 1938 in Vineland, N.J., and was proud of growing up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. He never lost his New York accent and on occasion would wax into it. He was proud of his Polish heritage with his dad, Edgar, Sr. from Warsaw, and his mom, Theresa Wroblewski from Dowagiac, Mich. Eddie had lots of friends growing up who played stick ball and basketball in the park. He had a doo-wop group that sang on the street corners. He loved his Fifties and early Sixties tunes and would sing aloud as they played. The Boys' Club was his playground, and he mastered many games including chess. For six years, he was chosen to represent his club as a caddie on Fishers Island, eventually becoming the caddie master and loved reminiscing about the famous people he caddied for. Several years ago, he delighted in revisiting his beloved island. In 1967, he married Lynda Smith, and they were blessed to have two beautiful daughters, two wonderful sons-in-law, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Eddie was a devoted family man who loved all holidays and celebrations with his family and friends. Camping trips to Maidstone and Jamaica State Parks; bringing his grands to the theme parks in the White Mountains, especially the infamous wolfman at Clarks' Trading Post; trips to the beach in Maine; teaching his children and grandchildren hunting safety and skills; fishing with Jeff and Fran; hunting with Richie, Walter, Albert, and Fran; trips to Boston to watch the Red Sox; and even trips to his beloved Yankee Stadium - all of which brought everyone good times and lots of happy memories. Eddie loved working and excelled at all he did as manager of the sporting goods department at Sam's and purchasing agent at Cersosimo Lumber Co., Inc. He made many good friends and acquaintances over his years of work, retiring at the age of 82. His parting leaves an enormous hole in the hearts of all who loved him dearly. Eddie is survived by his spouse of 55 years, Lynda; his daughter Laura Hazard and son-in-law Keith; daughter Wendy Barcomb and son-in-law Gary; his grandchildren Andrew and Nathan Barcomb, Jacqueline Hazard Ganard and her husband Colin, Logan Hazard and his partner, Jordan Gouger, and Mariah Hazard; and his great-grandson Jameson Barcomb. Memorial information: As per his wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Later, when all his family can attend, there will be a remembrance gathering and his ashes will be scattered on his hunting grounds. To view an online tribute, visit www.phaneuf.net. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend and the Boys and Girls Club of Brattleboro.
• Freda J. Wright, 91, of Port Charlotte, Fla., formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on April 12, 2022. The daughter of late Charles and Katherine (Rusnock) Corogenes, she was born on July 25, 1930 in Troy, N.Y. Freda grew up in Bennington and graduated from Bennington High School, Class of 1948. Freda was an accomplished artist and, after moving to Florida in 2019, she continued to do watercolor paintings of the local scenery. She loved to sew, quilt, read, and swim. While living in Florida, she had started playing golf again and bought a three-wheel bicycle to ride around the neighborhood. Freda is survived by her daughter Pamela Wright of San Diego, Calif., sons Gary Wright and his wife Sue of Punta Gorda, Fla., and Robert Wright and his wife Kelle of San Diego. She also leaves grandchildren Max, Lucas, and Mallory Wright who loved her dearly. Memorial information: A Graveside service will be held on June 4, at 2 pm at the family lot in the Old Bennington Cemetery. A reception will follow at Madison Brewing Company and Pub at 428 Main St., Bennington. Donations to Frosted Face (care for senior animals) and Lions Tigers and Bears in Alpine, Calif., in care of Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 957, Bennington, VT. 05201.