Obituaries
• William Joseph “Bill” Callahan Jr., 97, of Brattleboro. Died on Oct. 21, 2022. He was born on March 23, 1925 in Flushing, New York, the son of William J. and Johanna (Talbot) Callahan, Sr. A child of the Great Depression, Billy, as he was known then, lived in crowded flats with various relatives. His mother was ill and spent many years in tuberculosis sanatoriums. As a teen, Bill moved to Brattleboro and graduated from Brattleboro High School. Bill was a decorated Army veteran of World War II. He served his country from the beach at Normandy, through the Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central European campaigns. Although Bill was proud of his service, his experiences affected him deeply, and he rarely spoke of them. Bill never considered himself a hero. After the war, Bill returned to Brattleboro and married Marjorie Stockwell of East Putney. They would eventually have six children. In 1957, they purchased a beautiful 1888 home on Oak Street with lots of room for their growing family. A mail carrier for years, Bill was known for his good humor, infectious smile, and stimulating conversation, and he made many friends along his route. Bill welcomed their advice as he developed the skills to maintain an old house: roofing, woodworking, painting, wallpapering, plumbing, stone-cutting, gardening, etc. All this was in addition to moonlighting at several part-time jobs. Along his mail route, Bill also befriended students from the School for International Training who were staying alone in boarding houses far from their homes in many different countries. Bill and Marjorie always made room for them at their crowded kitchen table. These guests shared an international perspective on the world and made a lasting impression on the young Callahans. Another contact from Bill's mail route introduced him to classical Greek literature and inspired him to begin college at age 45. He graduated from Keene State College 12 years later, retired from the Post Office, and began teaching at Community College of Vermont. At CCV, he was loved by students and colleagues alike. He was passionate about his role as an educator and mentor providing a step up for many folks who, like Bill himself, wanted to improve their lives through education. And in 1989 Bill received the CCV Teacher of the Year Award. Bill challenged himself further by participating in community theater. He performed in local productions of works by Shakespeare, Miller, Chekov, and Shaw, and once starred in a one-man show. Bill was known about town for his other passion, bicycling. He rode almost daily up the West River Valley until well past his 85th birthday. He also rode extensively through France and Canada. Active in the Bicycle-Pedestrian Coalition, he championed cycling for all and the creation of bike lanes on area roads. Bill was predeceased in 2011 by both Marjorie, his wife of 61 years, and their daughter Eileen Callahan Baker. Bill is survived by five grown children: Patrick, Terry, Timothy, and Daniel Callahan, and Jennifer Callahan Sneeringer; their respective spouses, 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss him terribly. Memorial information: A remembrance ceremony was held Oct. 28 at St. Michael's Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to the Brattleboro Music Center, 72 Blanche Moyse Way, Brattleboro, VT 05301. To share a memory or send condolences to Bill's family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Marvin David Dezendorf, 60, of Townshend, Died Oct. 21, 2022 from injuries sustained in an aircraft accident in Keene, New Hampshire. David was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on March 12, 1962, the son of Jack and Anita Jane (Anderson) Dezendorf. He was raised and educated in Alexandria and was a graduate of Alexandria Senior High School, Class of 1980. While growing up, he was active with the Boy Scouts of America, attaining the distinction of Eagle Scout. David went on to proudly serve his country in the Army during the 1980s, stationed in Germany until his honorable discharge from active service. He was a senior programmer/analyst in the insurance industry, employed by Selman Company based in Keene. For the past 30 years, he was a certified flight instructor and multi-instrument instructor, most recently for Monadnock Aviation based at Dillant-Hopkins/Keene Municipal Airport. Throughout his flying career, he logged nearly 3,000 hours of flight time. He received his pilot's license at age 15, an accomplishment he was extremely proud of. Active civically, David had served on the Townshend Selectboard and School Board, and was the town's Emergency Service Director. His love for flying was surpassed only by his love for family. His pride and devotion for his children, Danny, Jackie and son-in-law Cliff and their numerous accomplishments were unmatched. On October 26, 1985 in Townshend, during a simple ceremony for family and close friends, he was married to Toni Chase, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 37 years, he leaves one son, Daniel Dezendorf of Townshend; a daughter, Jacqueline Plaster and her husband, Cliff, of Townshend; his mother, Anita of Alexandria; two brothers, Dennis Dezendorf of Pineville, Louisiana and Malcolm Dezendorf of Alexandria; and sisters Margaret Roberts and husband, Eugene, of Huntsville, Alabama, Diane Bordelon and husband, Stephen, of Mandeville, Louisiana, Frances Roberts and husband, David, of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Patricia Small of Alexandria. He was predeceased by his father, Jack, and a sister, Anita Jacqueline, who died in infancy. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at a date and time to be announced by the funeral home. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com. For memorial contributions for David, contact Beth Bendel at Monadnock Aviation, 80 Airport Rd. #1, Keene, NH 03431, or call 603-357-7600.
• Shaun Hilton Fosburgh, 77, of Brattleboro. Died at home on Oct. 23, 2022, after months of declining health. His two children and his dear friend and companion, Linda Aleksiewicz Grout, were with him at the time of his death. He was born on April 8, 1945 in London, England, exactly one month before the end of the war in Europe. He and his mother, Gwendoline Durrant Fosburgh, crossed the Atlantic on the RMS Queen Elizabeth in 1946, came through Ellis Island, and were reunited with his father, Gale Hilton Fosburgh. The family settled in Manchester, New Hampshire prior to moving to Brattleboro. Shaun graduated from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1963. In his younger years he worked at The Book Press. Eventually, he became a certified financial planner and was employed for many years by John Hancock Financial Services. In 2002, he semi-retired and opened a mortgage company, Southern Coast Funding, in Palm Coast, Florida. On Nov. 19, 1966 he married the former Diana Mary Martel. The marriage ended in divorce. In 1978, he married Diana Mosher Martocci. For the next 28 years they went on many adventures, making happy memories along the way. Mrs. Fosburgh died on Oct. 3, 2006. Mr. Fosburgh is survived by a daughter, Lisa Fosburgh May, and son, Philip Shaun Fosburgh, both of Chester. In addition, he leaves a granddaughter and four great grandchildren. Memorial information: A private family graveside service will be held in Locust Ridge Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to the Emergency Department Renovation Fund at Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353 or to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 W. Swanzey Rd., Swanzey, NH 03446. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Isaac T. Given, 20, of North Walpole, New Hampshire. Died suddenly on Oct. 20, 2022. Isaac was born on Sept. 22, 2002 in Keene, New Hampshire to Katie Given of North Walpole and Rashaun Taylor of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. He was a 2022 graduate of Fall Mountain High School. He is survived by his parents and his siblings Shyanne Given, Franklin Farnham, Jacob Pasquarelli-Taylor, Quinton Pasquarelli-Taylor, and Owen Mullins. He is also survived by his grandparents Cindy and Dennis Richardson and Frances and Barbara Robertson; aunts and uncles Amy Given and Patrick Woodward, David and Rachel Given, and Damont Whitaker; cousins Skylar Blanchard, David Given Jr., and Emma Given, as well as many other family members and many friends. Isaac loved fishing, 4-wheeling, and Playstation; however his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends who will forever miss him. Memorial information: A celebration of life took place Oct. 29 at the Moose Lodge in Bellows Falls.
• Stanley M. Golec, 66, of Springfield, Vermont. Died Oct. 26, 2022 at Springfield Hospital. Stanley was born on July 12, 1956 in Bellows Falls to Peter Golec and Frances (Godrick) Golec. He attended schools in Bellows Falls and graduated from Bellows Falls High School. He lived most of his life in Bellows Falls. After graduation, Stanley worked for Robertson Paper Mill, running a waxer for several years, and then worked for Whitney & Blake as a machine operator for 35 years. He enjoyed fishing and boating on various rivers and lakes in Vermont, as well as hunting with family and friends. He especially loved music and played his guitar in a few bands at local venues. Stan loved his dogs and had several throughout his lifetime. Stanley is survived by his siblings Jane Golec of Bellows Falls, Peter (Ellen Howard-Golec) of Saxtons River, Theresa (Martin) Szklennik of Walpole, New Hampshire, Catherine Casey (Russell Knight) of Laconia, New Hampshire, and Mary (George) Trombly of Springfield, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Stanley was predeceased by his parents, his sister Frances Thibault, and his former wife Victoria Denno Golec. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m., at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls, with burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
• Barbara B. Harris, 89, of Pembroke, New Hampshire, formerly of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly on Oct. 21, 2022, at the home of her son in Brattleboro, following a period of declining health. Barbara was born in Brattleboro on Sept. 18, 1933, one of 17 children of Everett and Elizabeth (Pratt) Bristol. She attended Brattleboro public schools, including Brattleboro High School. She worked for many years as a telephone operator for New England Telephone, first in the Main Street office in Brattleboro and, later, in the Laconia, New Hampshire office. Barbara was a member of Telephone Pioneers of America and a former member of Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro. On Aug. 4, 1956, at Centre Church, she was married to Edward C. Harris, who predeceased her in 1973. Barbara enjoyed crocheting, knitting, playing Bingo, trips to the casinos, and time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also loved attending the annual Bristol family reunions. When her husband was a member of the Brattleboro Fire Department, she was an active volunteer with the department's Ladies Auxiliary. Survivors include one daughter, Kathy Edwards and husband, Kerry, of Goffstown, New Hampshire; one son, Stephen Harris and his wife, Rosemary, of Brattleboro; five brothers, Verne, Charles, Stewart, Dean and, Neil Bristol; two sisters, Betty Wellman and Brittney Oliver; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by nine siblings: Edwin, Gene, George, Merlin, Robert and Donald Bristol, Virginia Gordon, Esther Lamb, and Marjorie Bristol. Memorial information: Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Terrace Street in Brattleboro on Sunday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. until noon. A celebration of her life will follow at the Eagles Club on Chickering Drive. Barbara will be laid to rest beside her late husband in Locust Ridge Cemetery on Black Mountain Road. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Brattleboro Fire Department Benevolent Fund, 103 Elliot St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Anita Marie Parent, 81, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died Oct. 25, 2022 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following a brief illness. Anita was born in Brattleboro on Sept. 26, 1941, the daughter of Maxine (Snow) and John H. Coughlin Sr. She was raised in Brattleboro and attended public schools, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the class of 1960. She had been employed at the former Vermont Circuits, where she worked as an image technician, retiring from the company following many dedicated years of service. Previously she worked at Basketville on Birge Street. Of her leisure time activities, Anita enjoyed knitting, boating with her family on the Connecticut River, and vacations to York and Cape Neddick, Maine. She was a quiet unassuming woman, known for her pleasant personality and spirit of friendship. On Oct. 7, 1961, at First Baptist Church, she was married to Richard Parent, Sr. who survives. Besides her devoted husband of 61 years, she leaves one son, Richard “Butch” Parent, Jr. and wife, Wendy, of Hinsdale; two daughters, Lynn Miner and husband, Shawn, of Brattleboro, and Cindy Parent and wife, Gemma, of Chicopee, Massachusetts; one brother, John “Jack” Coughlin of Brattleboro; a sister, Sandra Woodard, also of Brattleboro; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Additionally, she leaves one niece, Ava Monette of Florida. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, there are no funeral services scheduled. Donations to the Windham Country Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.