Obituaries
• Anne Elizabeth Andrus, 68, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 31, 2022 at Hartford (Conn.) Hospital following a brief period of declining health. Anne was born in Bennington on July 29, 1954, the daughter of Leon M. and Marjorie C. (Ware) Andrus. She was raised and educated in Vernon and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1973. She worked for several years at Mary Meyer Toy Company in Townshend and previously had been employed at a car dealership in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Anne enjoyed shopping, crafts, and taking day trips in the tri-state area. She had a deep interest in genealogy. With her mother, she visited area cemeteries and town clerks’ offices to trace her family’s history. Anne was known for her pleasant and friendly personality and, after becoming disabled, she committed several years of her life to helping to take care of her elderly mother with whom she made her home. Survivors include a step-brother, Roland Andrus, and three step-sisters, Mary Rock, Janet Fleming, and Alberta Wenzel. Additionally, she leaves several nieces, nephews, cousins, and second cousins. Memorial information: A memorial service in celebration of her life will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 14, starting at 11 a.m., at West Brattleboro Baptist Church on Western Avenue. A reception will follow the services. Burial in the Ware family lot in Riverview Cemetery in Wilmington will take place in the springtime where Anne will be laid to rest next to her mother. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Joseph Raymond Bates, 91, of Newfane. Died on Dec. 13, 2022. Ray, as everyone knew him, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on Jan. 17, 1931. He completed a five-year apprenticeship at the R.L. Christie Clockmaking Company of Scotland, while also studying mechanical engineering at the University of Edinburgh. These pursuits culminated in graduation as a Craft Member of the British Horological Institution of London, in 1952, along with the achievement of Master Status upon building a clock of his own, completely from scratch. Ray served two years in the Royal Air Force as an instrument specialist and photo analyst, after which he toured Europe with a friend on motorcycles. In 1957, Ray immigrated to the United States, obtained teaching credentials from Keene State College, taught English, and established The British Clockmaker, a business focused on restoring antique clocks. He married Beverly Myer Graham in 1962, and in 1964, moved from Waltham, Massachusetts to Newfane. By 1966, Ray initiated an apprenticeship program with the state of Vermont and successfully trained six apprentices, including his son Richard, who continues to run the business. Ray also created a company, Precision Industrial Photography, and did work for National Geographic and other professional publications. On April 23, 2010, in London, Ray was inducted into The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, a guild dating back to the early 1600s. Ray loved Corgis, cars, jazz and classical music, and traveling in Europe with Beverly. He was an avid reader of The New York Times and appreciated good literature. He held strong opinions about politics, social justice, and religion. Ray was a self-taught gourmet chef who relished cooking delicious meals for friends and family. Until the last year of his life, Ray and Beverly hosted friends for dinner a couple times a week. Ray is survived by his wife of 60 years, Beverly Graham Bates; his sons Philip Graham Bates and his wife, Susie, and children Isabel and Emma of Melrose, Massachusetts; Iain Ramsey Bates of San Francisco; and Richard Elliott Bates and his wife, Stephanie, and children Hannah and Ella of Keene, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his closest cousin, Jane Johnston and her husband, David, of Surrey, England. Memorial information: There will be a private celebration of his life in the spring. Donations to the Newfane Congregational Church, P.O. Box 27, Newfane, VT 05345, notating that the donation is for the Discretionary Fund. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of New Hampshire. To view Ray’s online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit csnh.com.
• Russell Daniel “Russ” Brown, 49, of Athens. Died on Dec. 22, 2022 due to recent health complications. Russ was born Sept. 27, 1973 in Townshend to Linda Jean (O’Neill) and Daniel Columbus Brown. Russ spent his youth living in Windham County and attended Leland & Gray High School where he enjoyed playing baseball and graduated in 1991. After high school, he spent time working at Stratton Mountain Resort and for the town of Windham before going to work for several local oil companies as a service technician. He excelled in that field and, in 2014, Russ ventured out on his own and opened Brown’s Oil Heating Service. The business took off and he expanded from installing and servicing oil furnaces and boilers to air duct cleaning and sanitizing. Russ enjoyed hunting, boating, snowmobiling, camping, and the company of his family and many friends. In his younger years, Russ enjoyed working on and racing cars, and working on cars with his Dad. He was a very hard working family man with a great sense of humor. Russ was well known for his sense of humor and ability to pick on people, making them feel included. Russ’s love of animals began early in his life when his family adopted several rescue dogs. He especially loved his dogs, he loved a big, furry dog (perhaps because they were the only ones who appreciated his singing abilities!) Russ had a big heart and loved to have fun. Though Russ had no children of his own, he was a role model who worked hard to help raise his stepson, Kaden and his nephew, Nicholas and was a loving, supportive uncle to Evan and AnnaMarie. Russell was predeceased by his mother and grandparents Guy and Lilliane Brown and Mary (Stewart) Wright and Hugh O’Neill. Russ is survived by many friends and his family. He was the loving son of Dan, who he has always been there for, his stepmother, Jeanne (Gigi) Brown, his devoted fiance, Angela Lashway, his stepson, Kaden Lashway; nephews Nicholas Hall and Evan Smith-Lake; nieces AnnaMarie Smith-Lake, Danielle Labrecque, and Hayley Labrecque; siblings Tara (Jeff Martone) Brown of Brattleboro, Duane (Heather) Brown of Guilford, Tim (Vicky) Brown of Jamaica, Tammy Brooks of Townshend, Kim Ward of Brattleboro, and Todd (Melanie) Ward of Brattleboro; and his fiance’s family, parents Terry and Diane Lake and sister Amber Lake. Memorial information: Calling hours will be held at the Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster St., Bellows Falls, on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 3 to 5 p.m., with burial and a celebration of his life to follow in the spring.
• Philip B. Chapman, 98, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 1, 2023 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. He was born on Aug. 25, 1924 in Peabody, Massachusetts to Clarence E. Chapman Sr. and Irene Putnam Trask. He lived with his family in Danvers, Massachusetts until 1943, when he moved to Plymouth, New Hampshire and married Alice Mitchell in 1944. In 1946, he became a carpenter working for Carl Mitchell. In 1947, he became a shoe salesman calling on dealers in northern New England, working four days a week while working the rest of his week for Carl Mitchell as a builder. In June 1949, he was hired as an assistant buyer for Dunham Brothers Co., of Brattleboro. He worked there for 15 years, ultimately becoming the company’s merchandise manager. He was appointed treasurer of the Brattleboro Community Building and Armory (1950-51). He was then elected to the Brattleboro Union High School Board, and also served as a representative to the newly formed Representative Town Meeting. Philip also served as a Rotarian from 1952-57, and was president of the Brattleboro club from 1956-57. In 1952, he became a trustee of All Souls Church becoming the board chair for six years. In 1966, Philip became a director of the New Hampshire Unitarian Association, serving as president in 1968. In 1964, he was hired by Windham College of Putney as business manager and treasurer. Philip was the “keystone” in the financing and building of the “White Brick Campus.” He worked at the college for six years. In 1970, he married Elsie Mills Rathbun and also joined Electrosonics in Spofford, New Hampshire, working there for 15 years. They ultimately built a new manufacturing plant in Technology Drive in Brattleboro at which time he convinced his friends and associates that it would be best to sell the business. In 1972, he was elected to the Keene State Industrial Advisory Committee. He and Elise moved to Ogunquit, Maine and he became CEO and treasurer of Homisco Inc. It was here that he agreed to work for a year to build their national sales force, establish a line of credit and settle a long-running lawsuit, and hired a full-time replacement for himself. He later retired and returned to Ogunquit full time. He served as a private consultant to several electronic firms and became a full-time Maine and New Hampshire real estate agent and broker for 8 years. At age 72, he came out of retirement and became a full-time courier for Path Labs. He later stopped working to take care of his wife and they moved back to the Brattleboro area to be closer to family. Philip graduated from Danvers High School and attended Wentworth Institute, he completed the Dale Carnegie Course in 1952 and took numerous courses through Brattleboro Adult Education. He was particularly pleased to complete three summers of courses at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business. One of Philip’s hobbies was designing and building of houses. Several of those homes were built in Brattleboro, Plymouth, and southern Maine. He was particularly proud of building a house in Brattleboro without the use of power tools. After returning to Brattleboro in 2007, he was elected as a Town Meeting Member and appointed to the Sewer Project Committee and serving as president. He was then appointed to the Police and Fire Building Committee. Philip leaves a son, John “Jack” (Debra) Chapman, and a daughter, Nancy Sprague, both of Brattleboro; stepchildren Michael (Joyce) Rathbun of Brattleboro and James (Renee) Rathbun of Jacksboro, Tennessee; and seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Philip was predeceased by his parents, brother Clarence E. Chapman, and grandson Tyler W. Chapman. Memorial information: A private graveside service for family was held at New Westminster Cemetery in Westminster.
• Janice Baker Chase, 80, of Vernon. Died peacefully on Dec. 29, 2022. Janice was born Nov. 23, 1942, in Brattleboro, daughter of Curtis L. and Eleanor (Hall) Baker. She graduated from Brattleboro Union High School as a member of the Silver ‘B’ Society. She went on to attend Howe’s Hair Design School in Manchester, New Hampshire. She married and raised four children with David E. Chase before their divorce. Over the years, she worked as a hairdresser, cake decorator, and bookkeeper. She was employed for several years at the Holstein Association, with a short stint at Famolare, and retired from the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union after more than 25 years. She was devoted to her family and was especially proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed sewing, painting, cake decorating, dancing, puzzles, traveling, and time with family. A lifelong member of the First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro, she was a member of the church Casual Club and supported the annual Christmas Bazaar fundraising efforts. She was also a member of the Green Mountain Square Dance Club and the Yellow Ribbon Club in support of our soldiers. She was predeceased by her beloved friend of many years, Merrill Yeaw of West Chesterfield, New Hampshire, and her brother-in-law Timothy Chase. She leaves her children Tonja Chase and Robert Furman of Cambridgeport, Rebecca (Chase) and Brian Cleveland of Brattleboro, Katherine (Chase) and Kevin Kervick of Belchertown, Massachusetts, and Nathan Chase of Vernon; her siblings Carol (Baker) Eddy of Vernon, Gerald Baker and Karen (Mahoney) of Guilford, Elaine (Baker) & Thomas Cheney of East Montpelier, and Margaret (Baker) and Gary Winn of West Chesterfield; her brother-in-law and his wife Donald & Barbara (Woodruff) Chase of Waterville, Maine; as well as 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves Merrill’s children, their spouses, and grandchildren. Memorial information: Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life which will be held on Sunday, Jan. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m., at American Legion Post 5, 32 Linden St., Brattleboro. A private burial will be held at a later date. Donations to the Resident Activities Fund at Vernon Green Nursing Home, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Sandra Marie “Sandy” Dowley, 86, formerly of Newfane. Died peacefully Jan. 1, 2023 at Valley Cares in Townshend, with her family at her side, following a brief illness. She was born at home in Brookline on Oct. 26, 1936, the daughter of Harlan and Vera (Rink) Harrington. She was raised and educated in the West River Valley, attending school in Newfane and graduating from Leland & Gray Seminary with the Class of 1954. At age 16, she worked the switchboard as a telephone operator in Newfane. On June 26, 1954, at Newfane Congregational Church, she married Richard Dowley, who predeceased her in 2012. Sandy served as town clerk in Newfane, which she retired from following 11 dedicated and faithful years with the town. Previously, she had worked at The Book Press in Brattleboro and Mary Meyer Toy Company in Townshend. In her earlier days, Sandy assisted with the day-to-day operation of the Kenolie Family Dairy Farm in Newfane, delivering milk, driving a tractor, and performing other vital duties. In more recent years, on a part-time basis with her husband, she assisted with the operation of a lawn care business serving several municipal and private accounts in Newfane. A woman of faith, she was an active member of the Newfane Congregational Church for many years and held membership in the Newfane Ladies Aid Association. Sandy enjoyed gardening, both vegetable and flowers, taking care of her home on River Road, and knitting and stitching many very intricate and delicate projects. Several were sold at retail shops in New York City. Survivors include her three children, Lori Ethier of Brattleboro, Richard Dowley, Jr. and wife Margaret of Guilford, and Timothy Dowley and wife Christine of Hinsdale, New Hampshire; two brothers, Dennis Harrington of Brattleboro and Keith Harrington of Ticonderoga, New York; grandchildren Karen Ethier and Megan, Nicholas, and Ryan Dowley; and great-granddaughter Emma Ethier. Additionally, she leaves many nieces and nephews. Sandy was also predeceased by a brother, Bruce Harrington. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. In the springtime, she will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery in Newfane next to her beloved husband. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Roger L. Fuller, 72, of Cavendish. Died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on Dec. 29, 2022. Roger was born on July 9, 1950 in Townshend to Doris (Bills) and Kenneth Fuller Sr., both of whom preceded him in death. Roger’s two older brothers, Lester and Kenneth Fuller Jr., also preceded him in death. Roger is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Joyce (Wood) Fuller, and their three beloved dogs; oldest son Silas, his wife, Jenna, and their two daughters Ava and Kendra; his youngest son Virgil, his wife Nicole, and their two children Lester and Leona. Surviving siblings are Ellen Fuller of South Newfane, Sarah (Fuller) Wilcox, and her husband Donald of Springfield, Vermont and Bonnie (Fuller) Bedi of Albany, Georgia, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Roger was a contractor for more than 30 years and owned his own business, Roger Fuller Building and Remodeling. He took great pride in his work and left behind many fine projects that people will be able to enjoy for years to come. Roger was happiest when spending time with his family, dogs, and being the best “Pepe” to his grandchildren. Roger was an avid deer hunter and sports fan. He had a keen ear for music and an eye for a good book. Anyone who knew Roger knew him as a man of passion, generosity, love, and sincerity. He felt the most peace in life while in the fields of Vernon overlooking the Connecticut River where he worked with his older brothers Lester and Kenny as a boy, in the woods of the Stratton and Somerset area of the Green Mountain National Forest, where he hunted for many years, his family Deer Camp in Norton, and his home in Cavendish. Memorial information: Calling hours will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. Donation to the Springfield Humane Society or Kurn Hattin Homes for Children in Westminster.
• Robert “Bobby” Hall, 86, of Wilmington. Died peacefully in his home on Dec. 27, 2022. A resident of Wilmington since 1982. Bobby was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on April 24, 1936 to Alice (Perrenod) and Samuel Hall. He attended Lodi (N.J.) Regional High School and graduated in 1954. Bobby was a proud Navy veteran and found great pleasure in sharing stories about his service on submarines. Bobby served 20 years as a firefighter for the North Arlington Fire Department and worked his way up the ranks to chief in 1978, retiring from his service in 1981. Bobby also worked for New Jersey Bell for 27 years before relocating to Vermont. He is fondly remembered for his time running the Crafts Inn. He made lasting friendships and was an integral part of the history of the Crafts Inn and community. Bobby finished out his career doing general contracting work alongside his family and close friends. He was lovingly referred to as “Bob the Builder.” Bobby married Helen Whitney on May 23, 1959. He is survived by his children, Sandra (Hall) Murdock and David (Bethany) Hall; grandchildren Riley and Mitchell Hall, and Ian, Kyle, and Whitney Murdock; his best friend and soulmate Jeanette Felton and her children Sarah Crawford and husband Bo, Tim Betit and his wife Jessica Betit, Nate Felton and his wife Brittany, and their son Michael Betit, as well as her many grandchildren whom he treated like his own. Memorial information: No memorial services will be held. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
• Bruce Harrington of Newfane died on Dec. 26, 2022, after a brief illness. Bruce was a lifelong resident of Newfane. He worked for Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield, Vermont for 45 years. Bruce was an avid train watcher and took hundreds of pictures of the trains crossing in Brattleboro, as well as Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and frequently talked with the engineers. He then went on to collect and build model trains, villages, and people; he made a track behind his house and would spend hours running the trains. He was predeceased by his son Brent. His sister, Sandra Dowley, died on Jan, 1, 2023. He is survived by his brothers Keith Harrington of Ticonderoga, New York, and Dennis Harrington of Brattleboro. Memorial information: In keeping with Bruce’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Naida McSherry, 85, of Putney and Brooklyn, New York. Died Dec. 9, 2022 following a very brief illness. She was born Oct. 29, 1937 in Rockford, Illinois, to Clarence and Genevieve McSherry. She obtained her bachelor’s from Rockford College in 1959 and her master’s in fabric design in 1962 from Cranbrook Art Institute. She worked with Knoll Fabrics becoming an award-winning fabric designer, and designer of wall coverings. While exploring Brooklyn, Naida fell in love with the historic architecture and, in 1982, changed careers to become a realtor, owning Naida McSherry Real Estate. She became a real estate legend and sold more than 400 homes in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill in the neighborhood’s pre-gentrification days. She totally embraced the community and actively engaged in its revival when it needed a boost in the 1970s through the late 1990s. She was masterful in presenting her beloved neighborhood to even the most reluctant of buyers. Naida became the lynchpin of what this great neighborhood has become through her prolific sales of once-faded houses, and tireless recruitment of new residents to engage in community activism. She restored a number of Clinton Hill mansions, preserving all historic architectural elements. Her restored properties were featured in The New York Times, the New York Daily News, and many other publications and daytime television shows. She was an early active member of The Society for Clinton Hill, an organization of neighborhood activists who worked toward the designation of the Clinton Hill Historic District to save its iconic structures from destruction. In Vermont, Naida developed a private sale antique business and restored a late 1700’s farmhouse. The beauty of Vermont was very special to her. She was a strong supporter of Yellow Barn in Putney, the Brattleboro Museum & Arts Center, and Vermont Public. McSherry is survived by her beloved “son” and partner in crime, Kurt Wohlfeil. Naida collected friends throughout her life and is survived by a cadre of “best friends” in Clinton Hill, Putney, and Brattleboro, including Terree Randall, Mary Arenas (a best friend since college), Abigail Golde, Roslyn Huebener, Binnie Sen, Debbie Holland, B & T Lewin, Mary Meyer, and many, many others, and by her dog, Feona, her pride and joy. Memorial information: A memorial will be at a future date.
• June Carol Murphy, 81, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully Jan. 5, 2023, surrounded by family, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born to Carl and Edith Pierce on March 9, 1941, June grew up in Morrisville, moving to Brattleboro as a young adult. Her first marriage to Alan Mason ended in divorce. In 1986, June met her lifelong love, John Murphy. The two married Dec. 28, 1988. Throughout her life, June worked at the H. Margolin Company, The Book Press and, for the last 25 years, at the Brattleboro Retreat. June enjoyed gardening, family gatherings, Bingo, and trips to the casino. Over the last two decades, June and her husband John boarded 17 different cruise ships, creating wonderful memories together. June was devoted to her family. She will be remembered for her quick wit and strong-willed personality. She will be dearly missed by her devoted husband and all who knew her. June was predeceased by her oldest son James Mason and siblings Vernon Pierce, Virginia LaClair, and Helen Sawyer. She is survived by her husband, John Murphy, daughter Lorie (Geoff) Downing, sons Wesley (Amy) Mason and David (Heather) Mason; sisters Leona Sweeney, Lora Doe, Sandra Caldwell, and Penny Bernier; stepsons David (Diane) Murphy, Shawn Murphy, Kevin (Diane) Murphy, and Michael (Christine) Murphy; stepdaughter Tina (Richard) Annear; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial information: Family and friends will hold a celebration of June’s life on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 1 p.m., at VFW Post 1034, 40 Black Mountain Rd., Brattleboro. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Josephine “Josie” E. Rigby, 74, of Greenfield, Massachusetts. Died Jan. 1, 2023 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts after complications suffered from a stroke that hospitalized her in December. She was born in Stretton, England on April 6, 1948, the daughter of William and Joan Hankey. She grew up on Mosswood Farm with her family and attended local schools in England, continuing her education by graduating from the International Business School in London. Josie was fluent in Italian and French and ran the American Institute of International Studies for two summers in Rome, Italy. Josie met her future husband Robert in 1972 and they were married in 1973. Josie and Robert, along with their children Andrea and Graham, moved from England to Brockville, Canada in late 1977. They then moved to Watertown, New York in 1982 and lived in Deerfield, New York before finally moving to Greenfield in 1992. Josie raised her children at home before later working for Northfield Mount Hermon School for 20 years in the Alumni Relations office where she led annual alumni reunions, something she truly loved to do. Outside of work, Josie and her husband were actively involved in the Brattleboro Senior Bowling League, and she was a volunteer at LifePath in Greenfield. She loved to bowl, play tennis and badminton, and won many awards as an equestrian in her youth. She loved to travel with her family, visiting many states and countries in the process. Besides her beloved husband of 49 years, Josie leaves a daughter, Andrea Kessler of Lincoln, Nebraska; a son, Graham Rigby and his wife Lee of Keene, New Hampshire; grandchildren Gavin and Clara Jane; a brother, Billie Hankey of Waterhouses, England; and cousins John Ramicone of Columbus, Ohio, James and Marcia Ramicone of North Royalton, Ohio, and Albert and Sandy Ramicone of Lakeside, Ohio; several beloved nieces and nephews; and her dog Harvey. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Helen, her sister-in-law Phyl Hankey and cousin Jane Ramicone. Memorial information: Per Josie’s request, there will be no services at this time. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Donations to LifePath, 101 Munson St., Suite #201, Greenfield, MA 01301. To send condolences, visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.
• Phyllis Kinsey Stevens, 98, of Fairfield, New Jersey. Died peacefully of natural causes on Jan. 1, 2023. In the days leading up to her death, she was surrounded by her loving family and the wonderful caretakers at Sunrise of West Essex. Phyllis was the beloved wife of the late John Nash Stevens; loving mother of Eric and Carol Stevens, Mark Stevens and Deborah Mears, and predeceased by the late Ann Kays and survived by her son-in-law Jeffrey Kays. Phyllis was the dear sister of the late Lloyd and Pat Kinsey. Phyllis is predeceased by grandchildren Chris Scott and Christopher Kays and survived by grandchildren Tim, Brian, Drew, Kerry, Tara, Erin, Patrick, Rob, and Katie. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Chace, Emma, Rowan, Haley, Dylan, Marina, Harriet, and Olivia. Phyllis was born on Oct. 12, 1924 to Mabel (McCord) and Lloyd Kinsey in Henderson, North Carolina. Phyllis and her family moved to New Jersey in 1935, where Phyllis was a graduate of East Orange High School. Phyllis graduated from Randolph Macon Women’s College in Virginia with a degree in Spanish studies. Phyllis then met the love of her life, John Stevens. Phyllis and John were married on Nov. 23, 1946 and enjoyed 71 happy years together. Phyllis and her beloved John raised their children in Verona, New Jersey and was an active member in Cub and Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the Church of the Holy Spirit in Verona, NJ. When her husband retired in 1985, Phyllis and John moved to Long Beach Island, New Jersey, where she shared treasured memories with family and painted the island landscapes with great love, talent, and skill. Phyllis was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She always had a smile on her face and made others laugh with her charming and endearing sense of humor. She lived with love in her heart and her days were filled doing things for others. Every person who met her loved her. Above all else, she took great pride in caring for her husband and her loving family. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will take place this summer with family and friends on Long Beach Island.
• Leroy J. Stewart, 56, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 24, 2022 at home, with his family at his side, following an illness. Born in Greenfield, Massachusetts on Feb. 21, 1966, he was the son of Dalton Fisher Sr., Nancy (Booker) Colleli and his late stepfather Raymond R. Stewart. Being part of a military family, he frequent moved around, including time in Germany and Fort Riley, Kansas, before settling in Orlando, Florida. He graduated from Boone High School in Orlando in 1984. A talented craftsman, Leroy did marble fabrication and installation and later became a land surveyor with Boyer-Singleton & Associates. He was also an expert handyman. Leroy had a passion for mountain biking, surfing and building things including, more recently, two tiny homes where he resided the past four years. He also enjoyed hiking, camping and truck shows with his customized Dakota pickup, which earned him numerous trophies. Leroy loved his dogs Cherokee, Kanga, and Sioux. A kidney transplant recipient himself, Leroy was a member and supporter of the National Kidney Foundation. Leroy will be sadly missed by his daughter, Brandy Stewart of Miami, Florida; his mother, Nancy Colleli of Leesburg, Florida; brothers Joe Stewart of Orlando and Dalton Fisher Jr. of Orange, Massachusetts; and sister Tammie Fisher of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his many aunts and uncles: Rhonda Booker Bradbury of Brattleboro, Kathy Ames of Hinsdale, New Hampshire, Carol Booker of Greenfield, Jimmy Booker of Duncan, South Carolina, Anna Booker Guay of DeSoto, Missouri, Jimmy Booker of Festus, Missouri, Mary Booker Davis of Patton, Missouri; and many, many cousins that he was very close with. Leroy was predeceased by his aunt Judy Bartlett Gunn and his niece Brittany Fisher. Memorial information: Interment took place in South Cemetery in Orange. Donations to the National Kidney Foundation, 5756 South Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL 32822.
• Arol Ward Jr., 87, of Grafton. Died on Dec. 31, 2022, in Springfield, Vermont. Arol was born on July 12, 1935, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to the late Arol Ward Sr. and Florence (Gaylord) Ward. A longtime resident and business owner in Grafton, Arol graduated from Bellows Falls High School and later married Luann (Bell) Ward, who survives. He loved hunting, camping, puzzles, and fishing. He also served as a selectman and former trustee for the fire department, and as a deacon in his church. Arol also took great pride in his business, Ward Excavating, but even greater pride in his family. Arol is survived by his children: Heidi (Bob) Milbauer, Andrew (Janet) Ward, and Betsy (Edward) Garciadealba; grandchildren Jim (Ashlee) Milbauer, Kurt (Crystal) Milbauer, Erika Milbauer, Dillan Ward, Carmina Garciadealba, Jason (Brit) Garciadealba, and Justin (Madelyn) Garciadealba; and his great-grandchildren Kaleb Hathaway, Makenna Milbauer, Jacob Milbauer, James Milbauer IV, Tacomie Milbauer, Bethany Garciadealba, and Hailey Garciadealba. Memorial information: Funeral services and burial were private.