College news
• Leah Madore of Williamsville, a sophomore and psychology major at Russell Sage College in Troy, New York, received the Phyllis Van Vleet Award, which is given in recognition of outstanding contributions to the psychology program. Madore also is a pitcher on the Russell Sage softball team and was twice honored this season as the Empire 8 Conference's Pitcher of the Week. She struck out 154 batters over 174 innings, pitched 17 complete games, and led the Empire 8 in strikeouts and innings pitched in compiling a 10-12 record with three saves.
• Sydney Henry of Brattleboro received her degree from Stonehill College at its 73rd Commencement on May 19 in Easton, Massachusetts.
• Malaya Wright of Marlboro, received a bachelor of arts from Berea (Ky.) College on May 15.
• Gabrielle Beal of Wilmington received a bachelor of arts degree Magna Cum Laude on May 24 from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.
• Owen Wesley Ameden of Jamaica, a senior majoring in civil engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the spring 2024 semester at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.
• The following local students were honored for academic achievement in the winter 2024 at Southern New Hampshire University. Named to the President's List were Kobe Bazin of Bellows Falls, Ozzee Haskell of Bellows Falls, Nolen Donovan of Rockingham, Justin Kissell of Bellows Falls, Forrest Brooke-deBock of Brattleboro, and Charlie Slicer of Brattleboro. Named to the Dean's List were Chelsea Fletcher, Tabish Nabeel, and Walter Randall, all of Brattleboro.
• Jesse Peter Dykes of West Wardsboro, a junior majoring in engineering and management, was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2024 semester at Clarkson University.
• Kendra Atkin and Owen Edwards, both of Bellows Falls, were named to the Dean's List for the spring 2024 semester at Paul Smith's College in Paul Smith, New York.
Obituaries
• Terry Braun, 82, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died in Brattleboro on May 7, 2024. Terry was a proud man who loved his family dearly. He was born on Aug. 14, 1941, in Wilmington to the late Alwin and Agnes Braun. Terry enjoyed spending time in his basement woodworking shop and was a hard worker who prioritized his family's well-being. He could do most anything. He started working with his father right out of school. He wanted to serve his country with his brothers, but due to having polio, he could not. He worked running the ski lifts at Mount Snow, was a cook at Villanova University, and did a stint with the state of Vermont to help build Interstate 91. Most of his working years were in the Boise Cascade paper mill in Brattleboro, from which he retired at 76. He married PJ Barnett Braun on New Years Eve 1981 and they recently celebrated 41 years of marriage. Terry is survived by his wife PJ; his children Tiazhah Morse of Deerfield New Hampshire, Brandy Braun-Hill (Harry) of Londonderry, Matthew Braun (Cheryl) of Hinsdale, Patrick Lackey Jr. (Kelly) of West Brattleboro, David Lackey (Tricia) of Putney, and Anthony Braun and Nicole Braun, both of Hinsdale. He is also survived by his brother John Braun (Brenda) of Trumbull, Connecticut; sisters Nan Twachtman of Maine and Caroline Leon (Andy) of Ohio; in-laws Vivian Dubiel, Becky Garland (Dickie), Nancy Giroux (Victor), Bill Dubiel, and Bob Jutras (Sandra). Terry was preceded in death by his son Bruce Braun, grandson Zachary Hill, his brother Mickey Braun, his father-in-law Frank Dubiel, and sister-in-law Valerie Dubiel, and nephew Kenneth Giroux. Terry will be deeply missed by his family and friends. May he rest in peace. Memorial information: Services were held May 19 at Mountain View Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Vernon.
• Thomas Edwin Carleton II, 57, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly at home on May 5, 2024. He was born in Townshend on June 11, 1966, to Thomas Carleton I and Yvonne Joslin (Underwood). He grew up in Wardsboro and attended Wardsboro Elementary School and Leland & Gray, Keene, and Brattleboro high schools. He also took continuing education classes in the fields of construction, roofing, and electrical work. He had been employed at Abbiati Monuments in Brattleboro for more than 20 years, where he became an exceptionally skilled stone fabricator. He also sandblasted and set stones in the cemetery. Tom touched the heart of everyone he met. He always had a smile on his face and he would help anyone who needed help, no questions asked. His daughter Abigail was his No. 1 and the light of his life. He had many interests, such as participating in mud bogs, burn-out contests, snowmobile climbs, snowmobiling and truck pulls. He was well-known for his awesome burnouts in his purple Mustang. Tom is survived by his mother and stepfather, Yvonne and Robert Joslin Sr., stepfather Donald Sprague (Heidi), stepmother Karen Perry, daughter Abigail Carleton, Stepson Jacob Coulombe (Kanisha), co-parent and friend Kelly Boyce, aunts Marcia Amsden and Jeanette Wilson, sisters Candie Bernard (Paul), Shirley Butler, (Dan), Crystal Joslin, and Emily Sprague; brothers Robert Joslin Jr. and Michael Carleton; in-laws Jim and Georgia Boyce, nephews and nieces Melody Colburn (Zachary, Mason, Marek, and Zaylee); Elizabeth LoPilato (Christopher), Madox Knight, William and Sophie Valet, Peyton, Keaton and Talyah Robey. Brittney Towne (Mike, Jackson, Gage, and Aurora), and Chelsea Carleton (Kevin Atwood, Michale, and Novahleigh). He had a very long list of extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents Archie and Pauline Underwood and Rupert and Dorothy Carleton, his father Thomas E. Carleton I, uncles Herbert Wilson and Steven Amsden, cousin Herbert Wilson II and nephew Michael Carleton II. Memorial information: There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 9, from 2 to 6 p.m., at American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. Donations to Agape Christian Fellowship, 30 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 (acfellowship.net) or Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302 (rescueinc.org).
• David G. "Dave' Einermann, 78, died peacefully in Vermont on May 22, 2024, after an 18-year battle with cancer. Those who knew Dave would describe him as a thoughtful and caring man, always willing to help a neighbor or friend in whatever way possible. Dave devoted his life to his family and everything he did from his work to where and how he lived his life were a demonstration of that love. Dave's other love was travel, and he had opportunities to see the world through his service with the Navy, his work with Digital Equipment Corporation, and with friends and family. Dave had a wonderful sense of humor and loved a good laugh. He had a sharp mind with an incredible memory for very specific details, including musical melodies of the songs he loved. Dave is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pat; his daughter, Meg, and son-in-law, Mike; son Michael and daughter-in-law, Jesse; and his two beloved grandsons, Finneas and Lucas. Memorial information: The family will have a private celebration of his life at a later date. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. To send condolences, visit csnh.com.
• Dr. Robert S. "Bob" Fagelson died on May 18, 2024, after a short illness. He was preceded in death by his wife of six decades, Arden F. "Booie" Fagelson (Booie) less than two weeks before him. Bob was a retired otolaryngologist who was born in Chicago, where he practiced until 1975, when he moved to Brattleboro. There, he and his brother shared a medical practice. While in Chicago, Bob was a member of the Chicago Bears medical staff and was a stalwart fan of the Bears, Bulls, and Cubs, all three of which brought him joy with their world championships and occasional heartache the rest of the time. Bob was an avid golfer and sports fan who loved card games and the Grateful Dead. He would follow them whenever and wherever he could. He would also play golf and card games as often as possible with a sense of intensity. Bob's golfing love extended into traveling to various courses and writing about the sport. In his younger days, Bob also held a pilot's license and flew frequently. Bob was active in Brattleboro politics and charities. He served as chair of the Brattleboro Selectboard and served as president of the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital medical staff. Bob and Booie also worked on many of the local area's charities and social services and were active in many of the area's events. Bob wrote a column for the Brattleboro Reformer for many years and had several of his columns printed in a book, A View From a Bob. Bob had a wonderful sense of humor and loved a good story. He and Booie traveled to many countries and sites in the United States, driving whenever possible. He once stated that his ideal retirement would be to drive a trailer truck across the country. Bob and Booie raised three children and lived to see three grandchildren. Although both Bob and Booie are physically gone, they will live on in their family's memories and hearts. In that way, they will not be missed. Bob is survived by children Margee Fagelson, Bill Fagelson, and Jennie Burger of Austin, Texas, and Adam Fagelson of Guilford; grandchildren Madeline Fagelson, Emily Fagelson, and Nathaniel Fagelson; brother David Fagelson and Marcia Fagelson; sister-in-law Janie Isackson; and numerous nephews and nieces. Memorial information: In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) are appreciated. To offer condolences to Bob's family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Angela R. (Leclaire) Healey, 46, of Brattleboro. Died on May 13, 2024, surrounded by her closest family, after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Angela was born in Brattleboro on Jan. 19, 1978 to Kathleen (Pearson) and Andrew Leclaire Sr. She spent her childhood in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School in 1996. From there, she went on to attend Champlain College and Keene State College, graduating with degrees in business and sociology. She worked as an accountant for C&S Wholesale Grocers for 20 years, taking a leave of absence due to her illness. Her greatest joy in life was being a devoted and loving mother to her two children, Hannah Raechel Healey and Chase Andrew Raymond Healey, who survive. She is also survived by her mother, Kathleen Leclaire; brother Andrew Leclaire Jr. and his wife, Kate; her nieces Lauren and Everly; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles. She was predeceased by her father in 2016. Memorial information: A private celebration of Angela's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Angela's name may be made to the ALS Association (als.org), a charitable foundation for ALS research. To offer condolences to Angela's family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Bernard Jay "Bernie" LaFarr, 76, died on April 22, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and joy that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him. Born on June 28, 1948, in Petersham, Massachusetts, Bernie was the beloved son of George LaFarr, Jr., a dedicated shop worker from Petersham, and Catherine Cormier LaFarr, originally from Madison, Maine. Bernie's upbringing was enriched by the love of his paternal brothers, Eddie Clyde and Michael John, and his paternal sisters, Shirley Mae, Barbara Ann, Diane Sue, and Dorothy Edna. He shared the last 10 years of his life getting to know his half-brothers, Timothy Duane LaFarr and Ardelle John LaFarr (wife Tina), and cherished the special bond he had with his brother, Bradley Wayne LaFarr (and wife Renee Noel LaFarr). Throughout his life, Bernie was blessed with the love and care of his "foster parents", Terry and Joyce Perkins of Charleston, Maine, who provided him with unwavering support and affection. He also formed meaningful connections with his caregivers in the group homes of Central Maine, particularly the dedicated staff members of MAC Residential Services, Inc., where he resided since August 2011. Their compassion and kindness enriched Bernie's life immeasurably. Bernie had a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures, finding joy in the beauty of flowers, the laughter of children, and the collection of treasures such as flashlights, pens, and rings. He had a knack for spreading laughter and light wherever he went, often teasing his loved ones with playful nicknames like "cheeseburger" or sharing good-natured jokes. In addition to his immediate family, Bernie was predeceased by his beloved mother, father and his father's second wife, Barbara Carleton LaFarr of Brattleboro. Bernie's presence brought warmth and happiness to all who know him, and those memories will continue to be cherished by his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched with his love and laughter. Memorial information: A Celebration of Life will be held July 1 at the Solon Hotel Event Hall, 4 South Main St., Solon, Maine. A small graveside service will be conducted in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro on Monday, June 3, at 10 a.m. Donations to the Special Olympics Maine MAC Rockets (somaine.org).
• Melissa M. "Lisa" May, 48, of Fairfax, Virginia and Vernon. Died peacefully on May 2, 2024, following a short but valiant fight with cancer. She was born in Brattleboro on June 15, 1975, the daughter of Richard and Sallie (Olmstead) May. She was raised and educated locally, attending St. Michael's Catholic School and Guilford Central School, then graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the class of 1995. In 2016, Lisa moved to the Washington, D.C., area to be close to friends. She worked for several years as a baker in a family-run bakery and deli. Prior to moving, she had worked locally at Walmart, Blockbuster Video, First Run Video, and Price Chopper. Lisa enjoyed computer games, visiting museums and attending concerts and movies. Lisa leaves her mother, Sallie May of Vernon; her sister, Suzi May, also of Vernon; her stepbrother, Douglas May of Keene, New Hampshire, and two stepsisters, Linda Reade of Weare, New Hampshire, and Carrie Vincent of Richmond, Va.; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends in the Vermont, Florida, New Hampshire, and Virginia areas. She was predeceased by her father; her grandparents, Dwight and Lila May of Vernon, and George and Sallie Olmstead of Dummerston; her aunt, Mary Therieau of Brattleboro; her aunt and uncle, Sonny and Eunice Whitney of Marlboro; cousins Keith Wright of West Chesterfield, New Hampshire and Jacob Wright of Spofford, New Hampshire; and other extended family members. Memorial information: A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 15, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston Center. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations to Winchester Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, 109 Watson Rd., Winchester, NH 03470, attn: Deb Gode; or to the charity of one's choice. To offer condolences to Lisa's family, visit atamaniuk.com.
Services
• Graveside committal services for Philip Curtis Blum will be conducted Saturday, June 1, at 11 a.m., in Baker Cemetery in Guilford. A reception will follow at American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. Mr. Blum died on Jan. 15, 2024, in Sarasota, Florida, following an extended illness. To view his full obituary, visit atamaniuk.com.
• A celebration of life for Robert Wright will be held on Saturday, June 1, at 1 p.m., at 153 Meetinghouse Rd. in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. For more information, call 603-256-8037. Mr. Wright, 72, of Hinsdale, died on Dec. 23, 2023.
• Graveside services for Susan Limoges John will be held Saturday, June 8, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael's Cemetery, White Birch Ave., Brattleboro. Formally from Brattleboro, Susan died peacefully on April 16, 2023, in Roseville, California, surrounded by her family. A reception will immediately follow at The Marina restaurant, 28 Spring Tree Rd., Brattleboro.
• A barbecue pot luck to celebrate the life of Robert E. "Bob" LaFantano will be held on Sunday, June 9, from 11 a.m. until dusk, at the pavilion at Living Memorial Park in Brattleboro. Bring a dish and your favorite stories about Bob. On Saturday, June 8, in Calvary Cemetery in Rutland, a graveside service will be held, followed by a luncheon for the family at the Italian Aid Society on West Street. Mr. LaFantano, 61, of Brattleboro, died on Nov. 19, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.