Obituaries
• William H. Chase, 86, of Newfane. Died Aug. 6, 2024, holding hands with his love, Nancy Baker. He was born in Wardsboro on Sept. 8, 1937, to Perry Ripley Sr. and Helen (Connolly) Chase. He worked through much of his school years and still proudly graduated from Leland & Gray. In his early years, he logged with horses. He worked for various construction companies, as well as the state, doing drilling and blasting. One of his accomplishments during this time was blasting to make way for Interstate 91. Most notable, in his opinion, was his self-employment as logger and woodland manager, Wm. Chase & Sons, until his retirement in 2012. One could ride with him anywhere in his truck and he would point out woodlots that he had logged and, with each, a story to go with it. Also, he could tell tales about other loggers, truckers, and mills to embellish those years of which he was so proud. Bill believed you had to earn what you were worth, and therefore he had quite a work ethic. He was worth more than money could ever buy. In 1964, he was honorably discharged from the Army. He was a member of the American Legion. Among the stories he told was how he peeled potatoes for KP, but from this he learned his lesson and, from that point onward, he did "whatever it took." He went up in rank and ended up driving for the 4 star general in Germany, earning him a time he remembers fondly. He was a strong patriot, believing in his country. He was an outdoorsman, loving hunting, fishing, and trapping with his boys. As time went on, the joy was "being there," watching the kids and grandkids getting their game, not so much in what he brought home. The stories with them provided the memories for him that he so cherished. With Nancy and Moses, favorite times included vacations in cabins, by lakes, in the mountains or near some event they wished to take in. They saw many Broadway and community shows together, checked out some "big" cities including Calgary for the renowned rodeo, and once even fulfilled a dream of going to the home of his heritage, Ireland. Bill leaves his love and longtime partner, Nancy Baker, and their cat Moses, who is a cherished companion and traveler with all his antics and devotion. He was much loved and will be missed horribly. He leaves two sons, W. Kyle and Scott, and one daughter, Patricia, as well as eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Also surviving is a beloved cousin, Betty Duchesneau of Otis, Massachusetts, as well as several other cousins. Bill was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Perry Jr. (Butch) and Richard, and one sister, Earlene (Peggy) Carey. Memorial information: In keeping with Bill's final wishes, there are no services scheduled. He will be buried in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery at a later date. Donations to Brattleboro Area Hospice, Senior Solutions Vet-to-Vet program, Windham County Humane Society, or a charity of one's choice. To share a memory or offer condolences to Bill's family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Joel Richards Cherington, 82, died on Aug. 2, 2024, with his family at his side, at Carroll Hospital in Westminster, Maryland, following a two-year battle with kidney failure resulting in cardiac arrest. Joel was born on Nov. 27, 1941, in Boston, the son of Charles and Mary (Wright) Cherington. He grew up in Concord and Cambridge, Massachusetts, and attended Shady Hill School and Milton Academy. He spent many childhood summers in Calais, Vermont, where he returned after graduating from Harvard in 1965. There, Joel developed his love for woodworking and practiced carpentry and was an active member of the community. Joel was particularly proud of his service in the Vermont National Guard and his services with the Washington County Sheriff's Department. Joel went on to work for the Vermont Legislative Council, where he helped draft legislation, such as Act 250. He was appointed by Governor Snelling to serve as the Commissioner of Labor and Industry. During his time in the Montpelier area, Joel married Judith Norton and had two daughters, Rachel and Emmalee. After two decades in state government, Joel shifted to the private sector and became executive vice-president at C&S Wholesale Grocers in Brattleboro. It was during his tenure at C&S that Joel met the love of his life, Carol Zolnoski Olson. The two married in 1994 and have spent the past thirty years at each other's side. Carol's two children, Erin and Lars Olson, quickly adapted to his sense of humor and passion for life. Joel and Carol moved to Baltimore, Maryland, first living on a sailboat before purchasing a row house in the city. He became a project manager for Gould Properties, working on a wide array of construction. Both Erin and Lars found their way to Maryland and started families. Sadly, Erin passed away unexpectedly in 2020, leaving her husband, Adam, with their three young children. Joel and Carol moved to Reisterstown, Maryland, to be closer to the extended family. Joel had a passion for life with many interests, including a love of hunting, sailing, reading, and enjoying good food. Joel began his interest in hunting as a teenager, hunting deer in Vermont. He and Carol later went on to hunt wild boar in Tennessee, elk and antelope in Wyoming, and birds across the Eastern Shore. They spent time sailing Lake Champlain and the Chesapeake. Their love of food brought the family together for incredible meals. Joel's memorable banter at the dining room table created a lively event. In addition to his wife, Carol, Joel is survived by his daughter Rachel Cherington and her husband, Joseph Gerakos, of Piermont, New Hampshire; Emmalee Cherington, her husband, Scott Hance, and son Waydon, of Monkton, Vermont; stepson Lars Olson, his wife, Jamie Olson, and their son, L.J.; and his son-in-law Adam McGettigan and his children, Liam, Malin, and Dylan. He is also survived by his brothers: Reed Cherington, of Calais, and Davis Cherington, of Lincoln, Massachusetts. Memorial information: A memorial service and burial will be held at a later date in Calais, Vermont. Donations to the Baltimore Humane Society, 1601 Nicodemus Road, Reisterstown, MD 21136, in memory of Joel and his beloved cat Daphne.
• William Frederick "Bill" Cooper, 79, of Sebastian, Florida. Died at his home, with his wife and two daughters by his side, on Aug. 7, 2024, after a courageous battle with COPD. Bill leaves his daughters, Susan Cooper Daigneault and her husband, Charlie, of Newfane; Shelly Cooper Wenzel and her husband, Tom, of Raleigh, North Carolina; and stepdaughter Laurie Drew of Essex Junction. Bill was blessed with grandchildren Ryan, Derek, Rachel, Evan, Adam, and Emma, seven great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply. Bill proudly served his country in the Navy as a Seaman Gunner's Mate from 1962 to 1966, serving on the USS Mills, the USS Cascade and the USS Van Vorhis DE-1028. After his military service, he pursued higher education at Salve Regina College and later graduated from CBP Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, Georgia. Bill's professional life was diverse and impactful, spanning careers in general banking, as an EMT, and as a U.S. Border Patrol Officer. In April 1992, Bill married his wife and best friend, Darlene Gordon Cooper. Their 32-year marriage was a testament to their deep love and commitment to each other. A man of many talents and interests, Bill enjoyed camping and hunting and was a gifted musician who played the drums, banjo, and ukulele. He was an avid history buff and spent many hours researching family genealogy. Bill was known for his quick wit and humor, often regaling family and friends with stories and off-color jokes that left everyone laughing. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Mary Cooper, his beloved brother, David L. Cooper, and step-grandson Bradley Drew. He is survived by his sister, Jeanne Cooper Davey, sister-in-law Dana Cooper, Carol Parvo Woods, the mother of his daughters, a host of family and friends, as well as his "fur babies" Charlie, Chloe, and Bob. Memorial information: Memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice of Indian River County, 445 24th St., Suite 300, Vero Beach, FL 32960, or Disabled American Veterans, dav.org.
• Elijah L. "Eli" Harkness, 19, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly on July 30, 2024. A Celebration of Life service will be conducted Saturday, Aug. 24, at 2 p.m. at Community Bible Chapel on Atwood Street. A more detailed obituary will be published in the Aug 21 edition of The Commons. To share a memory or offer condolences to Eli's family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Brent Seaver Mazelli, 81, of Delray Beach, Florida. Died peacefully at his home in on Aug. 5, 2024, surrounded by the family and lifelong friends who loved him dearly. Born in Bennington on April 19, 1943, to Reno and Marguerite Mazelli, Brent graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1961 and later earned his degree from Burdett Business School in Boston. His career was defined by an entrepreneurial spirit that catapulted his success in the wood products industry and achievements in sales. He successfully owned several companies, including Boston Pallet, Roberts Lumber, and Mazelli Associates. His proudest accomplishment was the planning and construction of a new lumberyard in Canaan, New Hampshire. Brent was a trailblazer in the wood products industry, pioneering the use of a revolutionary kiln-drying process that utilized recycled sawdust. By repurposing what was typically discarded, Brent innovatively replaced the need for expensive oil - an essential cost-saving measure during the high oil prices of the early 1980s. During his retirement, Brent became an award-winning salesman for AutoNation in Florida. At one point, he achieved the highest sales in the entire country, all while building lasting friendships and enjoying the camaraderie of his coworkers. Brent looked forward to getting out in the Florida sun and scootering locally to run errands and enjoy the outdoors. He became a familiar figure in the community-his scooter adventures sometimes led him miles away or left him 'out of power' at the beach or on the roadways. For Brent, it was always the journey that mattered, not the destination. Brent was a devoted churchgoer. His unwavering faith and devotion to God guided him throughout his life. His keen sense of humor, positive outlook, and supportive nature endeared him to all. He enjoyed all outdoor activities - hiking, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, and more. Sundays were special - the omnipresent pot of "red gravy "on the stove made by his dad fostered a lifelong passion for all spaghetti sauces. Brent's legacy of hard work, innovation, and relentless dedication to family will live on in their hearts and inspire all who knew him. Brent is survived by his three children, Brent Mazelli, Heather Mazelli Ambrose, and Sean Mazelli; grandchildren Mark Mazelli, Lucia Mazelli, Madison Ambrose, and Olive Mazelli; and his sister, Susan Mazelli (partner and longtime friend Jeffrey Carroad). His nieces and nephews include Bruce Mazelli, Henry Mazelli, Lisa Mazelli, and Mark Mazelli Jr. He was predeceased by his brother, Mark Mazelli. Brent met his loving and devoted partner, Judy Giovino, in Massachusetts. Together, they shared and enjoyed the Delray Beach lifestyle. Brent loved growing up in Vermont with his siblings and friends. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro on Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in North Cemetery in Vernon. To share a memory or offer condolences to Brent's family, visit atamaniuk.com.
Services
• A remembrance of the life of Molly Smart will be held on Sunday, Sept. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston Center. Molly, 60, of Putney, died on July 2, 2024, after a lengthy health battle.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.