College news
• Grace Conety of Brattleboro and Sam Mills of Marlboro were named to the 2024 spring semester Dean's List at Simmons University in Boston.
Transitions
• Edward Hogan has accepted a position on the board of directors of Members 1st Credit Union in Brattleboro. Hogan has been a member for more than six years and his interest in cooperative ventures was his prime motivation for becoming a volunteer member of the governing body. Hogan replaces David Cotton, who recently resigned after serving on the board for more than 20 years. Hogan has a long history of involvement in cooperative and nonprofit organizations. He is a professional renovation contractor with many years of experience. His personal interests include music and cooperative ventures.
Obituaries
• John Leopold Des Chenes, 76, of Marlboro. Died unexpectedly, surrounded by the love of his family, on Oct. 28, 2024, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. John was born July 20, 1948, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to the late Cecile (Guerin) and Leopold Des Chenes. John attended St. Peters High School in Worcester, where he graduated in 1966. He then went on to graduate from Lowell Technical Institute with a bachelor's degree in chemical and environmental engineering in 1970. John served as a medic in the Army National Guard from 1970 to 1976. He provided emergency medical care, worked with doctors, and helped with disaster relief. In 1976, John moved to Hinsdale, New Hampshire, with his family to work at the Ashuelot Paper Company as a chemical engineer. He later opened his own engineering business; Flow Dynamics, where he found his true calling. John began his science enthusiasm as a young boy. He made his own rockets and rocket fuel and sent them into the Auburn, Massachusetts sky. Since John labeled his rockets with his home address, he learned that many were found in the neighboring town of Worcester. As a young man he enjoyed karate and bodybuilding. John loved books and had a large collection that he was always willing to share if you needed some advice or just a good read. He enjoyed writing, movies, fishing, Vermont, and the great outdoors. John was always quick with a joke; he never failed to deliver a good "Dad" joke with every visit. John was a devoted husband to the love of his life Maureen Des Chenes. They exchanged vows on June 23, 1984, in Waterford, Connecticut. Later, he designed and constructed a home in Marlboro, something he was very proud of. They spent many years traveling in Utah and Arizona enjoying hikes and picnics and many novels at the summits. John was a very spiritual person; he was a student and teacher of "A Course in Miracles." He was an avid member of The Unity Church in Greenfield, Massachusetts, and later became an Interfaith Minister in 2012. John was a very proud father of his three sons. John is survived by his sons, Mark Des Chenes and his wife Heather of Hinsdale, Kevin Des Chenes and his wife Stephanie of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and Stephen Des Chenes and his wife Melanie of Swanzey, New Hampshire; and his grandchildren Meredith, Julia, Ryann, Rocco, Maggie, and Cameron; his sisters Marie Narris and her husband Allan and Ann Krasowsky, all of Auburn; and several nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 25 years, Maureen Des Chenes; sister Christine Malitas, and brother-in-law Gary Krasowsky. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held at Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Terrace Street in Brattleboro, on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. Donations to The Circle of Atonement, P.O. Box 4238, Sedona, AZ 86340. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Hurel Rudolph Hale Jr., 80, of Putney. Died peacefully, in the comfort of his home with his family at his side, on Oct. 31, 2024, following an extended period of declining health. Hurel was born in St. Albans on Feb. 2, 1944, the son of Hurel and Velma (Chaffee) Hale. He was raised and educated in Putney and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1963. He had been employed as a machine operator and later a supervisor for Putney Paper Mill where he and his wife worked side by side together, both retiring in May of 2014 following 50 years of faithful service with the company. Previously, when still attending high school, Hurel worked evenings at the former Basketville in Putney. He was well known for his strong work ethic. Hurel loved a good joke and laugh and enjoyed sharing the same with his family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, taking Sunday rides with his wife, puttering around his home, and time shared with his family. For many years, he was a member of the Greenfield Moose Club. On July 5, 1964, in Putney, during a ceremony with family and close friends in attendance, he married Virginia King, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 60 years, he leaves daughters, Tanya Nichols and husband Ron of Hinsdale, New Hampshire, and Jennifer Reffi and husband Mark of Dummerston; sisters Linda Goddard of Newport, Tennessee and Wanda Maxham of Putney; grandchildren Rylee Nichols, Tarin Nichols, David Reffi, and Michelle Commo; and eight great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and several cousins. He was predeceased by a sister, Brenda Carpenter, and two brothers, Floyd Hale and Richard Hale, who died in infancy. Memorial information: A memorial service will be conducted at the F.O. Eagles Club on Chickering Drive on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. Donations to Putney Volunteer Fire Dept. P.O. Box 315, Putney, VT 05346. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Kenneth James "Ken" Hill, 92, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 29, 2024, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital following an extended period of declining health. Ken was born in Rutland on May 7, 1932, the son of Gilbert and Sadie (Longmore) Hill. He was raised and educated in Rutland and Bernardston, Massachusetts, graduating from Powers Institute, Class of 1949. A veteran of the Korean War, Ken proudly served in the Army until his honorable discharge from active service in 1953. Ken was a member of American Legion Post 5 and VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 in Brattleboro. A resident of Brattleboro since 1954, Ken was employed by the U.S. Postal Service, working in the Brattleboro Post Office which he retired from in 1987 following 32 dedicated years of service. Ken also worked at the former Hinsdale Raceway as a clubhouse ticket clerk. Ken held membership in the Brattleboro Country Club and, at the time of his death, was the club's oldest playing (active) member. From 1977-1978, he served as president of the Vermont Golf Association. Ken coached and umpired for the Brattleboro Little League while his children were growing up. In addition to his passion for golf, Ken enjoyed fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed wintering in Sebring, Florida. On Oct. 14, 1954, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, he was married to Maureen Rooney, who predeceased him on June 28, 1986. He later married Diane Turgeon on June 24, 1988, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Besides his wife of 36 years, he leaves five children: Joseph Hill (Linda) of Clifton Park, New York, James Hill (Linda) of Antioch, California, Jay Hill of Mooresville, North Carolina, Mary Herold (Jim) of Raleigh, North Carolina and Martha Hunt (Rodney) of Clifton Park; two stepsons, Rod Turgeon (Rochelle) of Alpine, Wyoming and Tad Turgeon (Jodi) of Salt Lake City, Utah; grandchildren Courtney, Whitney, Jamie, Leslie, Tray, Marin, Ethan, Kelsey, Jacob, Ruby, and Ella; great grandchildren Henry, Theo, Ella, Owen, Jordan, and Charlotte. Ken was predeceased by his sister, Ina Newton, and a son, John Hill (April). Memorial information: A memorial service and celebration of his life will be conducted at a future date and time to be announced by the funeral home. Interment will take place in the Hill family lot in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to Trinity Lutheran Church, 161 Western Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301; or the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Ronald Mini Jr., 57, of West Chesterfield, New Hampshire. Died at home on Oct. 22, 2024, after a brief illness. Ron was born in Malden, Massachusetts, on March 15, 1967, the son of the late Ronald Mini Sr. and Geraldine (Barratt). Ron attended schools in Malden. Ron worked for Kelley Sales and Service in Springfield, Vermont, and Autex in Keene, New Hampshire. Ron was a member of American Legion Post 37 of Bellows Falls and the Elks. In 2005, Ron married Diane Foster, who survives. Ron is also survived by his daughter, Heather Vicente, her husband, Bryan, and their four children, Alexa, Ariana, Bryan Jr. and Bryce. Ron is also survived by his brother, Troy. Ron also leaves aunts and uncles and many cousins and friends. Ron was predeceased by his sister, Lori Colon. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Nov. 2 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. Donations to the American Heart Association or the Monadnock Humane Society.
• Liam "Lee" Parker, 16, of Rockingham. Died Oct. 22, 2024, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Lee was born Sept. 16, 2008, to Michelle Chickering and Travis Parker of Springfield, Vermont. In Lee's 16 years, he was truly a do-it-all kid. He spent the majority of his free time hunting and fishing. He loved many sports, riding his four-wheeler, dirt bike, and mountain bike, and even dabbling with scooters and skateboards. In recent months, Lee enjoyed his newfound freedom with his license and spent a lot of time traveling to visit friends and family. Liam's personality had begun to blossom incredibly, and he was happy to share it with the world. He radiated confidence, interest, and motivation, as well as more love than most people can handle. He never left without several heartwarming goodbyes, and we will miss every aspect of his crazy, loving, and goofy personality. Liam is survived by his parents, Michelle and Patrick Chickering; his brother, Maxwell Parker (Jesie Fisher); his sister, Alanna Cox (Ben); nephew Caleb Cox, and his grandparents, Mary LeBlanc, Rick Parker, and Terry and Doug Croteau. He was predeceased by his father, Travis Parker; grandparents Donna and James Chickering, and Jack Swinarski; great-grandmothers Doris McNamara, Claire LeBlanc, and Carrie Parker, and his godfather, Francis X. Coyne. Memorial information: Donations to the Green Mountain Conservation Camp, a place Liam enjoyed going to, in care of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, Attention: GMCC, 1 National Life Drive, Davis 2, Montpelier, VT 05620
• Robert Martin "Bob" Semrau, 98, of Townshend. Died at his home, surrounded by his family, on Oct. 24, 2024. Bob was quiet, kind, loving, accepting, sensitive, strong, tireless, and active until his final days. He was also a devout family man. There was nothing more that Bob cared for in his life than his family. Bob was born on Dec. 24, 1925, to Gert Miller and David Boriello, but due to a complex family background, he was adopted by his aunt and uncle Elizabeth and George Semrau, whom he regarded as his parents. Bob married the love of his life, Barbara Lois Revoir, on Aug. 19, 1950, at St. Mary's Church in Meriden, Connecticut. Together, the couple raised their three children: Kathleen, Eileen, and Robert. Throughout the years, Bob was always there to listen and provide guidance to his children and grandchildren. His quiet and patient demeanor coupled with his logic and reason helped provide tranquility and a calming influence for all those around him even in the most trying and difficult of times. Bob served his country honorably in the Army during World War II in Europe as a member of the 71st Infantry Division in General George Patton's Third Army. In the course of his service to his country, Bob earned many decorations which included the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Germany clasp, Sharpshooter Badge with Carbine Bar, and Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar. However, the decoration Bob was most proud of was his "CIB." It was in Germany during the war that Bob found what would be his life's occupation when he was taught how to cut hair. When he returned home, he began working in a barber shop in Meriden before opening Bob's Barber Shop on East Main Street in 1952. Bob operated the barber shop in Meriden for 37 years before he and Barbara moved to Townshend in 1982. There, he opened The Townshend Barber Shop off a portion of the home where the couple resided. He practiced his craft for another 30 years before giving his final haircut in July 2012. Shortly after the move to Townshend, Barbara opened a day care center, which she ran out the couple's residence. When he didn't have customers, Bob would help care for the children, exhibiting many of the same character traits toward them and their families that made him beloved by his own. His dry, and sometimes sarcastic, wit brought levity, and he enjoyed affectionately teasing those he cared for the most. Bob also liked to garden and took great pride in maintaining the property he lived on well into his 90s. He would often be seen working early in the morning by anyone passing by. He was also an expert carpenter and built many structures on the property, including a covered bridge that sat on the back portion of the property for a number of years. Throughout his life, Bob demonstrated a thirst for knowledge. He kept abreast of both national events and politics as well as the events within the state of Vermont and the community in which he lived. He was also a historian, often watching documentaries and learning the histories of the communities in which he lived, both in Vermont and Connecticut. He is survived by his three children, Kathleen Mills and her husband, Gus, of Townshend, Eileen Kokoszka and her husband, William, of Somers, Connecticut, and his son Robert and his wife Nancy of Crestwood, Kentucky; his brother Larry Bates and his wife Rita of Meriden; his sisters Dottie Morello of Spring Hill, Florida, and Cathy Russo of Middletown, Connecticut; and his sister-in-law Carol Semrau of Meriden. He is also survived by grandchildren Kelly and Brandon Canevari, Matthew, Martin and Daniel Kokoszka, and Sabre, Seren, and Staja Semrau. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Ayden and Tristan Kokoszka, Jacob Nealy, and Mackenzie and Noah Kokoszka and nieces. He was predeceased by his brothers George Semrau and Harry Bates, and his sister Betty Lisitano. Memorial information: Graveside services with military honors were conducted on Oct. 29 in the family lot at Oakwood Cemetery in Townshend. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.