Obituaries
• Michael "Joseph" Coughlin, 41, died peacefully, surrounded by his family and his wife's family, on Feb. 21, 2025. Michael was born at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital on Oct. 18, 1983, to Diane Marie Coughlin and Daniel Stevens Coughlin of Newfane. From the time he was a child, he was a dreamer. His dreams of flying began as a toddler, when he flew along in his dad's single engine Piper Cherokee 140, happily secured in his car seat. Around age 4, Michael created his "parachute" with a flat bedsheet and rope. He was ready to climb to the top of the deck rail to take his first jump. And his mom stopped him. If it burned fuel, Michael always wanted to get his hands either behind the wheel, yoke, or put a wrench on it. He also spent a great deal of time learning, especially when it came to anything mechanical, and honed his skills on everything from lawn mowers to four-wheelers to, eventually, airplanes and helicopters. "Joseph," as his father, wife, and extended family often called him, lived a life of fulfillment for the 41 years he spent with friends, family, and sometimes strangers in his many adventures. Starting when he was in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, Michael was an avid outdoorsman who never backed down from a challenge. He spent much of his time hiking the Long Trail in Vermont, completing at least half of it. He also spent much time in the woods hunting, or by a creek or river catching trout. He attended Newfane Elementary School, Leland & Gray Middle and High School, and then focused his attention on attending the Windham Regional Career Center, graduating in 2002. During high school, Michael also worked for AMF Motorsports in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, installing suspensions on race cars and other performance vehicles. Michael then attended Daniel Webster College (DWC) in Nashua, New Hampshire. There he trained, studied, and learned how to become a pilot. He joined the Air Force ROTC program at DWC and was nominated for a full scholarship for the next three years but was unable to accept the scholarship and career because of a color deficiency issue with his vision. He then tried joining the Marine Corps ROTC to become a helicopter pilot, but that did not come to fruition for the same reason. Michael ultimately transferred to his "dream" school, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. There, he spent three of the most valuable years of his life. He graduated cum laude with a B.S. in aerospace studies in 2008, all the while also working full-time. Michael and his beloved Chocolate Lab, Eddie, moved to Tacoma, Washington, where he completed a six-month paid internship at the Seattle-Tacoma Airport, working in wildlife regulation, an opportunity combining his love of aviation and the outdoors. Not long after, Michael moved back to Vermont and worked as an aviation mechanic at Heritage Aviation in Burlington, maintaining private jets and planes for clients ranging from Jake Burton to Jerry Seinfeld. In 2013, Michael accepted another aviation mechanic position with North American Flight Services in Saratoga Springs, New York, where he obtained his Airframe and Powerplant Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. In 2017, Michael took another aviation mechanic position with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in Westfield, Massachusetts. During his time at Gulfstream, he earned an M.S. in human factors in aviation through online courses at Embry Riddle. Michael later became Gulfstream's SMS site process manager, where he conducted internal investigations. During his time in Westfield, Michael met his eventual wife, Sandra Becerra Flores Coughlin. They were married in October 2020 at Living Memorial Park in Brattleboro, and settled down in Windsor, Connecticut. In 2020, Michael was diagnosed with a rare form of appendix cancer. For five years, Michael received treatments through Yale New Haven Hospital. Its director of appendiceal cancer medical trials recently told Michael before his death that his participation provided enough information to help save thousands of lives. Michael will forever be known for his intelligence, wit, sense of humor, selflessness and love for others. Besides his beloved wife, and his parents, he leaves his younger brothers Blaine Coughlin, Evan Coughlin, and Stephen Collins; sister-in-law Chikako Coughlin, sister Gillian Lucero-Love and grandmother Bernice Coughlin. Memorial information: The family is planning a celebration of life in May. Further details will be announced in the near future. Michael's burial will be a private ceremony. In lieu of donations and flowers, the family is organizing a scholarship fund in his name aimed at supporting those interested in the field of aviation. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Angela Dubray, 53, died unexpectedly on Feb. 26, 2025. Angela was born on Nov. 19, 1971, and spent much of her life in the communities of Hinsdale, New Hampshire, and Brattleboro. Angela was beloved by everyone she encountered. Her warm, caring nature made her a cherished member of the local community, and she was known for the kindness she showed to everyone. Angela worked at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and Vernon Green nursing home, where she became a beloved figure offering comfort and care to those around her. She was also an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2445 in Brattleboro, where she formed many meaningful friendships and contributed to the community she so loved. Angela found joy in the camaraderie and support of this group, and she will be fondly remembered by all who shared those moments with her. Angela's pride and joy were her three children - Daniel, Aaron, and Haley - as well as her grandson, Jaelyn, all of whom brought her immeasurable happiness. She is also survived by her father, Seemer, and his wife Jane; her brothers, Andy and Nathan; her sisters, Sindy and Tabatha; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will deeply miss her. She was preceded in death by her mother, Susie, and her stepfather, Merril. The bond between Angela and her mother remains a treasured memory. Memorial information: A celebration of Angela's life will be held on Saturday, March 29. from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Eagles Club on Chickering Drive.
• Heather M. Hastings-Huling, 52, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died March 2, 2025, with her family by her side, at Hartford (Conn.) Hospital, following an extended illness. Heather was born in Keene, New Hampshire, on Oct. 17, 1972, and was raised and educated in Hinsdale. where she attended public schools. She graduated as valedictorian of her class at Keene High School, Class of 1990. For the past eight years, she worked as an international logistics expert for Markem-Imaje Corp. in Keene. Previously, Heather worked at United Natural Foods in West Chesterfield, New Hampshire, and New Chapter Inc. in Brattleboro. Heather was strong-willed, witty, outspoken, fearless and very loving. She was known for her spirit of friendship and selflessness. Heather loved being out in the sunshine (summer was her favorite season), and trips to the beach, especially Old Orchard Beach in Maine. She loved feeling the sun on her skin, her toes in the sand, and watching the sunrise over the ocean. She also enjoyed dancing and grooving to Seventies music, country, and rock & roll. Heather loved decorating and celebrating the holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween. She loved spoiling her daughter and her many nieces with gifts and surprises. Heather also loved watching horror films and classic TV shows. What she loved most of all, though, was her family. Heather was a communicant of Mary, Queen of Peace Parish in Hinsdale. On Sept. 23, 2000, at St. Joseph's Church in Hinsdale, she was married to Paul E. Huling, who survives. Besides her husband of nearly 25 years, she leaves one daughter, Gabriella Huling of Hinsdale, and her parents, Kevin and Anne Pike, also of Hinsdale. She also leaves two brothers, Bruce Pike (Mindybeth) of Mendon, Vermont, and Kevin Pike, Jr., of Hinsdale; and a sister, Sarah Winn (Alex) of Chesterfield, and many nieces, nephews, and several cousins. She was predeceased by her biological father, Earl Hastings. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on March 8 at Mary, Queen of Peace Parish. Committal rites and burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery will take place in the springtime when the cemetery reopens. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Gregory Paul "Greg" Lesch, 62, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully, with his beloved family at his side, on Feb. 19, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston. Greg was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on Aug. 17, 1962, to Louise (Drew) and Frank Lesch. Along with his sister Barbara, two years his senior, he was reared in Saginaw, and later in Shelton and Middletown, Connecticut. before the family moved to Brattleboro in 1974, where his father opened the J.C. Penney Department Store on Putney Road. His mother managed the household and was active in the community. There was never any doubt that Greg was a consummate performer. His deep passion for theater - both in front of and behind the curtain - began in early middle school and continued throughout his time at Brattleboro Union High School's theater department. Greg graduated from BUHS with the Class of 1980 and went on to study theater at the University of Vermont, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1984. While at UVM he performed as an extra in Exposed, a movie filmed in Burlington. He was also cast in several films through the film department at Marlboro College. He did graduate work in the theater at Yale University and abroad at Queens College at Oxford in London, England. By the time he joined the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce staff at the turn of the century, Greg had already played many roles in our community, first at the Guilford Country Store and later as a long-term employee at Zephyr Designs in downtown Brattleboro. He was also brought on by internationally acclaimed pianist Rudolf Serkin to assist the aging musician at his Guilford farm through his post-performing years. Greg was known for his warm and welcoming nature - qualities that served him well throughout his time at the Chamber. Greg served that organization and its mission devotedly for more than 20 years. His invaluable support of executive directors Betsy Gentile, Jerry Goldberg, and Kate O'Connor positioned him well to make the executive directorship his own four years ago and until his death. Indeed, he was a one-man "Welcome to Brattleboro Wagon." Greg was active from its inception with the Actors' Theatre Playhouse of West Chesterfield, New Hampshire, organized in the late 1980s by Sam Pilo with the assistance of Betty Frye. In addition to acting, he performed as both producer and director, lending his keen eye and ear to others' productions, and often assisting young performers treading the boards for the first time. Additionally, he was part of a cabaret group including Christopher Wesolowski, Paul Dedell, and Karla Baldwin that appeared in venues in New York City, Boston, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, as well as locally at the Latchis Ballroom and at the former Mole's Eye Café. Greg helped produce a CD, It isn't nice, that was recorded by Sound Design in Brattleboro. Finally, for several recent years Greg lent his voice and impeccable diction to the emerging e-book recording industry. In addition to his great love of show business Greg adored animals. This led him to years of service on the board of directors of the Windham County Humane Society. He also enjoyed gardening and training his trusty Leica on all things Brattleboro (many of the photographs in the annual Chamber Guides were taken by Greg). And most of all he loved his family and friends. And his Brattleboro. Greg was a communicant of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Brattleboro. He was a member of the Vestry for a number of years and served on a Discernment Committee. Greg was a thurifer and served as an altar assistant. He loved the Church liturgy and music, and especially the Lessons and Carols. On March 16, 2020 in Dublin, Ireland, Greg was married to Brian Thomas Bannon, who survives. He and Brian had shared their life and love for 20 years prior to exchanging wedding vows. Greg leaves his sister, Barbara Kinsman-Puffer of Vernon, two special nieces, Kelsey Kinsman of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Meghan Kinsman of Brattleboro, and many cousins. He was predeceased by his mother and father. Memorial information: A Mass of the Eucharist in celebration of his life will be conducted on Saturday, April 26, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, followed by a reception at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro VT 05302, or to the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce's Skills for Success Scholarship Fund, 180 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. The scholarship was set up in 2009 to assist graduating high school seniors in furthering their job skills development.
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