College news
• The following local students received academic honors at Western New England University in Springfield, Mass., for the fall 2016 semester: Brennen D. Zolnoski, a biomedical engineering major from Brattleboro, and William C. Bourque, an economics major from East Dover, were named to the President's List, and Tyler Clement, a biomedical engineering major from Vernon, was named to the Dean's List.
• Christian Ruse of Putney was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2016 semester at Johnson State College.
• David Barnes of West Dover, a member of the Class of 2020 majoring in economics, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2016 semester at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
• Molly O'Callaghan of Brookline, a sophomore cross-country runner at Castleton University, has been selected to the fall 2016 All-Academic Team of the North Atlantic Conference. O'Callaghan helped her team finish second in the NAC Cross-Country Championship last fall and was named to the All-Conference Team.
• Wynona Meyer of Guilford, a sophomore at Bard College at Simon's Rock in Great Barrington, Mass., was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2016 semester.
• Morgan Kaeppel of Vernon, a sophomore cross-country runner at Southern Vermont College in Bennington, earned fall 2016 Academic All-Conference Honors from the New England Collegiate Conference.
• Nicolas Koskoris of Brattleboro and Sarah Forrett of East Dummerston were both named to the Presidents's List for the fall 2016 semester at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, N.H.
Obituaries
• Barry A. Cain, 73, of Jamaica and Flanders, N.Y. Died Dec.24, 2016, at his home in Jamaica. Born March 22, 1943 in Riverhead, N.Y., to Clyde and Marguerite E. (Lupia) Cain, he graduated Riverhead High School and then went into the Navy. After the Navy, he worked for his dad for a short time as a roofer. Then he went on to work for the Southampton (N.Y.) Highway Department for 30 years. Also since the age of 16, he was a member of the Flanders Men's Club. In 1965, he married Jeanette (Konchalski) Cain. Vermont was his favorite place to visit and, in 2001, he made it his permanent address. He is survived by his wife; his children, Donna Cain, Barry (Bonnie) Cain and Kathy Commins; four grandchildren and a brother, Clyde Cain. Memorial information: A funeral was held Jan. 5 in Long Island, N.Y.
• Donato E. Carrara, 42, of Brattleboro. Died Feb. 6. Born in Manchester, Conn., on June 14, 1974, the son of Donato S. and Marie (Willette) Carrara, he was a graduate of Bellows Falls Union High School. He is survived by his father, of Rutland; his mother, of Brattleboro; a brother, John A. Carrara, of Sale Creek, Tenn.; and two sisters, Denise Carrara of Bellows Falls and Lisa Carrara of Springfield, Vt. Memorial information: Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
• Ronnie C. Chase, 70, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 20 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Born in York, Maine on April 4, 1946, the son of the late Arthur Chase and Bernadine (Childs) Sanderson, he was educated in the Brattleboro school system and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1966. He was employed as a burner technician for Barrows & Fisher Oil in Brattleboro until his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, watching football and baseball, playing softball, vacationing in Maine, watching Westerns, including John Wayne, and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by two sons, Ronnie C. Chase, Jr. and his partner, Allie Britton, of Keene, NH and Ryan L. Chase of Brattleboro; two daughters, Michelle Chase and her partner, Mike Rouleau, of Swanzey, N.H., and Joyce Chase and her partner, Nathan, of Brattleboro; a brother, Robert Chase of Brattleboro; a sister, Darlene Forbes of Brattleboro; 13 grandchildren, one great-grandchild; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 3 to 9 p.m., at the American Legion, 32 Linden St, Brattleboro. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, 916 West River Rd, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.
• Marie J. Goodrich, 80, of Saxtons River. Died Feb. 4. She was born in Ticonderoga, N.Y., on March 8, 1936, to Arthur and Mary (Newtown) Nadeau. She served in the Air Force and, of her many places of employment, she really enjoyed working as a teacher's aide at the Saxtons River Elementary School. She raised her family, made many friends along the way, and was always involved with the various functions of her church. She is the widow of Harvey A. Goodrich. She is survived by her son, Kirk Goodrich; daughters Tracie Tiller, April Goodrich, Tamie Goodrich, and Robin Dawson; her siblings Art, Steven, Charlie, and Phyllis Nadeau, and Regina Tucker; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Feb. 10 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Jamaica in the spring, date to be announced.
• Stanley Allen Hamilton Sr., 69, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 26 at the VA Medical Center in White River Junction. Born Dec. 8, 1947 in Brattleboro, the son of George and Margaret (Riendean) Hamilton, he attended Hinsdale High School and later served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He returned to the area after the war. He enjoyed harness racing and horses, especially his horse, Hobo. He is survived by a son, Stanley Hamilton Jr., of Keene, N.H. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held at a later date in the Chesterfield West Cemetery in Chesterfield, N.H. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, 916 West River Rd, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Rosemary Major, 76, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Feb. 8 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro following a period of declining health. Born in Brattleboro on Sept. 19, 1940, the daughter of Marcellus and Elsie (Fuller) Major, she was raised in Hinsdale and was a graduate of Hinsdale High School, Class of 1958. She went on to attend the Thompson School for Practical Nursing in Brattleboro where she received her LPN degree and license. She worked as a nurse at Eden Park Nursing Home and at the former Linden Lodge Nursing Home, both in Brattleboro. In her early years, she was a dietician at the Ashuelot, N.H., Elementary School. A devout Catholic, she was a lifelong communicant of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where, for more than 50 years, she served as church organist and was recognized by the Pope for her music ministry. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters. Known for her spirit of friendship and pleasant personality, she was very committed and dedicated to both her family and church. Survivors include a brother, Lewis “Lew” Major and his wife, Mary, of Hinsdale, and many nieces, nephews and their families as well as a host of friends. She was predeceased by her parents, a brother, David Major, and a half-sister, Roselyn Truesdell. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Feb. 13 at St. Joseph's Church in Hinsdale. Committal rites and burial in St. Joseph's Parish Cemetery will be in the springtime. Donations to St. Joseph's Church 35 Brattleboro Road, Hinsdale, NH 03451, or to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Stephen Glen Mathews, 73, of Londonderry. Died Feb. 7 at Springfield Health and Rehabilitation, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born Oct. 21, 1943, in South Londonderry, the son of Roy and Maude (McGinn) Mathews, he was a 1962 graduate of Leland & Gray High School in Townshend. Following graduation, he was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam., earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. In 1969, he married Joyce Stevens. He was employed by Rex Doane Builders, Peter Doane Builders, and MacDonald & Swan as a carpenter, and later became a self-employed carpenter. Through the years, he enjoyed coaching Little League, spending time with his family and friends, watching his grandchildren's athletic activities, hiking, camping, canoeing, his 1964 Ford Falcon, car shows, and watching NASCAR. He was a life member of the VFW Post 6471 in Manchester, and American Legion Post 67 in Chester. Survivors include his wife, Joyce; two children, Stephanie Mathews and her fiance, Kevin Casey, and Stephen Mathews II; and four grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister and brother. Memorial information: A funeral service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 1 p.m., at the Second Congregational Church in Londonderry, with a reception to follow at Jake's Café. Donations to the Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad or the Alzheimer's Association.
• Leonard H. “Lenny” Peduzzi, 84, of Vernon. Died Feb. 4,following an extended illness. Born in Barre on March 27, 1932, the son of the late Americo and Louisa (DeBin) Peduzzi, he was raised and educated in Plainfield, was a graduate of Plainfield High School, Class of 1951, and attended Lyndon State College. He proudly served his country in the Army during the Korean War, stationed stateside at Camp Hale, Colo., until his honorable discharge from active service. He worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator before retiring at age 79. His last employment was with Warner Brothers Construction of Sunderland, Mass. Previous employers included Rossi, Perini, Cersosimo, and his good friend, Stub Thomas. From 1971 to 1977, he owned and operated the popular Italian eatery, Mama Peduzzi's, in Brattleboro. He had a special bond with his employees and many customers. A resident of Vernon since 1969, he served on the Planning Board and the Selectboard. He was outgoing and had a fabulous sense of humor and sharp wit which he enjoyed sharing with friends and family. He loved visiting factories and historical sites. He was known for being a hard worker who was always willing to help anyone in need. In 1968, he married Janet Eurich, who survives. Besides his faithful wife of 48 years, he leaves a son, Enrico Peduzzi (Tracy Marino); two daughters, Jennifer Peduzzi of Vernon and Stephanie Peduzzi-Baker (James) of Brattleboro; and six grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers:Warner, Norman, and Marvin, who died in infancy. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held Sunday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m., at Vernon Advent Christian Church. A reception will follow at the church. Burial will take place at a later date. Donations to the Len Peduzzi Scholarship Fund, in care of the Vernon Recreation Department, P.O. Box 56, Vernon, VT 05354. To offer messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Steven G. Prouty, 66, of Londonderry. Died Feb. 6 at his home. The son of Clyde R. and Clara M. Prouty, he was born at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend on Aug. 26, 1950. He grew up in South Londonderry and was a graduate of Leland & Gray High School in Townshend as well as Vermont Technical College in Randolph, where he studied highway engineering. In 1966, he began working in the family business, Clyde R. Prouty & Sons Excavation. He married Sharon Crossman and they had two sons, Chad and Taylor. From 1976 to 1986, he worked as a winter road foreman. In 1995, he started work as a rural carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in South Londonderry. He retired in August 2013. He had a strong work ethic, which started at 10 years old when he began work at Woody's Cracker Barrel Ski Shop. He was a person with many interests and hobbies. He was a collector of antiques and local historical memorabilia and enjoyed searching for the next great artifact. He had a real love for animals, which he shared with his grandchildren. He found great pleasure in gardening and raising chickens and other specialty birds on his beloved land. “The pond” was one of his cherished places and he relished the times when he could be host to countless family gatherings. He inherited his father's love for antique cars and car racing. For several years, he enjoyed time in Florida with his family, and together they looked forward to the annual Daytona 500 race, which became a tradition and an experience that he treasured. He followed in his father's footsteps as a Selectboard member, serving from 2011 to 2017, and as chair in 2016. He also served in other various volunteer capacities. He was dedicated and committed to public service. He was a strong supporter of the West River Railroad Depot project and was devoted to its success. He was enthusiastic about government and policy-making and immersed himself in the political world, always staying informed and enjoying rich conversations with people who shared similar and different views. He is survived by his parents; two sons and their spouses, Chad Prouty and his wife, Karen, and Taylor Prouty and his wife, Lana; his sister, Susan VanAlstyne; and five grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his brothers Gary and Doug. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Feb. 12 at the South Londonderry Town Hall. Donations to the West River Railroad Depot Project or the own of Londonderry for tree planting on the town-owned Prouty Land, in care of Brewster-Shea Funeral Services P.O. Box 885, Manchester Center, VT 05255.
• Louise Elizabeth Bittner Renaud, 94, of West Brattleboro. Died Feb. 7 at her home. Born in Flint, Michigan on Oct. 19, 1922, the daughter of Edward and Parmelia (Bora) Bittner, she attended schools in Westmoreland, N.H., and graduated from St. Michael's High School in Brattleboro, Class of 1940. Steadfast in her walk of faith, she was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. In 1943, she married Hyacinth Joseph Renaud, who predeceased her in 1979. She leaves 14 children: Martha Siegers, Mary Jane Giroux, Jerome Renaud, Cynthia Renaud-Kim, Margaret Moulton, Nancy Renaud, Pauline Wilson, Michael Renaud, David Renaud, Caroline Houle, Judy Clark, Claire Renaud, Francis Renaud, and a foster son, Zane Waite; two sisters, Sr. Ruth of Rochester, N.Y., and Jane Fountain of Sprakers, N.Y.; 37 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, one great-great grandson, and many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by three daughters: Ruth (Arnold) Felski, Catherine (Dwight) Sprague, and Helen (Jack) Hassayk and a son-in-law, Steven Wilson. She gave many years of community service, including more than 25 years at Brigid's Kitchen in Brattleboro. She also served on the board of Francis Hicks School, and volunteered for Brattleboro Area Hospice. For many years, she also served as her husband's bookkeeper for the family business. She enjoyed needlework, crafting, gardening, travel and, most of all, time spent with her family. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Feb. 11 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. Committal Rites and burial in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery will take place in the springtime. Donations to Brigid's Kitchen, in care of St. Michael's Church, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 or to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, Attn: Elaine Beam, Principal. To offer messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Reginald “Jim” J. Stanclift, 75, a resident of West Swanzey, N.H., and former resident of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Jan. 27 at his home, following a brief illness. He was born on Aug. 15, 1941, the son of Reginald A. and Shirley (Howe) Stanclift. He was a 1960 graduate of Hinsdale High School. In 1961, he married the love of his life, Christine Osgood. He worked as a machinist and mechanic at The Book Press in Brattleboro for many years. After retiring, he worked in the Clubhouse at the Pine Grove Springs Country Club in Spofford, N.H. He was a member of the Hinsdale Fire Department for 18 years and served as Fire Chief for six years. He was a life member of the Brattleboro Elks for 47 years. He loved to be surrounded by nature. Whether fishing, hunting, playing a round of golf, or going for a ride in his Miata, he was happiest in the outdoors. He was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed traveling, especially taking cruises and going for long road-trips in his favorite car. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Christine; two sons, Jim Stanclift and his wife Heidi of, Keene, N.H., and Jeff Stanclift and his wife Ellen of Rockport, Maine; his mother, Shirley Collins of Hinsdale; five grandchildren; his brother, Larry Stanclift and his wife, Ethel. of Hinsdale; and his step-sister Gail Barnaby and her companion, David, of Wilder; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his father and his stepfather, Sherwin Collins. Memorial information: The family is planning to have a remembrance in the spring. Donations to the Hinsdale Fire Association, P.O. Box 13, Hinsdale, NH. 03451. To offer condolences, visit www.foleyfuneralhome.com.
• John M. Winner, 80, of Newfane. Died Feb. 5, suddenly but peacefully, in the presence of his loving wife, Gillian. He was a wonderful father to Christopher and Rosalind, daughter-in-law, Roxane Winner, and son-in-law, Jim Sterling, as well as being a doting grandfather of three. He leaves behind two sisters, Sandra Giangiulio and Betsey Guest, their husbands, James Giangiulio and John Guest, and many loving nieces, and nephews. A well-known and respected antiques dealer, he was a hale, hearty and active participant in life who was known for his wit and love of conversation. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Feb. 28, 1936, son of Joseph and Beatrice Winner. He grew up in Wakefield, Mass., where he graduated from Wakefield High School, Class of 1953. At the University of Notre Dame, he completed his B.S. degree in 1957 and went on to earn a M.S. in zoology at Notre Dame in 1959. Continuing his studies at the University of Massachusetts, where he met his future wife, Gillian Lewis, Jack completed his Ph.D. in 1971. Jack and Gill were married in 1963 and they remained in love, best friends and partners for 53 years. They both started academic teaching careers at the University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, where he became a professor. He taught invertebrate biology, parasitology, and limnology, in addition to conducting research and being an academic advisor. In 1972, he and the family spent a memorable sabbatical year in England at the University of Durham, a highlight of his teaching career. It was there that he cultivated his interest in antiques, eventually opening Downriver Gifts and Antiques in Amherstburg, Ontario, where the Winner family resided. In 1983, the family moved from Canada to Vermont, where the Winners bought the West River Lodge in Brookline and began new careers as innkeepers and antiques dealers. He also continued to advise and teach occasionally at local area colleges. After selling the West River Lodge in 1999, the couple moved nearby to Newfane, opening Jack Winner Antiques and subsequently, Gillian's Guest house. In 2015, they retired to Loop Road where he doted on his two Jack Russell Terriers and continued to run his antiques business. A man of many talents, he had diverse interests and was a member of many organizations. His painted toleware and love of art, restoring furniture, opera, cooking and gardening were just a few of his passions. In Canada, he served as president of the Rotary International club in Amherstburg. In Newfane, as a long-time member of the Valley Lions club, he organized antique show fundraisers for 17 years. An original member of the Newfane Business Association, he enjoyed organizing events for the community. He was a member of the Vermont Antiques Dealers Association, and wrote articles for Southern Vermont Magazine on antique collecting. He was an active member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Townshend and served on their Parish Council. He cared deeply about the parish and was a generous man in all aspects of his life. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Townshend on Feb. 11. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353 or Our Lady of the Valley Church, P.O. Box 246, Putney, VT 05346. To offer messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.