College news
• Southern Vermont College Residence Life Advisor Morgan Kaeppel of Vernon returns to the Greater Bennington Interfaith Community Service Center (GBICS) for a community service project. She and other SVC students prepared charts for the different health care services, organized invoices and receipts for the business side of the operation, cleaned and organized the kitchen, helped prep for nutrition education programming, and updated resource lists for the Bennington community.
• The following local students received degrees in December 2017 from Castleton State College: Robert Simeon of Putney, magna cum laude with a B.S. in career and technical education; Mehmet Eroglu of Bellows Falls, B.S. in business administration; Grandon Smith of Londonderry, magna cum laude, B.S. in health science; Kayla Wood of Dummerston, magna cum laude, B.S. in physical education; and Rachel Yrsha of Londonderry, B.S. in biology.
• The following local students received academic honors during the fall 2017 semester from Castleton State College: Gabrielle Carpenter of Vernon, Alex Derosia of Brattleboro, Casey Gould of Brattleboro, Devin Millerick of Vernon, and Kayla Wood of Dummerston were all named to the President's List, while Marcos Gallegos of Saxtons River, Tyler Higley of Vernon, Anthony Martinez of Brattleboro, Meghan Powell of Vernon, and Cassidy and Rachel Yrsha of Londonderry were all named to the Dean's List.
• Carolina Curvo of Brattleboro, a member of the Class of 2019, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2017 semester at Regis College in Weston, Mass.
• Genevieve Pennington-Fitzgerald of Putney, an applied exercise science major, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2017 semester at Springfield (Mass.) College.
• Zephyr Pope-Mcgraw and Nathaniel Tyler, both of Brattleboro, were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2017 semester at Roger Williams College in Bristol, R.I.
• Murphy Hicks of Bellows Falls has been named to the fall 2017 Dean's List at American International College in Springfield, Mass.
• The following local students were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2017 semester at the University of Hartford (Conn.): Clark Hamm of Brattleboro, Skyler Nupp of Newfane, Victoria Jaenson of Putney, and Sam Molner of Wilmington.
Obituaries
• Dorothy Louise “Dot” Caley Burbank, 86, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 24, 2018, of complications from Alzheimer's disease. Born in Mt. Kisco, N.Y., on Dec. 20, 1931, she was the daughter of Charles William Tracey Caley and Hedwig (Lanz) Caley. She attended a nearby one-room schoolhouse, then moved on to graduate from Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, N.Y. She graduated from the University of Bridgeport, summa cum laude, in 1977, with an Associate's Degree in Nursing. In 1951, she married the late Robert Everett Burbank, establishing their home in Bedford Hills, N.Y. They later moved to Pound Ridge, N.Y., and then settled in Brattleboro, VT for the next 32 years. They enjoyed their winters in the warmth of the U.S. Virgin Islands, on Montserrat in the West Indies, and finally in Culebra, Puerto Rico. She enjoyed nursing, was a fearless EMT with the Pound Ridge Ambulance Corps, did archaeological restorations with the Monserrat National Trust, helped many girls as a Girl Scout leader in Bedford Hills, and was always active caring for animals in need. She also had a creative spirit, which she nurtured through acting and later directing. She performed in many productions with the Walpole (N.H.) Players and ran a theater group on Montserrat. She created an import business and sold Peruvian wares in her shop, Things Inca, in Pound Ridge. In Brattleboro, she and her husband cared for their apple orchard, pressing cider each fall, which was sold locally. She is survived by her children, Nancy Woodward of Fitzwilliam, N.H., Hollis Burbank-Hammarlund of Newfane, Ross Burbank of Bedford, N.Y., Todd Burbank of Wilton, Conn.; her brother Herbert Caley of Dunedin, Fla.; and five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A gravesite gathering will be held on Saturday, March 17, at 11 a.m., at the Bedford Union Cemetery, Clinton Rd. Bedford, N.Y. A memorial gathering will follow at the home of Ross Burbank. Contact a family member for directions. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Dr. Terry L Kauffman, 69, of Mount Dora, Fla., and Putney. Died Jan. 30, 2018 at the Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care Center in Tavares, Fla. He was born June, 23 1948, to Donald and Miriam Kauffman in Wayland, Iowa. He attended the University of Iowa School of Dentistry in Iowa City, where he met his wife of 45 years, Catherine Marie Godar. After graduation, he enlisted as an ensign in the Navy where he served honorably as a base dentist at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island in Beaufort, S.C. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he relocated to Brattleboro to open his private practice. Dr. Kauffman provided quality dental care to his community for 40 years. He had a passion for antiques and genealogy, had a wonderful sense of humor, and was the organist at Our Lady of Mercy for many years. A man of many great talents, he restored and built his home in Putney, refinished antique furniture collected over a lifetime, and enjoyed baking, a craft he learned from his grandmother, Lavina, in Iowa. After retirement, he moved to Florida with his wife, where they enjoyed going to the beach and restoring a historic home in Mount Dora. A loving father, and devoted husband, he is survived by his wife, Catherine, his children, David, Michael, and Katy, two grandchildren, and his siblings, Tom Kauffman and Debbie Barnhart. Memorial information: Services will be held on Saturday, May, 26, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael's Catholic Church, in Brattleboro, VT. A reception will follow.
• Denise C. (O'Connor) Kempf, 60, of Putney. Died Jan. 19, 2018 at Alice Peck Day Hospital, Lebanon, N.H., after a brief battle with cancer. Born on Nov. 4, 1957 in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Edna Rose (Gratton) O'Connor and Michael J. O'Connor Sr., the family moved to Dalton, Mass. in 1962. She graduated from Wahconah Regional High School in 1975, and moved to Hinsdale, N.H., after graduation. She worked at Putney Family Healthcare for more than 25 years. Previously, she worked for Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists in Keene, N.H., The Keene Sentinel, the Brattleboro Reformer, and The Book Press. She was a vibrant, outgoing individual who loved spending time with family and friends. She was always up for traveling and trying new things with loved ones. In the summer months, you could find her soaking up the sun at the local beach or vacationing with family on the coast of southern Maine, her favorite place to be. In cooler weather, she spent her time crocheting and baking. Sharing her creations with those around her was one of her greatest joys. She is survived by her son Jesse Kempf of Keene, N.H.; her daughter Kimberly Kempf of West Chesterfield, N.H.; siblings Michael O'Connor Jr. and Sharon O'Connor of Keene, Debra Vosburgh of Sheffield, Mass., and Colleen and Ron White of Pittsfield, Mass.; her former husband Alfred Kempf of West Chesterfield; two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 3 p.m., at American Legion Post 5, 32 Linden St, Brattleboro.
• Josephine Y. Lea, 94, of Brattleboro. Died Feb. 2, 2018. She was the daughter of Charles and Mildred (Sweet) Young of East Corinth, graduated high school from Bradford Academy. She earned her nursing degree as a Registered Nurse from Mary Hitchcock School of Nursing. She married Robert K. Lea and the couple lived in Brattleboro all of their adult lives. She was employed by Brattleboro Memorial Hospital as a nurse and as a clinical instructor of LPNs at the Thompson School of Nursing. She was appointed assistant director of nursing at BMH and served as acting director of nursing until her retirement. After retiring from BMH, she worked for several local doctors. She was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening, golfing,and traveling. She was predeceased by her loving husband, her daughter, Sharon Lea Porter, and sisters Betty Kelaita and Ruth Iaia. She is survived by her daughter Robyn Lea Bugbee and partner Robert Pezze; brother Neil Young and wife Louise, brother-in-law Hazen Spaulding, sister-in- law Emmy Lea, three grandsons, two great-grandsons, several nieces and nephews, and many lifelong friends. Memorial information: A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations to Rescue Inc., 541 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or Susan G. Komen Foundation, Dept. 41831, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas TX 75265.
• Janice W. Longe, 81, of Vernon. Died Jan. 24, 2018 at Vernon Hall. Born in Northfield, Mass., on Aug. 3, 1936, the daughter of John and Hazel (Pickett) White, she was raised and educated in Dummerston, attending grade school in Slab Hollow and graduating from St. Michael's High School in Brattleboro. She went on to receive her bachelor's degree from Atlantic Union College in Lancaster, Mass. She worked several years as a certified nursing assistant in the Brattleboro area. Steadfast in her walk of faith, she attended and was very dedicated to the Mountain View Seventh-day Adventist Church in Vernon. She enjoyed being outdoors and had a love for all animals. She was married to Raymond Longe, who predeceased her. Previously, she was married to Carl Tvedt, who also predeceased her. She is survived by her sister, Carol Chamberlin of Brattleboro, and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Janice was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas White and Lewis White. Memorial information: A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m., at Mountain View Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1002 Fort Bridgeman Road, Vernon. Graveside services in Dummerston Center Cemetery will be conducted in the springtime when the cemetery reopens. Donations to Mountain View Seventh-day Adventist Church, P.O. Box 24, Vernon, VT 05354. or to Northern New England Conference (NNEC) of Seventh-day Adventists to go toward evangelism, 479 Main St., Westbrook, ME 04092. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Theresa S. Lynde, 83, of Guilford. Died Jan. 25, 2018 at Vernon Green Nursing Home following a lengthy illness. She had been a resident at the facility since June 2012. She was born in West Swanzey, N.H., on March 31, 1934, the daughter of Martin Joseph and Mary Hazel (Cameron) Sarsfield. She was raised and educated in West Swanzey, and was a graduate of Keene High School, Class of 1952. She worked as a bookkeeper, employed by Dompier Electric, from which she retired after more than 20 faithful years with the company. Previously, she was the bookkeeper at the former Crystal Ice and Fuel in Brattleboro. She also had been employed by several businesses in the Keene area. A devout Catholic, she was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. She loved the beach and trips to Maine, and enjoyed walking, crossword puzzles, and reading. Her life centered around her family and she enjoyed time spent with them, especially her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She married the love of her life, Carl H. Lynde, in 1973, and was predeceased by Carl on July 12, 1993. She was also predeceased by her parents, brothers Garrett Alan and Francis James Sarsfield, and a sister, Patricia Keating O'Connell. Survivors include one sister, Mary Maxfield of Vernon; and a step-daughter, Susan Lynde of Hinsdale, N.H. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Feb. 1 at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Committal Rites and burial in Hinesburg Cemetery in Guilford will be held in the springtime when the cemetery reopens. Donations to Brigid's Kitchen, in care of St. Michael's Catholic Church, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To sign an online guestbook with condolences to her family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Scott A. Mullett, 58, of Swanzey, N.H. Died Jan. 3, 2018. He was a world-class musician renowned for his expertise as an improviser and interpreter of the Great American Songbook. He stood shoulder-to-shoulder with and was respected by many of the finest jazz musicians in the world, but his greatest dedication was to honoring the legacy of jazz. His own legacy will be affirmed each time that one ofhis students plays their instrument. Upon graduation from Keene (N.H.) High School in 1976, he earned a scholarship to attend Berklee School of Music. He left formal schooling to tour with the bands of Artie Shaw and Woody Herman. He later served as musical director for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and toured or performed with Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Lionel Hampton, Rosemary Clooney, Mel Torme, Donna Summer, The Temptations, and numerous others. After two decades of performing across the globe, he returned to the Keene area to care for his ailing father and to develop his career in the greater Boston area. He taught at Keene State College and gave workshops at Berklee College of Music. He inspired and guided hundreds of developing musicians at many locations, including the Vermont Jazz Center in Brattleboro, where he served on its faculty for more than a decade. In 2003, he formed the Keene Jazz Orchestra, a community jazz ensemble that intentionally melds a multi-generational array of professional and student musicians. He was well loved by his numerous friends and his sense of humor was legendary. He enjoyed sports and the festive camaraderie that went along with it, especially Fenway Park and the Red Sox. He also loved the ocean and the beach. He is survived by his mother, Doris Mullett; his brother, Duane Mullett; his brother and sister-in-law, Dana and Maryann Mullett, his daughter and her husband, Emily and Brock Rafferty; girlfriend Laura Borden and her dog Lucy; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and hundreds of grieving friends and students. Memorial information: A celebration of his life is being tentatively planned for late spring/early summer in Keene. More information about this event will be made public shortly. Donations to the Keene Jazz Orchestra for the Scott Mullett Fund for Jazz Education at keenejazzorchestra@gmail.com.
• Dr. Richard E. Revilla, 93, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 28, 2018, at Cedar Hill Assisted Living in Windsor. Born in Barre on Sept. 14, 1924, the son of Julian and Sadie (Rock) Revilla, he graduated from Barre High School, attended the University of Vermont where he earned a bachelor's degree, and then went on to the Illinois School of Optometry. His attendance at UVM was interrupted by his service in the Navy during WWII. He resumed his education after the war. While attending UVM, he spied a very attractive nurse walking from class to her apartment. He would observe her along that same route for many weeks but was too shy to introduce himself. One day, a female classmate, who knew he had a car, asked him if he would transport a large quantity of bottles to the store. He agreed. They met at her apartment, and as they entered the living room, there was that nurse he had become so smitten with. On May 29, 1949, he married that nurse, Alta Jean Ferguson, the beginning of a great love story that lasted more than six decades until her death in 2013. Dr. Revilla was a kind, humble, gracious, and gentle man. Quick with smile, and always ready to unleash a booming laugh at the slightest, humorous provocation. Like many of his generation, his character and values were forged by the depression and World War II. In Brattleboro he practiced optometry, served on the local school board, was past president of the Vermont Optometric Association, and was a faithful Rotarian. He and his wife were longtime supporters and members of St. Michael's Episcopal Church. Their home was always open. Whether it was a young family passing through town who experienced car problems, Columbian students from SIT for a home stay, Little Leaguers from Puerto Rico, inner city kids from their sons' college basketball team, or the many friends of their children, warmth and hospitality were always extended. He loved to travel. During his last years, he was able to go to California and visit Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, Big Sur and do some whale watching. A lover of music, he sang for many years in a local Barber Shop Quartet. He also never missed an opportunity to serenade his wife and family. His life was a life well lived, and his spirit remains, and is carried forth daily by his large family that he was so devoted to. He is survived by his daughter, Jean Mee and husband Jim of Rutland; three sons, Bruce Revilla and his wife, Sue, of Capistrano Beach, Calif., Craig Revilla and his wife, Kathy, of Williston, and John Revilla and his partner, Rita, of Langdon, N.H.; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by one brother, Julian Revilla. Memorial information: Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Shane David Wetherby, 42, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 23, 2018 after a long battle with addiction. Born on Aug. 3, 1975 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, he attended Brattleboro Union High School. He worked at C&S Wholesale Grocers and Sam's Outdoor Outfitters, where he was known as a reliable employee with an incredible work ethic. Those who knew the real Shane, and not just the version of him seen through the lens of addictions, knew him to be a bright, funny, creative, generous and loving person with an amazing smile and a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes. He wanted more than anything to be a good dad to his son Lukas; to be someone he could look up to and be proud of. Even as he struggled, spending time with Lukas was a priority for Shane and something he looked forward to. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Wetherby, who died in November 2017. He is survived by his father, Arnold Wetherby; son Lukas Bullock; sister Rhonda Wetherby (Mikal); niece Avery Wetherby Altomare; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives and friends. He is and will continue to be deeply missed by all who knew him. Memorial information: His family anticipates holding a memorial service for Shane sometime in mid- to late-June 2018. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a fund that has been created for Shane's son, Lukas, at www.gofundme.com/shanesgift. To sign an online guestbook with condolences to Shane's family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Bradley Edward Wright, 67, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 31, 2018, at Rutland Regional Medical Center. Born in Fort Riley, Kansas, on Sept. 28, 1950, to Leo and Annabel Wright. He was raised in Brattleboro and attended Frances Hicks School in Brattleboro. He graduated in 1964, and lived independently and worked at many places around Brattleboro. One of his first jobs was at the Brattleboro Retreat from 1972 through 1998 as a dishwasher and in the laundry service department. He worked at The Book Press as a custodian and service worker, the Brattleboro Reformer as a paper stacker, at Hannaford's store and at American Legion Post 5, working in the kitchen as a dishwasher and as custodian. He also worked at many restaurants in Brattleboro, including Peter Haven's, Walker's, and Fuzzy's Seafoods. Some called him the “Mayor” of Brattleboro, being that many people knew him by name and he could be seen around town on daily walks or at one of the service clubs (American Legion, Eagles, VFW, Elks), either volunteering or working. He enjoyed being around people, and spent his free time at American Legion Post 5, where he enjoyed the people and the food and also marched in parades. He loved joking around and was a happy, friendly person. He enjoyed animals, movies, sports - football, baseball and, especially, the Red Sox- and was a dedicated follower of pro wrestling. He retired in 2009 after a brief illness and moved to Rutland to be near his sisters. He lived in a group home and, in 2017, moved to The Pines at Rutland Nursing Home. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers Daniel, Alan, and James; and his sister, Gayle Morehouse. Survivors include his sisters Marina Potter and husband Bert, of Shrewsbury, Vt., Theresa Spaulding of Burlington, and Rita Rose Merles and husband Peter, of Baltimore, Md.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins in the Burlington area. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro at a later date, followed by burial in St. Michael's Cemetery, and a celebration of his life at American Legion Post 5.