Births
• Madeline Veitch and Andrés Pletch of New Paltz, N.Y. announce the birth of their daughter, Agnes Roe Pletch Kanashiro, on Feb. 16, 2019. Proud grandparents are Tom Jamison and Nancy Hood of Putney and Olga Kanashiro and Andy Pletch of New Paltz, N.Y.
Transitions
• The following local individuals were recently appointed to Vermont state boards and commissions by Gov. Phil Scott: Robert Tortolani of Brattleboro, Board of Medical Practice; Gabrielle Ciuffreda of Guilford, Thomas Fitzgerald of West Dover, and Mark Mullen of Londonderry, District 2 Environmental Commission; Wayne Dengler of Saxtons River, Parole Board; Crista Yagjian of Guilford, Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council; and Adam Grinold of Wilmington, Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees.
• Prudence MacKinney of Brattleboro recently stepped down as director of the Vermont Department of Health's Local Health Office in Brattleboro. MacKinney served for the past 5 1/2 years as director of the office that provides a wide range of public health services to the people of Windham County. Prior to leading the local health office, MacKinney spent most of her career as a senior leader with Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She said she will remain active in the community, continuing to serve as the Windham Regional Commission's special interest commissioner for healthy communities, and continue her involvement with active transportation efforts such as Brattleboro Coalition for Active Transportation (BCAT).
Obituaries
• Jane Theresa Barile, 70, of Vernon. Died unexpectedly April 7, 2019 at her home. She was born in Cambridge, Mass., on Dec. 11, 1948, the daughter of John and Helen (Fessenden) Cody. She was raised and educated in Belmont, Mass., and was a graduate of Belmont High School, Class of 1966. She worked at Berkley & Veller Realty in Brattleboro, initially working in the capacity as secretary and eventually becoming a sales associate. She had been a resident of the Brattleboro area since 1974. A lifelong Catholic, she was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. She enjoyed board games, playing cards, and time spent with her family. Jane was known to have an upbeat nature and a great sense of humor. She was first married to Thomas Reynolds of Keene, N.H., and later married Leo Barile of Brattleboro. Survivors include two sons, Daniel Barile of Alstead, N.H., and Thomas Reynolds of Keene, N.H., one step-sister, Nancy Prescott of Watertown, Mass., and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one brother, John Cody. Memorial information: Burial services were held April 15 in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Watertown, Mass. Donations to Kurn Hattin Homes for Children, P.O. Box 127, Westminster, VT 05158. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Stephen Douglas “Steve” Brown, 70, of Dummerston. Died unexpectedly April 8, 2019 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. He was born in Norwalk, Conn., on Jan. 24, 1949, the son of John and Katherine (Scott) Brown. At the age of 12, he and his family moved to Dummerston, where he was raised and educated. He was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1967. A proud Army veteran, he served from 1968 until his honorable discharge in 1970, and stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam Conflict. Prior to enlisting, Steve worked at the former Book Press in Brattleboro and Wayne White Builders of Newfane. Steve had worked at C&S Wholesale Grocers on Putney Road, which he retired from in 2015 following over 34 dedicated years with the company. Previously, he worked for Agway (Crosby Milling) on Vernon Road. An ardent outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, cutting and stacking wood, puttering around his home, and time shared with his family. He was a faithful and devoted husband and loving father and grandfather, as well as a friend to many. He was always there to lend a helping hand. He was also a faithful blood donor and, through the years, donated more than 32 gallons of blood. In 1973, he exchanged wedding vows with Gail Spaulding, whom he initially met on a blind date. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 46 years, he leaves one son, Jason Brown of Vernon; a daughter, Amber Brown and her companion, Brian Tracey, also of Vernon; two brothers, Paul Brown (Gladys) and Timothy Brown, all of Dummerston; a sister, Linda Carcare (Sal) of Cape Coral, Fla., three grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: In honor of Steve's final wishes, there are no funeral or memorial services planned. donations to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or Disabled American Veterans, 215 N. Main Street, White River Jct., VT 05009. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Herbert F. Butler, Jr., 66, of Putney. Died April 4, 2019 at his home. He was born in Brattleboro on July 11, 1952, the son of Herbert and Marjorie (Bobbi) Butler. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War and worked at The Book Press in Brattleboro and Melsur in Westminster as a machinist. He loved fishing and playing cribbage and poker. In 2000, he married Lois Ann Bissineri, who survives. Also surviving are his sons Mitchell of Burlington, Eric of Plattsburg, N.Y., and Christopher and his fiancé, Amanda of Plattsburg, N.Y., and Daniel of South Carolina; his step-daughter Elaine Judd and her husband David of Westminster; his step daughter Theresa Comeau of Bellows Falls; his brother Fred, brother in-law Paul Bissineri and his wife Laura of Brookfield, Mass., and many grandchildren, step grandchildren, one great grandson, and four step great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Carol Lynn Harris; his son, Patrick; and his brother, Benny. Memorial information: Per Herbert's wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements are in the care of Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls.
• Kenneth B. Clark, 54, of Dover. Died unexpectedly on April 4, 2019. Born in Manchester, Conn., on July 22, 1964, the son of Bruce and Sharon (Hackett) Clark, he attended local schools. Kenneth owned and operated KBC Business Products in Greenfield, Mass., for 25 years and worked as a manager for Mount Snow for eight years. Ken loved the outdoors. He enjoyed snowboarding, the beach, camping, mountain biking, cooking and skateboarding. He loved animals, listening to rock and roll music, watching golf and traveling to go snowboarding. He is survived by his children, Ashley E. Clark of Boston, Joshua Aaron Clark of Middletown, Conn., and Ava Fair Clark and Charles Clark, both of Hinsdale, N.H.; his parents Sharon Hackett-Cannon of Northfield, Mass., and Bruce Clark of Stafford Springs, Conn.; sisters Catherina Pero and Christina Anderson, both of Northfield; and his grandchild, Harper Louise Clark. Memorial information: A time of visitation was held April 13 at Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home. Donations to Center for Health and Learning (Vermont Suicide Prevention Center), in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Wendy Daniels, 52, of Bellows Falls. Died April 6, 2019, at her home of natural causes. She was born in Brattleboro on Sept. 7, 1966, the daughter of Linda Novak Daniels and the late Charlie Daniels. She is survived by her siblings, Jack (Holly) Daniels, Susan Daniels, Lori Daniels, and Candace Daniels Caggiano; one niece, Megan Curran (Jake Brennan); and five nephews, Nathan (Amanda) Daniels, Justin Caggiano, Chris Daniels, Spencer Butter, and Quincy Butter. Memorial information: A family gathering will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the animal shelter or rescue organization of your choice. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Marie (Morley) Gormly, 92, formerly of Brattleboro and Hinsdale, N.H. Died in late March at her home in Bradenton, Fla. She was born in New York City on June 5, 1926 to Irma (Stead) and James Morley. During her time in Vermont and New Hampshire, she worked for Estey Organ Company, H. Margolin & Company, and Bridgeport Metals. She was active in the Brattleboro Little Theatre and was one of the early candidates for Winter Carnival Queen. She was predeceased by her husband, John, her sister, Irma, and her parents. Marie is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Diane (Allan Storms), Ilene (Dave Merrick), and Marie (John Pelloni Jr.), and by her son, Brian, several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memorial information: None provided.
• Donald G. “Don” Huber, 92, of Northfield, Mass. Died March 6, 2019 at his home. He was born in Northfield on June 24, 1926, the son of Maximillian and Minnie (Johnson) Huber. He was educated at the Pine Street School and Northfield High School. Don joined the Navy when he was 17 and served during World War II, first in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater in Yokohama, Japan, then at the port of Recife in Brazil. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Upon returning from the service, he worked locally with his grandfather and uncle as a painter. He later joined with his brother Bill and formed The Huber Brothers, a painting firm, retiring in 1988. In his younger days, as time permitted, Don enjoyed horse trail riding with his friends. He also enjoyed reading, hunting, playing cards at the Old Stone Lodge, camping, and picnicking. He was a former commander of the Northfield VFW Post 9874. Don is survived by his wife of 52 years, the former Rita Mello, and his children: JoAnn Huber of Barrington, N.H., Barbara Prichard of Guilford, Heidi Huber of Northfield, Anita Tavalli of Northfield, Donald G. Huber of Northfield, and David Huber of Athol, Mass. He is also survived by his sister Judy Harris of Hopkinton, Mass., Jeff Gale of Northfield, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter Linda Gibowitz, and his brothers Bob and Bill. Memorial information: Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. To send condolences, visit www.kidderfuneralhome.com.
• James “Skip” Larsen, 75, of Bellows Falls. Died April 2, 2019 at his home. Born in Brockton, Mass., on Dec. 9, 1943, the son of James and Margaret (Metcalf) Larsen, he attended the New England School for the Deaf and the Hartford (Conn.) School for the Deaf. He worked for many years at The Book Press in Brattleboro. For the past 33 years, he lived in Canal House in Bellows Falls. He is survived by his brothers, Robert, Ronald, and Scott Larsen; and his sisters, Debra Whitcomb, Diane Patterson, and Pamela Kissell. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Alan “AJ” Larsen and Cheryl Riendeau. Memorial information: There will be a graveside service in Saxtons River Cemetery.
• Gene “Bobbie” Litch, 83, of Putney. Died April 9, 2019 at Vernon Green Nursing Home, following a period of declining health. Born in New Britain, Conn., on Sept. 17, 1935, the son of Earl and Evelyn (Drezek) Litch, he was raised and educated in Middletown, Conn., and was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. in Middletown, Class of 1954. He went on to earn an associate's degree from the Porter School of Engineering Design in Hartford, Conn., in 1956. He owned and operated his own packaging design company, Northeast Packaging Systems, based in Putney, which he established in the mid-1980s. He retired on Nov. 1, 2018. Previously, he worked as a sales rep for Vermont Container of Bennington. He was an avid golfer, playing at multiple courses throughout New England. He was also an excellent skier and served as a ski patroller and ski instructor at Powder Ridge in Middlefield. Gene also co-coached Little League baseball in Putney. He enjoyed water skiing, playing hockey, snowmobiling and time shared with his family, especially with his grandchildren. He was a devoted Red Sox, Bruins, and Patriots fan. He was first married to Carole Bossick in 1960. He later married Martha Peterson in 1972, who survives him. He is also survived by four daughters: Lori Litch Giannotti (Thomas) of Old Lyme, Conn.; Pamela J. Kujawski (Philip) of Old Saybrook, Conn.; Johanna L. Dwire of Old Saybrook; and Amanda Litch Lovell (Greg) of Westminster. Additionally, he leaves seven grandchildren, and two nieces and a nephew. He was predeceased by his beloved English Springer Spaniel, Rose. Memorial information: Burial will be private in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Putney. Donations to the Putney Volunteer Fire Department, 14 Main St., Putney, VT 05346. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• M. Margaret “Peggy” Montgomery, 96, formerly of Putney. Died April 4, 2019 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro. Memorial information: None provided. Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro assisted the family with arrangements.
• Mary Organek, 92, of Vernon. Died on April 9, 2019 at Vernon Hall Assisted Living. Memorial information: At her request, there will be no services. Ker-Phaneuf Funeral Home and Crematorium of Brattleboro is assisting the family with arrangements.
• Donald Bancroft “Don” Sampson, 89, formerly of Brookline. Died at April 9, 2019 at his son Frank's home in Webster, Mass., where he lived for the last nine years. He also previously lived in Holden, Mass., and Winter Haven, Fla. He was born Jan. 11, 1930 in Bronxville, N.Y., to the late Donald L. and Frances (Bancroft) Sampson Hutchins. He attended public schools in Worcester, Mass., as well as Wilbraham Academy and Tabor Academy. He married Beverly Adams “Bev” Tilden in 1951 in Worcester. Don received his TD & MC degree from Wentworth Institute in 1953, and proudly served his country in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked many years for the Heald Machine Company as an engineer, salesman, and vice-president, even after Heald was purchased by Cincinnati Milacron. He retired in 1988, but worked for or a short period after retirement for William T. McBride. He enjoyed restoring Ford Model A cars and Aeronca aircraft. As pilots, Don and Bev enjoyed flying small aircraft. He owned many of his own small planes and enjoyed flying out of many nearby small airports. Donald was a member of Isaiah Thomas Masonic Lodge in Worcester and later, upon returning to Webster, became a member of Oxford Masonic Lodge for many years. He recently received his 50-year Masonic Veteran Medal from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Don also was a 50-year member of the Valley of Worcester Scottish Rite. Donald was preceded in death by his parents and the love of his life, his wife, Beverly. He is survived by his son, Frank Bancroft Sampson and his wife, Cynthia (Ledoux); his daughter, Liz Tilden Sampson and her wife, Shari (Kampitsis); five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a sister, Marylou McGuire. Memorial information: Not one for fanfare, Donald requested there be no calling hours or flowers. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury, Mass. Donations to Oxford Masonic Charitable Association, P.O. Box 138, Oxford, MA 01540.
• Wilma “Billie” Egle Smith, 94, of Brattleboro. Died in her sleep on April 3, 2019, after a period of declining health. She was born April 13, 1925 to John and Alma Egle of Nantucket, Mass. She graduated from Nantucket High School in 1943. Billie married the late Robert Royal Smith in 1946. She is survived by two daughters, Linda Smith Tuite and Cheryl Smith Benton, eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, with another on the way. She was predeceased by her loving husband, in 1995; her sister, Erna Blair; and a brother who died in childhood, John Egle. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker who cherished her legacy of family. In her younger years, she spent time in nurses' training and worked for some time as a nurse's aide. She volunteered her time to many school and community activities. She had a mischievous sense of humor, loved the ocean, and enjoyed word games, reading, puns, scrabble, and crossword puzzles. She adored her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She took great joy in life, to the very end. Memorial information: A memorial service was held April 13 at the First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro. Donations to Bayada Hospice, 1222 Putney Rd., Suite 203, Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences, visit www.phaneuf.net.
• Harold Charles Sparks Sr., 83, of South Newfane. Died at home on March 29, 2019, surrounded by family. Harold was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. After serving in the Marine Corps, he settled in Brattleboro, to raise his family. He enjoyed playing softball in the summer and was an avid card player and an even bigger Red Sox fan. He was a kind human being and gentle soul who was loved deeply and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara; a daughter, Michele; and sons Tim, Michael, and Steven; along with 8 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Harold was predeceased by a son, Harold Charles Jr. (Charlie); his parents, Hazel and Harold; and brothers Harlon and Roger. Memorial information: To honor Harold's wishes, there will be no funeral service and burial will be kept private and for immediate family members.
Cemetery openings
• The Town of Brattleboro Recreation & Parks Department has announced that Morningside Cemetery will be open for the season, effective Saturday, April 20.