College news
• Emma Chapman of Brattleboro graduated with an A.S. in Nursing from Becker College in Worcester, Mass.
• Laurie Garland of Dummerston, graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Business Administration from Becker College in Worcester, Mass.
• Lindsey Weaver of Brattleboro and Emma Boisvert of Jacksonville both recently earned an M.S. in Nursing from Simmons University in Boston.
• Rosalyn Pofcher of Brattleboro graduated from Wheaton College in Norton, Mass., with a B.A. in Business and Management. She also earned Dean's List honors for the spring 2019 semester.
• Mary Ellis of Vernon and Ava Zizza of Wilmington were both named to Dean's List for the spring 2019 semester at the University of Alabama.
• The following local students at the Community College of Vermont were named to the spring 2019 Student Honors List. This honor recognizes part-time students with a 4.0 grade point average: Alia Fielding, Marshall Lazar, Megan Manley, and Brianna Wincek, all of Brattleboro, Timothy Lahey of Dummerston, Kaitlin Haskins of Newfane, Emily Neumann of Westminster, and Taryn Lawrence and Lisa Ryan of Wilmington.
• The following local students at the Community College of Vermont were named to the spring 2019 President's List. This honor recognizes full-time students with a 4.0 grade point average: Keri Ticino of Bellows Falls, Michaela Russo of Brattleboro, Kaitlyn Fenstermaker of Dummerston, Jennifer Hunt and Caleb Morris of Putney, and William Bass of West Dover.
• The following students at the Community College of Vermont were named to the spring 2019 Dean's List. This honor recognizes full-time students with a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.99: Dakoda Carter of Bellows Falls, Elijah Burdo, Rio Daims, Tia Gilbeau, Ryan Weeks, Jess Weiner, and Alden Witman, all of Brattleboro, Henna Patel of Ludlow, Tyler Lindsay and Havah Patton of Putney, Frances Cornick and Jessica Diclerico of Saxtons River, Matthew Young of Townshend, Melia Allen of Vernon, and Tabitha Felisko and Tasha Tobey-Pike of Wilmington.
• Clark Hamm of Brattleboro, Adam Culver of Grafton, and Samual Molner of Wilmington were all named to the spring 2019 Dean's List at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Conn.
• The following local students received academic honors for the spring 2019 semester at Vermont Technical College: Nicholas Fontaine of Newfane, Morgan Stevens of Grafton, Jennifer Moyse of Brattleboro, and Jonah Koch of Brattleboro were all named to the Dean's List, while Jamie Buffa of Brattleboro achieved President's List honors in the B.S. in Nursing program.
• Elkanah Linder, a Doctor of Pharmacy student, was named to the spring 2019 Dean's List at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.
• Keagan M. Dunbar, a member of the Class of 2022 from Saxtons River and Skye O. Rhomberg, a member of the Class of 2022 from Putney, were named to the spring 2019 Dean's List at Colby College in Waterville, Maine.
• Emma Li of Brattleboro was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2019 semester at Simmons University in Boston.
• Evelyn Williams of Brattleboro was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2019 semester at Norwich University.
• Alana Redden of South Newfane won The Ellen Hamilton and Lida Mason Award at the University of Vermont's College of Arts and Sciences Awards Ceremony held on May 17. The award honors academic excellence in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies at UVM.
• John Shaw of Brattleboro won The Charles Doll Award at UVM's College of Arts and Sciences Awards Ceremony held May 17. The award is given to the outstanding graduating senior in geology.
• McKenzie Brandon of Saxtons River won the Lyman Rowell Outstanding Senior in Music Award at UVM's College of Arts and Sciences Awards Ceremony held May 17. The award is given annually to a graduating senior who has made superior contributions to the musical life of the department.
Obituaries
• Peter D. Barton, 83, of Wilmington. Saturday June 22, 2019 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. He was born in Barton, Vt., on Feb. 12, 1936, the son of Roger and Helen McMann Barton. He graduated from Orleans High School and attended the University of Vermont. He was a Navy veteran, having served during the Korean Conflict. He was a trooper for the Vermont State Police and former Chief of Police in Bennington. He spent 10 years in the Attorney General's Office as the Chief State Investigator and was also an investigator for the Bennington County State's Attorney. He was the former chief of security at Mount Snow and, since 1987, owned and operated The Barton Agency, Inc. He was also a very active member of the community, having served as Town and School Moderator from 1970 to 1983, Justice of the Peace from 2015 to 2017, Town Constable from 1971 to 1979, 1989 to 1990, and 1998 to 2019, and was a 20-year veteran of the Wilmington Fire Department. He was a 58-year, 32nd-degree member of Social Lodge #38, F & AM, in Wilmington, from which he recently retired as Secretary. He was also a former Worshipful Master of the Lodge. He was a Trustee of the Baptist Church, and a member of the Brattleboro Elks Lodge. His true passion was his family and his love for summers at his camp in Barton. Peter is survived by his wife, Connie, whom he married in 1958; his children Keli Gould and her husband, Joel, of Wilmington, Jeffrey Barton and his wife, Joanne, of Colchester, and Timothy Barton and his wife, Carolyn, of Westborough, Mass. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Farrelly of East Brookfield, Mass., and his brothers Barry Barton of South Carolina and James Barton of Charleston, Vt., and by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Memorial information: Funeral services were held June 27 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Wilmington, with interment with full military honors in Riverview Cemetery. Donations to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, in care of Covey-Allen and Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. To send the family personal condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Dorothy “Dore” Firth, 62, of Brattleboro. Died from throat cancer on June 16, 2019, surrounded by friends and family, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She was born April 9, 1957, the youngest child of Victor and Mally Coty of Stowe. She graduated from Stowe High School early, moving on to study art and music at Young Harris College. She continued pursing her interest in art by studying landscape painting with Frank Mason for many summers. For a time, she opened a sewing and alteration business, Nimble Rustics, that also sold her art work. Later she completed a year-long program in Printing Technologies at Green Mountain Tech Center and went on to work for the Hardwick Gazette. She also created a layout, design and calligraphy business called The Pen & Brush. Dore married, had her daughter, and built a home in Nebraska Valley. But she struggled with alcoholism. After rehab, she moved to Brattleboro where she worked briefly for the School of International Training, and then for the publishing services firm Jouve for the next 10 years. She had found a place to start anew, living out the miracle of recovery for 13 years until her death. Dore inherited from Mally and Vic a passion for studying the natural world, which manifested most recently in her creating wild-harvested medicinal tinctures and salves. She joined the chorus group Rock Voices, with whom she rediscovered her true love of singing, developing strong friendships and a community she cherished. In many concerts, she excelled in singing solo parts that were complex and challenging. Her Rock Voices family rallied around her from the time she fell ill to her death. Dore was a loving mother, fun-loving, sweet, sensitive, kind and generous. She was also independent, headstrong, quick-witted, and insightful. She always demanded the truth, with a fierce commitment to being herself at all times. She loved the effects of light, anything with color, sunsets, fireworks, cats, dogs, and beaches. She persevered with exemplary courage and spirit right to the end. She leaves behind her daughter Fey Kennedy and granddaughter Saoirse; siblings Anne Steel (John) and Lewis Coty (Audrey); and several nephews and many friends. Memorial information: Rock Voices will be hosting Dore's Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 13, at 2 p.m., at the Kiwanis shelter at the top of Living Memorial Park in Brattleboro. All are welcome. Donations to the Rock Voices Scholarship Fund (include “Scholarship/Dore” in the memo line), P.O. Box 623, Hadley, MA 01035. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• David J. Grover, 63, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died unexpectedly on June 18, 2019 at his home. He was born on Dec. 10, 1955 in Manchester, N.H., and raised by his late parents, Corrine (Whitney) and Joseph L Grover. He was educated locally and graduated from Hinsdale High School with the Class of 1973. He worked at The Book Press in Brattleboro, where he was known for his quick speed, especially on race day. David also worked a number of years as a bartender and bouncer for Cheers, as well as the VFW and The Eagles Club in Brattleboro. He was the owner and operator of Dave's A to Z Odd Jobs & Specialty Service in Hinsdale for more than 2o years until his retirement in 2010. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing the local waters with his long-time friend Kevin Woods and his son Cory. He was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed spending time watching his favorite New England teams. He was a lover of nature, especially when he was working in his flower gardens. He was very close with his family and enjoyed spending his time with them. His grandchildren were a bright light in his day, every day. He is survived by his daughters, Renee A. Parent and her fiancee, B.J. Bailey, of South Burlington, and Tara M. Grover of Cape Coral, Fla.; his son Cory Parent of Spofford N.H.; his brother Joseph Grover and his wife, Lori ,of Greenfield, Mass.; and nine grandchildren and his extended family and friends. Memorial information: In keeping with his wishes, there are no calling hours. The family has requested that if you have memories or pictures you wish to share, they may be mailed to Renee Parent, 151 Hayes Ave, South Burlington, VT 05403. Donations to Hinsdale Meals on Wheels, in care of Home Health Care Community Services, 312 Marlboro St. Keene, NH 03431.
• William P. Haskins, 87, of Natick, Mass., formerly of Wilmington. Died June 20, 2019 in Natick Memorial Hospital. Beloved husband of Laura Lois Leonard for nearly 50 years. Brother of Jeanne Blivens of New York, and the late Phillip Haskins, Barbara Look, Anne Bickford, Judith Looke, and Marion Bullitt. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was born Feb. 14, 1932 in Wilmington, and was a graduate of Wilmington High School, Class of 1950. He joined the Air Force in 1951, and served for 10 years. He was an avid bowler in several bowling leagues for many years. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held on Sunday, June 7, at 12:30 p.m., at Oak Grove Cemetery in Townshend.
• Robert J. “Bob” Hescock, 42, of Wardsboro. Died unexpectedly on June 17, 2019. He was born in Townshend on May 11, 1977, son of Lissa (Holman) and James Hescock. During his high school days, he met his wife of nearly 20 years, Angela Kehoe. Throughout their high school career, she watched and cheered him on while playing sports, and later when he playing in an adult softball league. He attended Electrician apprenticeship school for four years, and worked as a journeyman for Sparky Electric in West Townshend for the past 20 years. He was a devoted husband and father to his wife and kids. He was a loving and caring man that his children looked up to. He was a coach to his children's basketball team and was always by their side year-round. Bob was an avid hunter who smiled knowing that he was passing down his knowledge and skills to his children. As a family, they enjoyed going to Maine to camp and swim and spend time together at Wells Beach. He is survived by his wife and their children, Sydney, Hayley, Cody, and Taylor; his parents, Lissa and James of Wardsboro; sister Melissa Bush and her husband, Michael, of Wardsboro; and many extended family members and numerous friends. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held June 30 at Wardsboro Methodist Church. To view his online tribute, send condolences to his family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.
• Robert Joseph “Bob” Ratti, 94, of Brattleboro. Died June 25, 2019, on his 70th wedding anniversary, surrounded by his family. Bob was born in Proctor on July 5, 1924, the younger son of Premo Francis Ratti and Margaret (Casey) Ratti. He was raised and educated in the Proctor/Pittsford/Florence area until his sophomore year, when his family moved to Brattleboro. He graduated from Brattleboro High School, Class of 1942 ,after excelling in basketball and baseball, both of which he captained. After high school, he attended Green Mountain College in Poultney until March 1943, when he was drafted into the Navy. He served as an Aviation Ordnanceman in the South Pacific on Saipan and Tinian Islands. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, Bob returned to Brattleboro and played basketball for the Spaulding Cardinals, a semi-pro basketball team. During his time with the Cardinals, Bob was chosen as one of the seven best players in the league, which consisted of teams from the tri-state area. Ernie Johnson, his lifelong friend, classmate, and teammate on the Cardinals, was the leagues' most valuable player. The Spaulding Cardinals won the league championships in 1946 and 1947. In 1949, he married Mary Elizabeth “Mary Liz” Coombs and they moved to Burlington so Bob could complete his education at the University of Vermont. While there, he earned his varsity letter in golf and captained the freshmen basketball team. At that time, freshman students were not allowed to play on varsity teams. However, he made the varsity basketball team his sophomore year. While at UVM, Bob was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He graduated in 1952 with a B.S. in Commerce and Economics. After graduation, they moved to Los Angeles, where Bob embarked on a lifelong career in the insurance business. In 1962, he was hired by Richards, Hoffman & Clay Insurance Agency (now, The Richards Group) and retired from the organization in 1995 at the age of 70. Bob was a past member of the Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce and, at one time, served as the Division Chairman for the United Way Fund drive. He joined the Brattleboro Country Club in 1946 and, for 16 years, he served on their Board of Directors. He also served on the Vermont State Golf Association Board for two years. Bob had many golf achievements, including two State Amateur championships (1959 and 1970), one State Senior Championship (1985) and two father-son golf championship titles playing with his father, Premo. Yet of all his golfing achievements, Bob was most proud of his career seven holes-in-one (the last being in 2008 at the age of 84) and for being Medalist at the Equinox Country Club during a qualifying round for the N. E. Golf Tournament in 1959. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Liz, in 2011;, his parents, Premo F. Ratti and Margaret Casey Ratti, his brother, Francis (Sass) Ratti; his brother-in-laws, Charles Coombs and Joseph Coombs, and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his three loving and devoted children and their families: Jo Carol Ratti and her husband, Wayne Farrell, of Brattleboro; Casey Ratti and her husband, Tim Bicknell, and their children, Max Ratti-Bicknell and Robbie Bicknell, of Ferrisburgh, Vt; and Stephen Ratti, of Brattleboro, and his son, Michael Ratti of Boylston, Mass. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, cousins and his sister-in-law, Patricia Ratti, of Brattleboro, as well as his favorite companion and grand-dog, Maggie Mae. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 6, at 11 a.m. at St, Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Calling hours will be on Friday, July 5, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Donations to the Vermont Golf Association Scholarship Fund (vgasf.org/802-497-3897) or to The Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397 Brattleboro, VT 05302 (windhamcountyhumane.org).
• George H. Stage, 70, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died June 24, 2019 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass., from an acute illness. Born in Bennington on April 25, 1949, son of Noah Harry Stage and Irma May (DeGraw) Stage, he spent his first seven years in Arlington before his family moved to Miami, Fla. George graduated from Miami Central High School and then enlisted in the Navy. He met the love of his life in 1985 while working at Bridgeport Metal Goods, where he was a mechanic. He retired from HCP Packing in 2014. George married Pernille Borgesen in 2004. When asked why they waited so long, he replied, “We wanted to make sure we liked each other.” He enjoyed hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding, hikes and photography - especially enjoyed taking pictures of wildlife and his wife's flowers. George always had a smile, a kind word, a helping hand, and a quick wit. He took great pride in all his girls, his house, and his yard. George is survived by his wife; his daughters April Anderson and her husband, Carl, and Cindy Stage; his stepdaughter Regan Koehler and her girlfriend, Khristin Levey; sisters Sharon Stage and her wife, Carolyn Wilson. of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Susan and Robert Laborde of Lakeport, Fla; and three grandchildren and two nieces. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held July 1 at Hinsdale Community Center. Donations to a charity of one's choice in George's name.
• Bonnie Darlene White, 72, of Townshend. Died suddenly June 7, 2019, after a medical emergency at her home. Born in Torrance, Calif., to Phillip and Helen Pacina, she was was one of five children. She is survived by her two daughters, Kimberly and Lara from Maine and Connecticut. her son Luther and daughter in-law Bethany of Massachusetts; three sisters Barbara Sullivan from California, Brenda Rudd from Nevada, and Bernadine Mabe of New Hampshire; four grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews throughout the United States. Bonnie was a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University with a B.A. in Education. She later earned a M.A. in Special Education from Keene State College. She was a teacher her entire life, working in California, Connecticut, and Vermont schools, ultimately retiring from the Springfield, Vt., School District. Bonnie's passion was special education. She maintained her home over the years with disabled and physically challenged kids and adults who quickly became a part of Bonnie's immediate family. Her love of the Lord and her relationship with Christ was evident her entire life. She had a servant's heart and built relationships in all of her surroundings. She loved to play the guitar and shared her voice in every church and community she was involved in. She was a committed daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend to those that surrounded her, and the love and commitment she blessed everyone with truly changed their lives. Memorial information: A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, August 24, in Townshend, followed by a burial service at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Chester. More information on specific times and address can be obtained from Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home of Bellows Falls at 802-463-4111.
• Alice M. Worden, 84, of Brattleboro. Died June 21, 2019 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass. Born in Middlebury on May 13, 1935, the only daughter of John and Alice (Kirby) Cunningham, she graduated from St. Michael's High School in Brattleboro. Over the years, Alice worked at Grant's, Green Mountain Orchards, and the Holstein Association. She was a member and past President of Fraternal Order of Eagles #2445 Auxiliary in Brattleboro. Among pastimes and interests, she most enjoyed gatherings and outings with family and friends, and casino trips in earlier years. In 1954, she married Ronald A. Worden, who survives. Besides her loving husband of almost 65 years, she leaves a son, Lawrence “Larry” Worden and his wife, Kim, of Hinsdale, N.H.; daughters Mary Underwood and her partner, John Merrick, of Brattleboro, and Patricia “Padi” Blum of Putney. She was predeceased by another son, Ronald A. Worden Jr., in 2008. She also leaves five grandsons and five great-grandchildren are Theresa, Kaleb, Abigail, Annabella, and Lily. She was predeceased by her brothers John, Robert, William, Hubert, and Richard Cunningham. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, July 14, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Brattleboro Eagles Club. Bring a dish and some stories to share. Donations to FOE Auxiliary #2445, 54 Chickering Drive, Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302.