College news
• The following local members of Ithaca (N.Y.) College's Class of 2022 received their degrees in May: Colin Costa-Walsh of Putney graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in cinema and photography and Logan Cota of Bellows Falls graduated with a B.S. in business administration.
• Jessie Lazelle of Wilmington was named to the spring 2022 Dean's List at Adelphi University in Garden City, N.Y.
• Charlotte Croft, a sophomore from West Dover, and Addison Kujovsky, a sophomore from South Londonderry, were named to the spring 2022 Dean's List at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y.
• Adam Culver of Grafton, Caroline Mehner of West Wardsboro, and Ethan Williams of Brattleboro were all named to President's Honors List and the Dean's List for spring 2022 at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Conn.
Obituaries
• Diane Branigan Freiberger, 76, of Plano, Texas. Died on June 26, 2022. A loving mother, a devoted grandmother, and a dear friend to many, Diane was born on Dec. 1, 1945 in Omaha, Neb., to the late John Branigan and Ellen Branigan. One of seven children, Diane is predeceased by siblings Jack Branigan, Carol Branigan, and Shelley Johnson. She is survived by her sisters, Suzanne Alvarez, Mary Ellen Juntilla, and Jane Kitos; her two children, Stacy Hiler of Brattleboro, Robert Freiberger (Mara Vecchio) of Plano, and her grandchildren, Holden Hiler, Miles Hiler, and Matthew Freiberger. Diane grew up in Tampa, Fla. After moving to Chicago for a short period, she and her then-husband, Terry Freiberger, moved to New Orleans, La. There, she raised her family and worked as an executive secretary at McDermott Oil Company for 20 years. Diane moved back to Florida, opening a family restaurant with her sister, Jane. It was there that she delved into and expanded on her joy of and passion for baking. In 2000, Diane moved to colder weather in Brattleboro to join her daughter Stacy, son-in-law, David Hiler, and her beloved grandchildren, Miles and Holden. While in Vermont, Diane devoted her time and energy to supporting David and Stacy in starting their business, Three Mountain Inn. She then worked in development at Northfield Mount Hermon, and finally retired as the program assistant on the Adolescent Psych Unit at the Brattleboro Retreat in 2014. In 2017, Diane moved to Plano after the birth of her newest grandchild, Matthew. She enjoyed the last few years spending time at the family pool and Sunday dinners with her family in Texas, as well as staying in touch with her dear friends and family throughout the country. Diane was loved by her grandchildren, family, friends, colleagues and those in the communities in which she lived throughout her life. Her candid humor, warm and comforting energy and loving nature was felt by all she encountered, whether they were family or a stranger. Diane found joy and beauty in the simple things in life. She is deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held in Brattleboro at a date in August to be determined.
• Jacqueline (Martin) Kenny, 82, formerly of Brattleboro. Died June 23, 2022 in Jamestown, Ky., where she had been living with her daughter and son in law Lori (Gundry) Lancer and Steve Lancer. Jackie was born Jan. 17, 1940 in Hinsdale, N.H., to Raymond and Cecile (Gibeau) Martin. She was predeceased by her husband, Deputy Sheriff Richard Kenny, in 1999. She is survived by her four children, Shayne (Robert) Holland of East Dover, Lori (Steve) Lancer of Jamestown, Ky., Diana (Peter) Leach of Jaffrey N.H., and David (Polly) Gundry of Florida; her stepson James Kenny of Brooklyn, N.Y.; her four sisters, Donna King, Andrea Champney, Sandra Cote, and Cheryl Lavalley; and eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by sisters Muriel Taylor and Pamela Evans, and granddaughter Stephanie Gundry. Memorial information: In accordance with her wishes, there will be no service. Burial will take place at St. Michael's Cemetery in Brattleboro. To send the family condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Brian Largess, 62, of Townshend. Died at home on April 16, 2022 from medical complications due to heart issues. Brian was born in Bellows Falls on Aug. 9, 1959, the son of Louis and Shirley (Bell) Largess. He attended St. Charles Catholic School, Westminster Center School, Bellows Falls Middle School, and graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School in 1977. After high school, Brian received a certificate for completing a shop and machining course. A short time later, he decided to pursue his career in manufacturing in Florida. After enjoying three to four years in Florida, he felt New England calling him home and Brian moved to Townshend, where he retired and lived up to his death. Brian worked at a couple companies before landing at Swiss Precision Turning Company. There, he enjoyed a prosperous career for more than 30 years. A humble man with a great work ethic, Brian enjoyed the ocean, lighthouses, drawing and, especially, sports (Patriots and Red Sox). Above all, he loved his family and his beloved cat, Toby. He is survived by his brother, Randy (Cindy) Largess, and their daughters, Amy and Kristen; his sister, Karen (John) Haynes, and their son, Wesley (Kristin) Haynes, and their children, Carter and Jasper. Brian is also survived by a brother, Gary Largess of Iowa. Brian was predeceased by both parents and his niece, Kate Haynes. Memorial information: A private memorial and burial service was held at St. Peter's Cemetery in Walpole, N.H. on July 9.
• Alfred I. La Rosa, 98, of Keene, N.H., formerly of Brattleboro. Died July 2, 2022. He was born on April 13, 1924 in Brattleboro, the son of Frank and Josephine (Pagano) La Rosa. He graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1941 and went to work at the Brattleboro Trust Company. He joined the Army Air Forces in 1943 and graduated from Air Navigation School in 1944 as a Second Lieutenant. After a short term in the Air Transport Command, he was assigned to a B-29 bomber group based on Guam. His greatest thrill was flying cover over Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945, while the peace treaty with Japan was being signed aboard the USS Missouri. He was separated from active duty in 1946 and continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve. He retired in 1970 at the rank of lieutenant colonel. He graduated from the University of Vermont in 1950 with a B.S. in chemistry. He worked for several companies and found his place at A.G. Spalding in Chicopee, Mass. He was the first to apply a polyurethane coating to golf balls and he helped to design the highly successful Top Flite golf ball. He retired from Spalding in 1986, and moved back to Brattleboro in 1994. He moved to Keene in 2014, and resided at American House, living independently until the end. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Marguerite (Castle), in 2016. He leaves behind two sons, John and his wife Janis of Roanoke, Va., and Frank of Lakewood, Colo.; and daughter Gail Thompson and her husband Thomas of Ellsworth, Maine. He leaves grandchildren Catherine LaRosa (Jacob Saperstein), Anthony La Rosa, Ethan Roebuck (Morgan Smith), and Caleb Roebuck; and a sister, Mary Frances Rooney Coombs, of Brattleboro. He was also predeceased by sisters Catherine Juraszek and Jennie Gutoski and his brother Charles LaRosa. Memorial information: At his request, there will be no services. A private burial will take place at St. Michael's Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services, P.O. Box 564, Keene, NH 03431. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Stanley E. Packard, 90, of Brattleboro. Died at Pine Heights Nursing Home on July 3, 2022. Stanley was born on June 24, 1932, in Hinsdale, N.H., the son of Stephen Packard and Lucy (Eagles) Packard. He served 20 years in the Air Force and was stationed in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967, Stanley was a member of the American Legion for many years and served on the color guard. In addition to his parents, Stanley was predeceased by his wife, Leona S. Packard, in 1999; as well as brothers Phil and Stephen Packard. Stanley is survived and will be missed by his daughter Joyce Garfield, his sister Mary Coloumbe, his granddaughter Sherry Donivan, his two great-grandchildren Harold (Buffy) Donivan and Melody Donivan; and his three great-great-grandchildren Christian Currier, Clara Donivan, and Harlow Donivan. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Graveside services for Stanley will be held on Sunday, July 24, at 11 a.m., at Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire has been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence ,or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.
• William A. “Bill” Tabell, 83, of Newfane. Died on Feb. 1, 2022. Bill retired to Newfane in 1999 to a house he and his wife Leona had built in 1982. Leona predeceased him in 2012. Over the years, he was very active in the community with the First Congregational Church of Newfane, the Lions Club, and the Blazing Star and Mount Lebanon Masonic Lodges. More recently, he was living in Townshend at Valley Cares Assisted Living. He is predeceased by his parents, his wife Leona, and his brother Harry O. Tabell. He is survived by his sister-in-laws Mollie Tabell, Mary Lindauer, and Elizabeth Rodriguez. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Memorial information: Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service at First Congregational Church of Newfane on Saturday, July 16, at 10 a.m. Donations to the Grace Cottage Foundation or Valley Cares Assisted Living.
• Richard Bernard Zayas, 75, of Bellows Falls. Died in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family, on July 6, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born June 27, 1947 in Bridgeport, Conn., he was the son of Joseph and Anna (Kohlar) Zayas, and foster child of Pompeii and Rose Sorrentino. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Linda (Karkut), and is survived by his three sons and their families, Jeffrey, married to Amy (Coleman), and grandchildren Keira, Ethan, and Zachary of Woodstock, Vt.; Kevin and partner Beth of Concord, N.H.; and David, married to Stephanie (Ciesla) and grandchildren Pierce and Maisie of Boise, Idaho. He was predeceased by his brother, David, and is survived by his two sisters, Virginia Grant of Shelton, Conn., and Joanne Hanscome of Conway, S.C. After graduating from Bridgeport High School he enlisted in the Army and served from 1967-1970, earning the rank of sergeant. From 1967-1968, he was deployed in Vietnam (Qui Nhon) as a multi-engine fixed wing mechanic and later served in Germany. Upon the completion of service to his country, he returned to Connecticut where he met and married Linda in October 1972. Shortly thereafter they moved to Bellows Falls, where he worked for UPS, Yellow Freight, and APA trucking. He also served for several years in the Vermont National Guard. After retiring, he kept himself busy driving a school bus for Windham Northeast Supervisory Union. Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was an extremely proud Veteran and Teamsters Local 597 member. Following the passing of his wife, he found love and happiness again with Judy Smith, for whom the family is forever grateful for her unending love, devotion, support and compassion to the end. Nothing made our father happier than to see lots of kids around his dinner table, no one was ever turned away. No one left hungry and those who knew him will always remember the standard question of, “Did you eat?” He thoroughly enjoyed the simple things in life - a cold chocolate milk on a hot summer's day, toasted tomato sandwiches, a steak on the grill, and an ear of Vermont sweet corn. He volunteered his time to organizations in Bellows Falls including The Cub Scouts, Little League Baseball, and Project Graduation. His passions included hunting and fishing, auto mechanics, and working on his house. He would always say “be happy for what you have and you'll never want for anything.” He was always grateful for what he had and what he accomplished. Memorial information: A memorial service took place on July 12 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, followed by burial at Oak Hill Cemetery. Donations to Our Place Drop-In Center, 6 Island St., Bellows Falls, VT 05101