College news
• Tyler Millerick of Vernon graduated magna cum laude from Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts, with a B.S/B.A. in general business with a minor in management. Millerick and Devin Speno of Brattleboro both were named to the spring 2024 Dean's List at WNE, while Harrison Gleim of Bellows Falls was named to the President's List.
• Elmira (N.Y.) College recently announced that Meredith Lewis of Brattleboro and Jack Cady of East Dover are among this year's recipients of its annual Key Award. This year's award was given to 831 students in 17 states. A tradition that goes back to 1935, the Key Award is presented to outstanding students in their junior year of high school or preparatory school. Recipients receive an $88,000 scholarship over a four-year period, $22,000 per year, upon enrolling at Elmira College.
• Sarah Butterfield of Vernon was named to the University of Delaware Dean's List for the spring 2024 semester.
• Kiera Noble of Guilford was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2024 semester at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York.
Obituaries
• Shirley Lee (Griggs) Dunleavy, 78, of Guilford and Bernardston, Massachusetts. Died peacefully, with family by her side, on July 29, 2024, in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Shirley was born on Feb. 17, 1946, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, to the late Richard W. Griggs and Rita J. Griggs (Morse). Growing up, Shirley loved spending time with her two sisters and cherished her time on her "Granna" Mabel Morse's farm in Newport, Vermont. Family and a Christian faith were guiding lights for Shirley. She looked forward with great anticipation to any family gathering, and her faith brought her peace and joy. Her last 31 years of marriage to her beloved husband, Chuck, and her time spent with her sister Donna were major sources of happiness and fulfillment. A passionate lover of games, Shirley's competitive spirit brought fun to any family game night. Whether it was a game of pitch or a few rounds of Yahtzee, she loved to play, and that play created countless memories. Shirley enjoyed being known as the "Yahtzee Queen." Shirley also had a deep appreciation for the sun and its warmth. She found peace in a day at the beach, an afternoon in her garden, or a simple walk outdoors. The sun's light was a symbol for the brightness that she brought into the lives of so many others. She is survived by her husband, Charles Dunleavy; her sister Donna Mowry (Griggs); her four children, Gregory (Kimberley) McCarthy, Dexter Ross, Leslie (Douglas) Lorenz, and Becky (Kyle) Fisher; her stepchildren Ron Fletcher, Darla Fletcher, Jon Fletcher, Shannon Dunleavy, and Brianne Dunleavy; and her 22 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her sister, Rita "Gail" Pierce (Griggs). Memorial information: A graveside service will be held Friday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m., at Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. To leave a message of condolence, visit csnh.com.
• Robert C. "Bob" Henry, 85, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on July 25, 2024, at Vernon Green Nursing Home following a lengthy period of declining health. Bob was born in East Orange, New Jersey on Nov. 6, 1938, the son of Richard A. and Barbara (Cook) Henry. He was raised and educated in Madison, New Jersey. Bob proudly served his country in the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1965. He did his undergraduate work at Windham College and graduate work at Boston College. He happily relocated to Vermont, got a teaching job, built a house and, on Aug. 21, 1972, in Newfane, married Helene Kiesel, who predeceased him on July 30, 2021. For more than 30 years, Bob taught at Brattleboro Area Middle School. Additionally, he served as the alpine ski coach for BUHS and taught adult woodworking classes. His science classes were taught with enthusiasm, creativity, the unexpected, and much humor. He fostered connections with and had the ability to connect to students and fellow teachers. Those lucky enough to have him as a teacher got to spend time with maggots, dead animals, skulls, explosives, and lots of pranks. Post-retirement, he was one of the founding members of the Swap Shop at the Windham Solid Waste Management District transfer station. He spent hours building bluebird boxes and installing them all over Windham County. Bob enjoyed fine woodworking, both snow and water skiing, collecting golf balls, spending time on Cape Cod, reading, and finding and curating unique treasure collections. He was known as a jack of all trades, lovingly and meticulously maintaining his home for many years. Bob was also the person to call if you had a problem requiring creative problem-solving, be it carpentry, snow removal or snow mountain building, chainsaw use, or a practical joke. Bob is survived by his two daughters, Lauren Brown and husband, Steve, and their children Huxley and Eloise of Brattleboro; and Susan Schoenecker and husband, Jon, and their children Tyler and Abigail of Nashville, Tennessee; a brother, James Henry of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania; one sister, Barbara Bartlett of Kirksville, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, close friends, and a pet mongoose. Memorial information: In accordance with Bob's wishes, there are no formal funeral services. A Celebration of Life will be held on Aug. 25 at the North Barn at Retreat Farm in Brattleboro from 1 to 3 p.m. Donations to Living Memorial Park Snow Sports, P.O. Box 1945, Brattleboro, VT 05302 (brattski.org/donate). To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Gordon Randall "Randy" Kehler, 80, of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. Died peacefully at home on July 21, 2024, from complications of ME/CFS. Randy was born in Bronxville, New York on July 16, 1944, to Elsie (Wharton) Kehler and Gordon Matlack Kehler, the second of four siblings. Randy attended elementary and middle school in Scarsdale, New York, before heading to Phillips Exeter Academy for his final two years of high school. He then studied government at Harvard University and graduated cum laude in 1967. During his Harvard years, Randy's experiences beyond campus influenced him most. These included volunteering with the Harlem chapter of CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), living and working in Roxbury, and spending 15 months teaching in a camp for Rwandan refugees in western Tanzania. There he also met Congolese families forced from their villages by U.S. warplanes, which opened his eyes to the suffering caused by U.S. militarism. Randy moved to California in 1967 to begin graduate work at Stanford University but dropped out after three weeks to work full-time in the anti-war movement. While an organizer for the War Resisters' League in San Francisco, Randy returned his draft card to the Selective Service to demonstrate his refusal to fight in Vietnam and urged other young men to do the same. For this he was arrested in 1969. He represented himself on trial, was found guilty and served 22 months in federal prison, where he met many lifelong friends and fellow activists. He considered his time in jail the best education he ever had. Randy moved to western Massachusetts to be co-director of the Woolman Hill School in Deerfield, and hired Betsy Corner, his soon-to-be life partner, to be the garden teacher. At Woolman Hill, he and Betsy took the first steps toward creating the Valley Community Land Trust (VCLT) with Wally and Juanita Nelson. Randy and Betsy married in 1976, and once they had taxable income, began withholding their federal income taxes to redirect those funds to victims of war here and abroad instead of paying for war. In 1979, Randy became the first director of the Traprock Peace Center and moved to Colrain, where he and Betsy would live on VCLT land for more than 40 years. Randy continued his life's work as a highly skilled organizer as the national voordinator of the Nuclear Weapons Freeze Campaign. In his work to change government policy, he became aware of the need to get money out of politics, which led him to over a decade's work promoting campaign finance reform. Due to their continued war tax redirection, the IRS seized Randy and Betsy's house in Colrain in 1989. Friends and supporters came from far and wide to participate in an 18-month, 24-hour vigil at their Colrain house during which many, including Randy and Betsy, were arrested for acts of nonviolent civil disobedience. In the following years, he continued promoting nonviolence by writing, speaking,and teaching and was part of the movement to close down the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon. He also took a break from organizing to work as a home health aide, which he also found very gratifying. Randy and Betsy moved to Shelburne Falls in 2020 to be closer to family. Many knew Randy for his tireless work for peace, but he will also be remembered for his kindness, curiosity, vulnerability and empathy. Randy wrote, "I've never regretted my youthful actions during the Vietnam War. In fact, I feel grateful that they set me on what's been a lifelong course of actively working to advance a number of pro-peace and pro-democracy projects and organizations." He is survived by his wife Betsy; daughter Lillian Whitsett (Kristian) of Shelburne Falls; brothers Rob (Barbara) of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, and Charlie (Kristin) of Kennebunk, Maine; and sister Mary Liz of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. His grandchildren, Anneke and Aksel, brought him great joy, and he cherished his connections with his nieces and nephews, Alex, Daniel, Anne, Julia, Laura, Mani, Devin, and Mira, and with many dear friends. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. In his memory, consider taking action to promote peace, democracy and a liveable planet.
• Tae Mo Kim, 77, of Brattleboro. Died July 26, 2024, in the comfort of his home with his family at his side, following an extended illness. A well known Brattleboro restaurant owner, Mr. Kim was born in Korea on Feb. 3, 1947, the son of Yong Bok and Bun Yi (Jang) Kim. He was raised and educated in Korea and served in the Korean Navy. With his wife he came to the United States in 1978, settling in Baltimore, Maryland. The Kims owned and operated Thompson's Deli, a combination market and delicatessen that offered primarily take-out service. Looking to relocate to a smaller rural community, the Kims moved to Brattleboro in 1981 and established Shin La Restaurant on lower Main Street. Through hard work and dedication, the Kims built their business that through the years became well known for their excellent Korean cuisine. Mr. Kim retired due to his failing health following 39 dedicated years operating Shin La. A man of faith, with his wife he was a member of the Amherst (Mass.) Zion Church of the Nazarene. He enjoyed spending time with family, gardening, photography, woodworking, and calligraphy. On Oct. 29, 1978, in Seoul, South Korea, he married Yisoon Lee, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 45 years he leaves three children: sons Solomon Kim of Brattleboro and Paul Kim of New York City; a daughter, Esther Kim and her fiancé Christopher Mondoux of New York City; two brothers, Yong Mo Kim of Baltimore and Eun Mo Kim of Virginia; three sisters and other immediate family members in Korea which include several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Funeral services were conducted July 30 at Atamaniuk Funeral Home, with burial in the family lot in Meeting House Hill Cemetery. Donations to Amherst Zion Church of the Nazarene, 1193 N. Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002; or to Bayada Hospice, 1222 Putney Road, Suite 107, Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences to the Kim family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Russell E. "Russ" Pickering, 84, of Drewsville, New Hampshire. Died at his home, surrounded by his family, on July 17, 2024. Russ was born Dec. 24, 1939, in Bellows Falls, the son of Jesse D. and Marjorie (Jennison) Pickering. He attended Walpole High School and graduated valedictorian of the Class of 1957. Russell married the love of his life, Phyllis A. Adams, on Sept. 10, 1960, in Walpole. He received a B.Ed. from Plymouth State Teachers College in 1962 and an M.Ed. from the University of Oregon in 1988. His career as a high school physical education teacher and coach began in 1961 and included stints at Orford (N.H.) High School and Mount Greylock Regional High School in Massachusetts. He spent the majority of his career at Bellows Falls Union High School (1971-2005). Following his retirement from teaching, Russell spent many more years coaching, including at Fall Mountain Regional High School and Monadnock Regional High School. In the summers, he ran a basketball skills camp at his home in Drewsville. Russell was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis. He is survived by his children Tony Pickering, Terry and her husband, Kenneth Hodgdon, Tom and his wife, Karen Pickering, and Tyler Pickering. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Nicole, Aaron, Jason, Katherine, and Brianna, two great-granddaughters, his brother, and two sisters, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held at Walpole Elementary School on Aug. 3. Donations in his memory may be made to Walpole Elementary School, 8 Bemis Lane, Walpole, NH 03608.
• Howard "Howie" Rice, 82, of Westminster. Died July 29, 2024, at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro. He was born on May 28, 1942, in Westminster, the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Cassidy) Rice. He attended schools in Westminster and was a 1960 graduate of Bellows Falls High School. He attended Windham College, where he played both baseball and soccer. Howie served in the Army National Guard and worked as a lineman for Granite State Electric and then Green Mountain Power. Howie was a longtime football and baseball coach, a life member of the Westminster Fire Department, and a longtime Westminster Village Trustee. He was also a member of the BPOE Elks Lodge 1619 and a self-proclaimed cribbage and horseshoes champion. Howie married Donna Nims Rice on July 30, 1966; she died in 2003. Howie is survived by his son, Howard Rice Jr.; two daughters, Rebecca Thompson and Amy Sciacca; a brother, Robert Rice; and nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, daughter Christine Soule, and siblings Philip Rice and Terri Lowe. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Aug. 2 at the Westminster New Cemetery. Donations to the Westminster Fire Department Association, P.O. Box 111, Westminster, VT 05158.
• David Savoy, 96, died on July 28, 2024, at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. David was born on April 15, 1928, in Athol, Massachusetts, to Francis X. and Caroline (Russell) Savoy. David served in the Air Force as a Major in the Korean War. David would spend his career in education and was principal of Central Elementary School in Bellows Falls for many years. On Nov. 25, 1954, he married Georgette Noel, who passed away in 2020. David was a member of St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls. He was a kind and generous man who loved nothing more than to talk with everyone. You could often find him sitting on the porch at Sterling House, chatting with people that walked by. David was predeceased by his parents, wife Georgette ,and son, Roland Savoy. He is survived by his son, Phil Savoy of Westminster and his daughter, Cathy Savoy of Charlestown, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jessica, Lisa, Laura, Katelyn, Eric, and great-grandchildren Liam, Hunter and Magnolia. Memorial information: A private graveside service will take place in St. Charles Cemetery in Westminster.
• William N. Schroeder Jr., 72, of Guilford. Died unexpectedly at his home on July 17, 2024. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on June 20, 1952. He was raised in Newington, Connecticut, and grew up in his dad's auto body shop, Berlin Auto. He later joined the Laborers International Union of North America, Local 611, in Connecticut. He was a proud member of the union and served as vice president of the Drifter's Motorcycle Club. He hand-built his home in Guilford and raised a family with his former wife, Carol. He was a master carpenter, his work was all commissioned through word of mouth, never needing advertisement. He was a proud, honest and a dependable man, his word was his word, and a handshake sealed the deal. He leaves his legacy in many homes throughout Vermont. He loved spending time by the sea and at the drag races in his motorhome. He leaves behind his loving wife Kathleen, his son William III and daughter Katherine: his former wife, and many longtime friends, neighbors, family, as well as a step-grandchild and his dog Dutch. He was predeceased by his parents and a stepdaughter. Memorial information: A celebration of Will's life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 11 a.m., at Weatherhead Hollow Farmstead in Guilford. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire is in charge of all final arrangements.
• Brenda Juscen Sbordone, 74, of Daytona Beach, Florida, formerly of Brattleboro. Died on Feb. 8, 2024, in the Daytona Beach area Hospice care home after a long illness. Brenda lived in Daytona Beach with her husband, Richard Sbordone, for 10 years, and was married for 53 years. Brenda grew up in Brattleboro and lived on Moreland Avenue. She graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1967 and attended the University of Vermont before moving to Boston. She worked as a marine claims adjuster before meeting her future husband in Boston. They moved to El Paso, Texas, while her husband, Richard, finished his undergraduate and master's engineering degrees. They married in El Paso in 1970 and, after his graduation, they moved to Winthrop, Massachusettts and lived there for 43 years before moving to Daytona Beach. They owned a second home in Warren, Vermont, for 25 years. Brenda was an avid skier and sailor, skiing Europe and Colorado and sailing throughout New England and the Caribbean. Later in life, they purchased a large motor home and traveled for five years throughout the country making many trips back to Vermont. Brenda was a beautiful girl with a smile that made people love her. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, F. Michael Juscen. Memorial information: Committal rites and burial will be conducted in St. Michael's Cemetery in Brattleboro on Thursday, Aug. 8, at 11 a.m., where her ashes will be buried along with her parents and brother. Donations to St. Michael's Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Keith Henry "Hank" Sherman, 63, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly on July 26, 2024, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. A lifelong resident of the area, Keith was born to Sidney and Eva (Brown) Sherman in Brattleboro on Oct. 12, 1960. He was raised and educated in East Dover and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1978. He attended River Valley Community College in Claremont, New Hampshire, where he earned a degree in electronics. At the time of his death, Keith was the owner of Garofalo TV. As a teenager, he worked for Joe Garofalo, learning the trade and eventually taking over the business. Keith enjoyed bowling and served as a youth bowling coach for many years. He was active with the Greater Brattleboro Men's Softball League. Disney World was his "Happy Place." With his wife, he was a Disney Vacation Club Member and loved traveling to Disney several times a year with family and friends. On May 24, 2002, he married his soulmate, Tia Peroni, who survives him. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 22 years, he leaves his father, Sid, of East Dover and brothers Craig Sherman (Heather) of Redding, California and Stephen Sherman (Jenny) of Kennebunk, Maine. Additionally, Keith is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews whom he cherished, as well as several in-laws, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was blessed to have so many wonderful friends who were considered family. He was predeceased by his mother, Eva, who died in 2022, and his grandparents, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Memorial information: Memorial contributions in Keith's name may be made to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or to a charity of one's choice. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
Services
• A Celebration of Life for Douglas Brigham Bassett will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 3 to 6 p.m., at the Brattleboro Elks Home on Putney Road. Mr. Bassett, 50, of Brattleboro died on May 28, 2024.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.