Obituaries
• Peter Robertson Amidon, 76, of Brattleboro. Died at home, surrounded by close family, on Oct. 4, 2025. Husband, father, grandfather, beloved friend, and multi-talented musician, Peter was beloved in the Brattleboro community, to which he offered and gave so much. He led "Choirs of the Community" for many events, was one of the musical leaders of the Guilford Community Church, cofounded the Brattleboro Christmas Street Band, co-led the Hospice singing group Hallowell and, most recently, gathered the ensemble West Willow to sing his many choral arrangements and compositions. Peter was internationally known as a choral arranger, community dancing leader, folk singer and storyteller, and as a leader in the field of music education, teaching, recording and performing in close partnership with his wife, Mary Alice Amidon. Through their artist-in-residence workshops in schools and New England Dancing Masters instructional books and CDs, thousands of teachers and children throughout the United States and beyond have been enriched by traditional dance and song in the classroom. His choral arrangements are being sung by hundreds of choirs throughout the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Peter was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Feb. 10, 1949, and raised in the Berkshires in Monterey, Massachusetts, by his parents Dean and Fran (Robertson) Amidon. He initially attended the one-room schoolhouse there; Dean was a singing leader at the local community campfires and gatherings. Peter attended Miami (Ohio) University, majoring in music composition. His life was changed when he discovered folk music while living in Cambridge, Massachusetts - contra dancing, shape note singing, ballad singing and fiddle tunes. Peter met Mary Alice Copeland at a contra dance in 1975, and after touring with Bread and Puppet Theatre throughout Europe, they were married in 1978, and settled in Brattleboro. Their son Sam was born in 1981 and Stefan in 1984. As a family, The Amidons performed at folk festivals and in concerts across the U.S. and in the U.K. Peter and Mary Alice were music teachers at Academy School in West Brattleboro, where they started the tradition of All School Sing, before moving on to their freelance work and releasing many beloved albums of folksongs for children and adults alike. Peter and Mary Alice, alongside their New England Dancing Masters colleagues Andy Davis and Mary Cay Brass, received the Country Dance and Song Society's Lifetime Contribution Award in 2023. Peter is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Alice; sons Sam (wife Beth Orton) and Stefan (wife Zara Bodé); grandchildren Nancy, Arthur, Desmond, and Vera; brothers Dean (Skippy), Phillip, and Jay and their families, in-laws Annie and Susan Copeland and their families. Memorial information: Peter was beloved and friends with so many that he will be celebrated with a large tribute concert next year. Services this fall are for family, close friends, the Guilford Church and Hallowell. Memorial donations to the Guilford Community Church or the Brattleboro Music Center are welcome.
• William Roy "Bill" Bassler, 77, of Spofford, New Hampshire. Died Sept. 27, 2025. Born Dec. 10, 1947, in Norwalk, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Roy and Frances Bassler. Raised in Norwalk, Bill graduated from Norwalk High School and attended Sacred Heart University. After college, he enlisted in the Air Force, where he was a member of the Honor Guard and participated in many ceremonies. Bill always had a strong work ethic. He worked for McMillan and Stromgren Plumbing, before starting his own plumbing business in the early 1970s. He spent many summers at Highland Lake in Stoddard, New Hampshire, bringing him eventually to the Spofford area, where he settled and married Joyce Weishaupt Sept. 9, 1975. Bill was an exceptional athlete, having played basketball in high school and college, and many years of semi-pro hockey. He also loved coaching his son's hockey teams and, in his later years, he played in the Greater Keene men's softball and hockey leagues. Bill is most known for having a passion for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman since a young child and had the opportunity to take annual trips with his sons and close friends. Bill hunted for many species of big game animals in a multitude of locations. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years; sons Todd Bassler and wife Melissa, Bryan Bassler and wife Melanie, and Scott Bassler and wife Nina; and grandchildren Paige Bassler, Broden Bassler, Coen Bassler, Holden Bassler, Austin Bassler, and Dylan Bassler. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his stepmother Barbara Bassler and sister Diane Bassler. Memorial information: A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Cheshire Family Funeral Home, 44 Maple Ave., Keene. Donations in his name to New Hampshire Fish & Game's youth programs (wildlife.nh.gov/shop-and-support/donate-new-hampshire-fish-and-game) or the Chesterfield Lions Club (e-clubhouse.org/sites/chesterfieldnh).
• Thomas Allen "Tom" Brinck, 72, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died unexpectedly at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, on Oct. 6, 2025. Tom was born July 3, 1953, in New London, Connecticut, the son of Robert M. and Ellenore (Thomas) Brinck. He was raised and educated in Niantic, Connecticut, where he attended elementary and middle school as well as a few years of high school prior to moving with his family to Hinsdale. He graduated from Hinsdale High School with the Class of 1971. For 16 years he worked as custodian, initially at the Hinsdale Elementary School and later at Hinsdale High School, from which he retired. Previously, Tom had been employed for many years at G.S. Precision in Brattleboro and worked at his family's business, Johnny's Drive-In in Hinsdale. In his earlier years, he worked at His Mansion, run by his uncle Stan Farmer in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. For several years, Tom attended North Hinsdale Community Church. He was a huge NASCAR fan and had made many annual trips to national NASCAR races. He also loved sports, especially baseball. He didn't have children of his own, but cherished his nieces and nephews. Tom was everyone's friend. Survivors include two sisters, Janet Ebbighausan of Hinsdale and Ellen Shaw (Jeffrey) of Charlemont, Massachusetts; a brother, Robert Brinck (Debra) of Wilmington, North Carolina; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Memorial information: Graveside committal services for the immediate family will be held in Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale. A celebration of life gathering will take place at a future date to be announced. Donations to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Lawrence "Larry" Clark, 74, of Bellows Falls. Died Oct. 4, 2025. Larry was born in Bellows Falls Nov. 12, 1950, to Lewis and Virginia (Fontaine) Clark. He graduated from Bellows Falls High School and continued his education at the University of Vermont. During his time at UVM, he was active in ROTC and, after graduation, enlisted in the Army. He took great pride in his service to his country. Larry began his career at the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union working at Bellows Falls Union High School and Bellows Falls Middle School for 35 years. During this time, he also earned a master's degree. Larry also proudly served his community for more than 58 years in the Bellows Falls Fire Department, achieving the rank of captain. He was also involved in the Bellows Falls Historical Society. Larry is survived by his brother, Richard Clark of California and by cousins. Larry also leaves many friends and former co-workers from the community that he loved. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Oct. 11 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Bellows Falls, with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls. [Editor's note: A story appears in this week's issue.]
• The Rev. Dr. Larrimore C. Crockett, 92, of Dummerston. Died at his home Sept. 10, 2025, surrounded by family. Larry was born March 2, 1933, in Aurora, Illinois, and spent his early years living in the Midwest. The son of the Revs. Barney C. Crockett and Olga Winter Crockett, he carried the family's ministerial tradition into a long and respected career as a religious scholar and beloved preacher in the United Church of Christ. After completing seminary at Chicago Theological Seminary, he was ordained to the Christian ministry in 1957 in Dummerston. He divided his time serving church communities in Vermont and Rhode Island, earning a Ph.D. from Brown University in 1966, where he also served as chaplain. In the early 1970s, he was associate professor of religion at Keuka (N.Y.) College, and visiting professor of religion at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. In 1973, Larry moved with his family back to Vermont, where they built a home on the side of Black Mountain in Dummerston, a place he loved very much. Between 1973 and 1994, he enjoyed a rich employment experience in area churches and higher education. He taught and served in administrative roles at Windham College and Southern Vermont College. He served the Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ, as moderator of the Windham-Union Association. He helped create the Vermont Academy of Spiritual Training (VAST), and served on its faculty for several years. In later years he was the Pastor-in-residence at Chicago Theological Seminary and adjunct faculty at Bangor Theological Seminary. In 1980, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the College of St. Joseph in Rutland in recognition of his contributions to higher education in Vermont. From 1985 to 1997 he was assistant minister of Guilford Community Church, serving with his wife, Shirley, who was the minister. This partnership and ministry in Guilford was one of the most satisfying experiences of his life and led to his writing a history of the Guilford Church, The Mended Cup (2003), Be Present Here (2008) and several volumes of family history. Larry enjoyed researching and writing about his understanding of religious thought and published articles in academic journals throughout his early life. Later, he turned to writing about people who had an impact on his life, and in 2010, he wrote and published a history of the Blanche Moyse Chorale. Memorial information: A music-filled service of remembrance will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro, followed by a reception at the Guilford Community Church.
• Shane Timmothy Farrell, 55, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, formerly of Chesterfield, New Hampshire, died Oct. 4, 2025. Born on Dec, 31, 1969, Shane spent his early years enjoying life on the family farm in Chesterfield. He had a deep love for the outdoors, often fishing and camping at Indian Pond, creating memories that stayed with him throughout his life. A gifted mechanic, Shane dedicated more than 25 years to his craft and was the proud owner and operator of Shane's Automotive for the past decade. He had a true passion for old-school cars, restoring them with care and pride, and took great joy in hitting the road on his beloved Harley. A lifelong biker, Shane found freedom and peace on two wheels. Shane was a collector at heart-whether it was Matchbox cars, baseball cards, comic books, or hats, each item held a story. But his greatest treasures were always the people in his life. Known for his generosity, kind spirit, and unwavering loyalty, Shane left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He was a devoted father, husband, son, brother, uncle, papa, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Crystal Watkins Farrell; his children, Michele Jhagroo and husband Kirk, Shane Patrick Farrell, Dana Farrell and wife Kaitlynn, Gage Farrell, Payeton Ferrell, and Nash Farrell; his parents, Patricia Farrell and David Reinfrett; his sister, Tammy Farrell; his brother, Floyd Farrell, Jr.; and his grandchildren, Nichole Richardson, Gabriel Richardson, Evangeline Farrell, Ethan Scott Farrell, and soon-to-arrive Allison Ann Farrell. He is also survived by his lifelong friend and bonus brother, Brian Boyce, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends who loved him dearly. Shane's spirit will ride on in every rev of an engine, and in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m. at Jernigan-Warren Chapel in Fayetteville. Online condolences may be shared at jerniganwarren.com.
• Mary Ellen (Coleman) Lee, 78, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 4, 2025, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital following an extended period of declining health. Mary was born in Bennington on Sept. 20, 1947, the daughter of James and Cora (Morse) Coleman. She was raised and educated in Jacksonville, graduating from Whitingham High School. She was employed by several area businesses that included the former Boise Cascade Corp., Thompson House Nursing Home, Toney's Market and Deli, and Hinsdale Raceway, which she retired from as head teller. She enjoyed vegetable gardening, canning pickles, cooking delicious meals for her family and attending and watching her family race at Monadnock Speedway. Additionally, she enjoyed reading, listening to country music, daily visits to the Gathering Place on Terrace Street and time spent with her family and friends. Survivors include three sons, James Lee of Charlestown, New Hampshire, Robert Lee (Jackie) of Vernon, and Nathan Shores (Megan) of Hinsdale, New Hampshire; one daughter, Carlena Lee (Eric) of Osborn, Maine; grandchildren Eric Paquette (Ashley), Brooke Paquette, Nicole Lee (Justin), Shaley Bush (Christian), Adam Kennison, Katie Cobb (Larry), Chelsea Lee, Ronnie Lee, Syndale Tremblay (Eric), Tyler, and Damon; and great-grandchildren Layla, Harper, Cameron, Sophia, Christian, Hunter, Cole, Willow, Grace, and Max. She also leaves many nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by Robert Baybrook, Ronald Lee, and Donald Shores; brothers Charles and Leland Coleman, and her parents. Memorial information: Graveside committal services were Oct. 11 in Sadawga Cemetery. A celebration of life service will take place at a later date to be announced. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• John J. "Jack" Neuhauser, 82, died Sept. 30, 2025, at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, Massachustts, following a brief illness. A retired president of St. Michael's College in Winooski, a former academic vice president and dean of the Carroll School of Business at Boston College, he was a father, grandfather, friend, academic, and business leader, and gardener who was devoted to his children and grandchildren; to his siblings and relatives in Long Island and New York state, and to the family of his long-time companion, Lori Egan. He enjoyed deep friendships established during his time in the St. Michael's community as well as from his decades of involvement with Boston College. He was a loyal friend to members of the community around his farmstead home in Guilford. He maintained a condo in South Burlington, a house in Maynard, Massachusetts (near where he raised his family), and his home in Guilford and put more than 40,000 miles a year on his car to be with and to care for the people he loved. Although born in Queens, New York, on April 7, 1943, Jack was an ardent and proud fan of the Boston Red Sox. Still, he spoke almost daily and was very close with his sister, Ginny, who is a Yankees fan. After graduating from Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, he earned his bachelor's degree from Manhattan College and his Ph.D. in operational research and statistics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He began his nearly five decades in academia in the nascent computer science department at Boston College and became the dean of the Carroll School in the mid 1970s and oversaw the transformation of the school into a top-tier program at a world-class institution. He led curriculum innovations, faculty recruitment, and program expansions that emphasized ethical leadership and real-world application. In 1999, Jack was appointed to the role of academic vice president of Boston College. In this capacity, he managed faculty affairs, academic budgeting, and strategic planning across its colleges and schools. His expertise in operations and finance was particularly valuable during periods of growth and resource allocation. He stepped down from this position in 2007. That same year, Jack was selected as the 16th president of St. Michael's. His prior service on the college's Board of Trustees since 2001, long experience in university administration, and deep understanding of liberal arts education made him a natural fit, and he was unanimously chosen. He guided St. Michael's through the 2008 recession, stabilizing finances and preparing for demographic shifts such as declining high school graduates in the Northeast. Jack proactively planned for enrollment stabilization by introducing cost-saving measures, including online summer programs and collaborations via the Green Mountain Higher Education Consortium with Middlebury and Champlain colleges to share administrative services. At his final commencement ceremony in 2018, he urged graduates to embrace "the gift of kindness" and return to campus often. Following his retirement from St. Michael's, he remained active in the community, regularly attending commencements, performances, and events on campus. He served on boards of numerous businesses and institutions. Jack cherished the friendships and knowledge gained through these experiences. Jack will long be remembered for his resilient, patient, thoughtful, and deeply caring leadership. He will also be remembered for his work ethic, his generosity, his devotion to friends and family scattered across several states, his drive to tend to the needs of people and gardens, his humor (if dad jokes count), and occasionally making more soup than he could fit in available storage containers. A son of the late Edward and Margaret (McCarthy) Neuhauser, he leaves his children, Karen B. Neuhauser-Daley of Plymouth, Massachusetts, Kenneth S. Neuhauser (and wife, Janet) of Maynard and John J. Neuhauser (and wife, Kimberley) of Sudbury, Massachusetts; grandchildren Katherine Dalton (and husband, Kevin), Jack and Matthew Daley; and Charlie, Luke, Kaleigh, and Brennan Neuhauser; his former wife Jane Audrey-Neuhauser; his siblings, Edward Neuhauser (and wife, Peg Coleman) of Groton, New York, and Ginny DeLeo (and husband, Stephen) of Westbury, New York, and his longtime companion Lori Egan and her family, Jennifer Egan DeBiase, Christopher Egan and the late Matthew Egan. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Oct. 9 at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church on the campus of Boston College, followed by a graveside service Oct. 11 at Guilford Center Cemetery. To honor Jack's memory, the family asks that you continue to look out for and care for people in your lives. Donations to Guilford Free Library, 4024 Guilford Center Rd., Guilford, VT 05301-8454, or the Vermont Foodbank (vtfoodbank.org).
• Richard Walter Radcliffe, 84, of Marlboro. Died Oct. 4, 2025, with his family by his side. Richard was the proud owner of R and R Masonry and spent 35 years serving the community with his work in masonry, as well as a plowing and sanding business. He specialized in custom fireplaces, stone walls, and chimneys, earning a reputation for his precision, creativity, and dedication to perfection. His work was sought after throughout Windham County and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy that can be seen in many homes and structures across the region. Richard's success would not have been possible without the "wind beneath his wings" and the love of his life, his wife of 59 years, Donna (Garland), who predeceased him in 2023. Richard enjoyed rabbit and deer hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and the Red Sox. He found joy in vegetable gardening, feeding the birds (and the squirrels and the "damn bears"), and keeping a daily weather journal. Richard loved grilled hot dogs ("burn 'em"), clams, king crab legs, fresh corn, and his beloved dachshunds and beagles. He had a special fondness for sunflowers, which he grew each year with care. He was predeceased by his wife, parents Walter D. Radcliffe and Hazel N. (Worden), his sister and brother-in-law Jane and Mac McCormick, and his nephew Jimmy McCormick. He is survived by his two adoring daughters, Tisha (Robert) Radcliffe and Susie (Patrick) Radcliffe. Richard is also survived by his brother-in-law Nelson Garland (Suzie), and many nieces and nephews. He was especially close with his niece Lori. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held at Meeting House Hill Cemetery on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 12:30 p.m. A celebration of life will follow at the Colonel Williams Inn in Marlboro. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Jane Holcomb Short, 92, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 9, 2025. Jane was a gardener, animal lover, avid reader, news junkie, and rabid women's basketball fan. She married congregational minister Wally Short in West Brattleboro in 1960 and lived in Montpelier and Framingham, Massachusetts. After Wally's death in 1976, Jane and her sons moved to Brattleboro, where they ran Molly Stark Nursery. A gifted soprano, Jane studied at Juilliard and sang with the Marlboro Chorale and in New England Bach Festivals under the direction of Blanche Moyse. Jane leaves a legacy of love for her grandchildren Jordan, Haley, John, and Tim; and her sons Scott and his wife Liz, and Mark and his wife Allyson Goodwin. Memorial information: At Jane's request, there is no formal service. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Brattleboro Music Center, 72 Blanche Moyse Way, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Sandra Elizabeth Wirstrom, 82, of Wilmington. Died Oct. 5, 2025, at her home. Sandra was born in Warren, Massachusetts, on April 30, 1943, the daughter of the late John and Helen (Nordin) Wirstrom. She graduated from Warren High School and earned her bachelor's degree from Wellesley College and her master's degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Sandra went on to a career in teaching, retiring from Wilmington High School. Sandra was a voracious reader. She enjoyed sports and following the Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Chiefs. She enjoyed listening to classical music, traveling (especially to Europe), and spending time with her family. Sandra is survived by her sister Jane Daniels of Springfield, Massachusetts, and nieces Caitlyn Baez (Carlos) and Deborah Daniels, both of Ludlow, Massachusetts. She was preceded in death by her sister Ann Wirstrom, nephew Mark R. Daniels, niece Lisa J. Daniels, and her brother-in-law Alfred A. Daniels. Memorial information: Interment will be held in Massachusetts. To offer condolences, visit sheafuneralhomes.com.
Services
• A celebration of the life of James L. Gordon will be held Sunday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Moose Club in Bellows Falls. Family and friends will gather to honor Jimmy and celebrate the love and joy he brought into everyone's lives.
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