Obituaries
• Arlene C. (Clark) Gilbert, 92, of Nashua, New Hampshire, formerly of Londonderry, New Hampshire, and Marlboro, Vermont, died peacefully and joined her beloved husband of 70 years, Robert Gilbert, April 5, 2026. Born March 15, 1934, Arlene was home-birthed at the Clark dairy farm in Guilford. She lived a full and active life filled with simple joys and deep devotion to family. Arlene and Robert raised their family in Nashua and Londonderry before retiring to Marlboro. In 2021, they returned to Nashua to be closer to their children. Prior to her retirement, Arlene worked for many years at Nashua Trust Bank as a bookkeeper and then at Mathew Thornton as a supervisor in the claims department. Arlene had a deep love for gardening, baking, birding, and all wildlife. She also enjoyed working on puzzles, reading, and most of all, spending cherished time with her family. She was predeceased by her husband Robert, her grandson Christopher Airoldi, and her daughter-in-law Cheryl Gilbert. Arlene is survived by her four children: Earl Gilbert and his wife Stephanie, Deborah Parkinson, Stan Gilbert and his wife Barbara, and Douglas Gilbert; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held at Guilford Center Cemetery Saturday, May 16, 2026, at noon. The family requests donations be made in Arlene’s memory to a charity of one’s choice that supports wildlife conservation or local libraries. To offer condolences, visit farwellfuneralservice.com.
• Richard Paul Levesque, 89, died peacefully March 20, 2026, at the home he built. Richard was often found sitting outdoors, contentedly observing the birds, squirrels, deer, and wildlife that shared his space. His appreciation for the natural world was a defining part of who he was. Born Sept. 3, 1936, to the late Loretta (Potvin) and Aime Levesque, Richard grew up in Central Falls, Rhode Island. French was his first language, and he carried a great pride in his French-Canadian heritage throughout his life, passing down traditions such as making pork pie each Christmas Eve. At 17, Richard entered the seminary at Warwick Neck, Rhode Island, beginning a path that would lead him to serve as a Roman Catholic priest for eight years. His studies took him abroad to St. Brieuc, France, where he spent four years and developed a lifelong passion for skiing. He shared this love enthusiastically with his five children, all of whom became skilled skiers and cherished time on the slopes with their father. Family memories include watching him glide down World Cup, his favorite trail at Okemo Mountain, with effortless style. Richard’s love of skiing took him across the world, from the Alps to his favorite powder runs in Hokkaido, Japan, that were shared with his daughter, Aimee. Richard taught his grandson, Connor, to ski at Okemo when he was a chaperone for Ludlow Elementary School’s afternoon ski program. Connor took to skiing immediately under the tutelage of his “Papa.” A dedicated educator, Richard had an exceptional work ethic and a deep love of teaching. As a young priest, he coached and taught CYO baseball, softball, basketball, and religious education, and was an early advocate for girls’ participation in sports during the 1960s. He went on to teach high school languages for 30 years, sharing his knowledge of French, Latin, and Spanish at Wilmington High School, East Greenwich (R.I.) High School, Bellows Falls Union High School, and Oak Meadow School. He was a beloved teacher who inspired countless students and continued teaching well into his later years. His love of language endured through weekly French lessons with his granddaughter, Sophie, including The Little Prince and The Diary of Anne Frank. They would also spend a lot of time laughing and telling stories in French. These moments reflected his lifelong passion for learning and connection. Richard was also a skilled craftsman who built eight homes over his lifetime. He shared this passion with his grandson, Kevin, who now wants to pursue a career in woodworking/carpentry/site management. Together, Richard and Ellen raised five children, Andy, Ryan, Steve, Aimee, and Tim: instilling in them a love of travel, language, and the outdoors. Richard’s devotion to his family was unwavering. He rarely missed an opportunity to support his grandchildren, whether watching William play soccer at the Eaglebrook School in Deerfield, Massachusetts, or viewing videos of James playing for the Kings Hammer elite soccer team of Cincinnati, Ohio. Above all, Richard shared an extraordinary partnership with his wife, Ellen. Their 56 years together were filled with love, devotion, laughter, and playful moments, especially her annual April Fools’ Day pranks, which never failed to surprise him. Richard is survived by his loving wife, his five children, and his cherished grandchildren Sophie, James, Kevin, William, and Connor, all of whom adored their “Papa.” Richard is also survived by his sister and her husband in Rhode Island; many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; his sisters- and brothers-in-law; his special daughters-in-law; and many dear friends. He will be remembered for his warm smile, love of laughter, meaningful conversations, deep spirituality, and fondness for apple cider donuts and apple pie. He lived a full and honorable life, leaving behind a legacy of love, curiosity, craftsmanship, and quiet joy in life’s simple pleasures. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Memorial information: A service will be held Saturday, April 25, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Brattleboro, followed by a Celebration of Life in the church hall. All are welcome. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or to Living Memorial Park Snow Sports Inc., P.O. Box 1945, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• John Lindsay, 78, of East Dummerston. Died March 23, 2026. He was born in Ayer, Massachusetts, to Donald V. Lindsay and Jacqueline Gaynor, and spent his early years in suburban Chicago before attending high school in Wayzata, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Cloud State College with a degree in journalism. John had a long career dedicated to public media and journalism. He was primarily a documentary producer and executive, working at organizations including WCCO-TV in Minneapolis, Oregon Public Broadcasting in Portland, KETC in St. Louis, KCTS in Seattle, and Illinois Public Media. He also taught and mentored students in documentary production at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was an executive producer of numerous documentaries and a pioneer in international co-productions, helping to bring together partners from around the world to tell meaningful stories on topics ranging from the early rise of Silicon Valley tech to the Watergate coverup to the history of grunge rock in Seattle. Productions under his leadership received more than 60 national and international awards, including three Japan Prize awards, three Peabody Awards, two Columbia-DuPont Awards, the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award, and seven national Emmy Awards. He loved storytelling in all forms and had strong opinions about television, from documentaries to reality shows like Survivor. Early in his adulthood, he worked as an aide to U.S. Sen. Hubert Humphrey, and maintained a lifelong interest in politics and public affairs, working for progressive causes and campaigns throughout his life. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War as a clerk. John was deeply analytical and endlessly curious, always trying to understand how the world worked. He had a habit of asking questions no one else thought to ask. You could call him from a vacation in a faraway place, and he would want to know the population, the winter temperature, and what the country’s primary industry was. He always wanted the facts to make sense of things. He was young at heart throughout his life. He loved mini golf, bowling, skiing, water parks, and anything that brought a sense of fun and energy. He loved cycling and was on his bike almost every day. He enjoyed spending time with younger people and was drawn to their energy and perspective. He was a pizza aficionado, maintaining a ranking of his favorite pizza places around the entire world. He traveled extensively (Macau was a favorite destination) and was proud to say he had flown more than two million miles—roughly 80 times around the Earth. In his later years, he spent extended time living in Japan with his son, continuing to travel with enthusiasm and ease. John was entrepreneurial and optimistic, always working on new ideas and projects, particularly in documentary storytelling. He believed in the potential of his ideas and continued developing new projects up until the end of his life. Most of all, he was a warm and kind person who was generous and loving. He is survived by his cousin, Joan; children Robin, Tess, and Christopher; and grandchildren Toan, Willem, Liora, and Sabine. Memorial information: A memorial will be held in early May in southern Vermont celebrating John’s life. Contact Chris at clindsay@gmail.com for details.
• John R. Murphy, 83, of Brattleboro. Died March 25, 2026. He was born on May 9, 1942, in Bath, Maine, to Herbert Murphy and Pauline Wallace Murphy. John worked for many years at Melsur of Brattleboro, Basketville of Putney, Chromerics of Brattleboro. Later, he retired from VT Circuits. He also proudly served his country as a sergeant in the Army, working as a military policeman. John enjoyed family gatherings, cookouts, and holidays. He had a knack for working on vehicles, lawn mowers, and anything with a motor. He was an avid dog lover and found great joy in spending time with his favorite dogs, Echo, Brady, and Bentley. In earlier years, John and his wife, Veronica, often traveled to Maine to visit family and enjoy fresh lobster. They also made frequent weekend trips to spend time with Veronica’s mother and extended family in Wardsboro. In later years, John devoted himself to caring for Veronica during her illness, showing unwavering love and dedication. John will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of family, his humor, and his kind and caring nature. He is survived by stepchildren Robert Harris of Milton, Karen Harrington of Brattleboro, Daniel (Karen) Harris of Bellows Falls, and Christopher Harris of Brattleboro. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren who will cherish his memory. John was predeceased by his parents; his stepmother, Alice Murphy; his beloved wife, Veronica Murphy; his brother, Henry Murphy; and his stepdaughter, Tina Harris. Memorial information: To offer condolences, visit phaneuf.net.
• Lorraine Inez “Mickey” Perkins, 89, died peacefully, surrounded by family Dec. 27, 2023 in Hartford, Connecticut. She was born July 5, 1934, in Claremont, New Hampshire, to Edward and Nettie Bushway and was the third of six children. She married Donald L. Perkins Sept. 10, 1955, and moved with her family to Connecticut in 1968. Lorraine graduated as a registered nurse at the St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing in Worcester, Massachusetts, and worked as a nursing supervisor and emergency managing supervisor at Springfield (Vt.) Hospital and Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont. She retired from nursing and joined Travelers Insurance as a medical evaluator. After she retired a second time from Travelers, she evaluated medical claims at Aetna Insurance until her final retirement in 2005. Lorraine volunteered extensively with the North American Martyrs Parish Women’s Guild in East Hartford, Connecticut and the Wood Memorial Library in South Windsor, Connecticut. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in East Hartford. She enjoyed watching hockey, spending time on lakes Sunapee and Winnipesaukee with family and friends, and attending plays and musicals. Like her late husband, who died in 2020, she generously donated her body to the University of Connecticut Medical Center. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Mary Lou Lugo. She is survived by her son, Donald L. (Barbara) Perkins II of Concord, Virginia, grandchildren Gordon Perkins of South Windsor, Barbara (Jordan) Knight of Andover, Connecticut, Peter (Marissa) Lugo of Glastonbury, Connecticut, and Luie (Amie) Lugo of Wethersfield, Connecticut, and great-grandchildren Dezaree Cruz, Colby Perkins, Molly Perkins, Madison Bassett, Peter Andrew Lugo, Allin Lugo, Codie Lugo and Haylie Lugo; her brother, Edward D. (Annette) Bushway II of South Wales, New York; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Graveside committal rites and burial will be held Saturday, April 25, at 10 a.m., in Locust Ridge Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations in support of cultural programming may be made to the Friends of Wood Memorial Library, P.O. Box 131, South Windsor, CT 06074. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Joseph Stanley “Joe” Pieciak Jr., 82, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully April 3, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones at his home. Born on Sept. 24, 1943, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Joseph and Sophie (Babiasz) Pieciak Sr., and grew up with his younger brother, Michael, in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Hard work defined Joe’s childhood. Whether it was long summer days on his grandparents’ farm or working alongside his father at Storms Drop Forging Company, Joe had a habit of outworking everyone around him.That same drive carried onto the football field. He became a standout player at Chicopee High School, where his coach, Bill Moge, called him the “key to the team.” His talent and determination earned him a football scholarship to American International College, where he studied accounting, and became the first in his family to graduate from college. Joe met the love of his life, Carolyn Sullivan Pieciak, when they were set up on a blind date in 1962 by Carolyn’s best friend, Maureen Doody O’Donnell. From that moment on, the course of his life was set. Joe and Carolyn were married on June 12, 1965, in West Springfield, Massachusetts, and together they built a life centered on family and love. Their daughter Jennifer was born in 1970, followed by Elizabeth in 1975, and Michael in 1983. Joe worked as an accountant in Springfield, Massachusetts, before he and Carolyn moved to Brattleboro in 1970 so Joe could manage the regional office of Livingston & Haynes. They were welcomed to the Brattleboro community with open arms and formed a deep love for the town and its people. In 1983, Joe established Pieciak & Company. Alongside his founding partners — Wendy Dubois, John Meyer, and Tim Fogg — he grew the firm into one of the leading accounting practices in southern Vermont. His longtime employees — Mea Whitworth, Gloria Short, and Millie Austin — became like family to him. He built a workplace grounded in loyalty, respect, and genuine care for those around him. Joe’s relationships with his clients were equally enduring. Many remained with him for decades, often passing their business from one generation to the next. To them, Joe was far more than an accountant — he was a trusted advisor, a steady presence, and, most importantly, a friend. Joe was deeply committed to the Brattleboro community he called home for 56 years. He served in numerous leadership roles, including serving as president of the Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce, co-chairing the United Way of Windham County alongside his wife, Carolyn, and contributing his time to the Vermont Economic Progress Council, the Windham County Humane Society, and the St. Michael’s Finance Committee. He played meaningful roles in supporting local initiatives — from expanding Brattleboro Country Club’s golf course from nine to 18 holes, bringing lights to the Natowich Field, to helping establish the Teen Center (now the Brattleboro Boys & Girls Club). Whether through formal leadership or quiet acts of generosity, Joe showed up for his community, often saying that Brattleboro had done so much for him and his family, it was the least he could do to give back. For Joe, the values that defined his life — family, community, sacrifice, and hard work — were deeply rooted in his Polish heritage. It was a source of great pride for him, and something he stayed connected to throughout his life. Most recently, he honored that connection by serving as treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors for the Polish Center for Discovery and Learning in Chicopee. Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn Sullivan Pieciak, who died on May 20, 2025. All who loved Joe and Carolyn are comforted in knowing they are together again. Joe leaves behind his two daughters, Elizabeth Lawyer and her husband, Travis Lawyer, of Brattleboro, and Jennifer Rau of Chicopee; his son, Mike Pieciak of Winooski; his brother and best friend Michael J. Pieciak, of Chicopee; his four grandchildren, Nathaniel and Kelsey Rau and Michaela and Riley Lawyer; his brothers-in-law Richard Iannitelli of The Villages, Florida, and John R. Sullivan Jr. of Sweetwater, Tennessee; as well as numerous cousins. Joe was also preceded in death by his sister-in-law Maureen Sullivan-Iannitelli. Memorial information: Funeral services will be held Friday, April 17, at 1 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Brattleboro, with burial immediately following at St. Michael’s Cemetery. A celebration of life reception will follow at American Legion Post 5 on Linden Street in Brattleboro, and all who knew Joe or the Pieciak family are welcome to attend. Calling hours are Thursday, April 16, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Atamaniuk Funeral Home, 40 Terrace St., Brattleboro. Donations to the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro, 17 Flat St., Brattleboro, VT 05301; or the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning, 33 South St., Chicopee, MA 01013. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Martha Frances Ann “Frannie” Whipple, 87, of Guilford. Died peacefully April 5, 2026, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family, following a lengthy illness. Frannie was born in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, Dec. 31, 1938, the daughter of Francis and Martha (Stanclift) Dubriske. She was raised in Ashuelot, where she attended school, and later attended Thayer High School in Winchester. On Feb. 23, 1957, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Ashuelot, she married Charles A. “Charlie” Whipple, who predeceased her July 23, 2019. With her husband, she owned and operated Whipple’s Rubbish and Recycling, which they established in Guilford in 1972. The couple successfully operated their business which served many customers throughout Windham County. Previously, she worked as a seamstress and owned and operated her own craft shop attached to her home in Guilford. Frannie enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, and shopping, always in search for that special bargain. More importantly, she cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. With her husband, she enjoyed many years wintering in Zephyrhills, Florida. A woman of faith, she was a lifelong Catholic and communicant of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church. Survivors include daughters Cheryl Franklin (Timothy) of Vernon, and Deborah Goodenough (Craig), Sandra Cutting (Reed), Sheila Brannen (Hugh) and Brenda Hogenmiller (Alex), all of Guilford; sisters Felicia Dubiske of Winchester and Mary Mallory of Vernon; and 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a special brother-in-law, Henry Porter of Winchester. Besides her husband, Frannie was predeceased by sisters Rose Saczawa, Christina Coty, and Barbara Porter. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, May 2, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro, followed by a reception at the Elks Home on Putney Road. Burial in the family lot in Christ Church Cemetery in Algiers will be private. Donations to the Guilford Volunteer Fire Dept., 108 Guilford Center Rd., Guilford, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
Services
• Graveside committal services for John Peter Pelloni Sr. will be conducted Saturday, April 18, at 11 a.m. in Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. A reception will follow at VFW Carl Dessaint Post 1034 on Black Mountain Road in Brattleboro. Mr. Pelloni, of Hinsdale, died peacefully on March 20, 2026. To view his full obituary or offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Graveside services for Maude F. Higley will be held Saturday, May 16, at 9 a.m. at Christ Church Cemetery, Melendy Hill Road, Guilford. Mrs. Higley, 95, of Guilford, died peacefully at Pine Heights in Brattleboro on Jan. 23, 2026, just days shy of her 96th birthday. To view her full obituary or offer condolences, visit phaneuf.net.
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