Obituaries
• John V. Buraczynski, 94, of of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died Aug. 31, 2026. at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. John was born in Brattleboro on Feb. 2, 1932, the son of Anthony and Mary (Antonowicz) Buraczynski. A lifelong resident of Hinsdale, he graduated from Hinsdale High School with the Class of 1951. John went on to proudly serve his country in the Army during the Korean War, serving as a medic. He enlisted in 1952 and was honorably discharged in 1954, and was awarded the Bronze Star during his service. He worked most of his entire career as a carpenter for the Carpenters Union, Local 336, based in Massachusetts. Some of the larger projects he was involved with included the construction of Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant in Vernon, the Yankee Rowe Nuclear Power Plant in Rowe, Massachusetts, the fish ladders at the Vernon Dam, and the construction of Ingleside Mall in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and Mountain Farms Mall in Hadley, Massachusetts. In his younger years, after returning home from the service, John worked in the auto body shop at the former Royce’s Chevrolet on Main Street in Hinsdale. John was a longtime member of the Hinsdale VFW Post 4234, where he served as past commander and chaplin. Of his leisure time activities, he enjoyed country & western music and played accordion, guitar, and was soloist with the Weathered Rose Band, a well-known local group performing in the Tri-State area. His twin brother Stanley, also active with the band, was lead guitarist in the group. Additionally, John enjoyed hunting, fishing, taking nature walks with his brother, Stanley, and time shared with his family. John was married to Alice Johnson, who predeceased him Aug. 29, 2019. Survivors include four daughters, Stacia Robin of Apple Valley, California, Deborah Richmond of Hinsdale, Sheila Merton (George) of Holly Springs, North Carolina, and Roxanne Ebbinghausen of Rutland; two special nieces, Stacey Byrne and Mary Buraczynski, both of Hinsdale; nine grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Additionally, he leaves many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by a daughter, Penelope “Penny” Sheldon; six brothers, Joseph, Anthony, Henry, William, Theodore and his twin brother, Stanley; two sisters, Josephine Stanlioski and Mary Koch; two grandsons, Justin Huff and Michael Richmond; and a great-granddaughter, Jessica Ebbighausen. Memorial information: Graveside committal rites with military honors will be conducted in the family lot in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Hinsdale at a future date. Donations to The Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org). To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Jonathan Stanley “Jon” Chase, 69, of Ridgefield, Connecticut, and West Dover. Died Aug. 25, 2026. Born Jan. 10, 1957, in New York City to Jack and Rita Chase, Jon grew up in Ardsley and attended Michigan State University, where he graduated with a degree in packaging engineering. He shared 44 years of marriage with the love of his life, Cindy Makstein Chase. Together they built a beautiful life and raised their family between Ridgefield and West Dover, creating a home filled with love, laughter, adventure, and countless memories. Jon had a knack for adventure and adrenaline and an affinity for anything that could rev, run, or go fast — boats, Jet Skis, snowmobiles, ATVs, anything that moved. He taught his children to ski and bike, coached their youth sports teams, and shared his love of the outdoors and adventure. Vermont held a particularly special place in his heart, where he spent many happy years skiing, working at the mountain, and spending time with close-knit family friends. He was also a proud Michigan State Spartan and devoted New York Jets fan, passing that loyalty on to his family, even when it meant enduring plenty of painful Sunday afternoons. At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Jon was physically imposing, but it was his personality that truly made him larger than life. He was a force, with a boisterous, contagious laugh, a huge heart, and a generosity that knew few limits. He was fiercely loyal, deeply caring, and the kind of person who would lend a hand, make the donation, show up for a friend, or take on a challenge. Jon brought that same spirit to the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), becoming a rider for 39 years and personally raising more than $2.5 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He was not only a rider, but a dedicated volunteer, sponsor, and donor, helping wherever he was needed. The PMC became an important part of the Chase family’s lives and reflected so much of who Jon was. His greatest legacy will be the people he loved, the lives he touched, and the countless memories he leaves behind. Jon will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Cindy; his children, Matthew (Jill) and Amanda (Emmet); his grandchildren, Gavin and Hayley; his sister, Teri Goldstein (Larry); his extended chosen family; and his many friends who were lucky enough to know him. His memory will live on in the stories, adventures, laughter, and love that he gave so generously. In the words of a quote that feels especially fitting for Jon, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” Jon created a lifetime of those moments, and those who loved him will carry them forever. Memorial information: Celebrations of life are being held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pan-Mass Challenge in Jon’s name at pmc.org.
• Yvette Marie “Vette” Forrett (Bishop), 58, of Vernon. Died July 19, 2026. She was born in Bennington July 9, 1968, where she lived briefly. Her childhood was spent in Vermont and Massachusetts. She was married and had three children, Jennifer Forrett, Samantha Forrett, and Timothy Forrett. The marriage ended in divorce. She was very proud of her accomplishments shortly after the divorce, such as obtaining her driver’s license, completing her high school education, and getting her first job, but this was just the beginning. In her mid-30s, she met the love of her life, Jim Shippee. This is when she blossomed. She spent over 20 years with Jim during which time together they worked hard and played harder. She helped raise his young children, Maygan L. Shippee, now residing in Maine, and James M. Shippee, now residing in Rhode Island. She loved and was very proud of her “stepchildren,” and their respective partners Dan and Elana. She was very proud of her part in raising them. She also loved the rest of Jim’s family as it was the family she never had but yearned for. In addition to being a hard worker she also enjoyed cooking, crafts, helping anyone she could, learning new skills, and drinking beer. She loved to laugh. She often commented that her last 20 years were the best of her life. That time was spent in both Vernon and Port Charlotte, Florida. The last five years of her life were spent fighting cancer and other painful illnesses. She kept her sense of humor right up until the end. It was a long battle. May she rest in peace. Memorial information: A celebration of Vette’s life will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kiwanis Shelter at Living Memorial Park in Brattleboro.
• Robert Joseph “Rob” Johnson, 50, formerly of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died unexpectedly July 27, 2026, in Los Angeles County, California. Rob grew up in Hinsdale, graduating from Hinsdale High School before earning his degree from Northeastern University in Boston. Although he lived in California for the past 21 years, Rob maintained a deep connection to his roots. He always spoke fondly of growing up in Hinsdale and remained close with many of his childhood friends throughout his life. Rob had recently relocated to Gloversville, New York, where he was in the process of beginning an exciting new career chapter. Known for his gentle kindness, sensitivity, and warmth toward others, Rob touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his father, Bob Johnson of Punta Gorda, Florida, and his sister, Heidi, of Reeds Ferry, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Constance Johnson. Memorial information: None provided.
• Diana Lischer, 73, a poet, writer, farmer, and longtime resident of southeastern Vermont, died in Brattleboro after a prolonged illness Sept. 3, 2026. Diana was born in Philadelphia Feb. 20, 1953 to William C. Lischer and Patricia Urffer. She grew up on her family’s flower farm in Newtown, Pennsylvania, enjoying many splendid summers spent on the beaches of the Jersey Shore with her family and cousins. She moved to Vermont in 1976. Diana was a farmer, published poet and writer, painter, knitter, and avid gardener. Her poetry appeared in Vermont Life, The Larcom Review, and three times in the Anthology of New England Writers. Her reviews and essays appeared on Vermont Public Radio, and in the Brattleboro Reformer, The Commons, Art New England, and in artist Emily Mason’s book, The Fifth Element. Her poem, “If Margaret Sanger Sang a Song” was set to music by composer Lawrence Siegel and performed by the a cappella group, femme m’amie. In 2025, her book of poetry, In Winter I Burn Poems,was published by Green Writers Press. Diana is survived by her son, Zack, and his wife Jacqueline Arias, and sister, Nancy Footit (husband, Chuck and daughter, Danielle), Vermont cousins Kathy Urffer and Frederic Noyes, and their children Connor and Kali, and West Coast cousins, David and Donna, and James and Michele. She is predeceased by her brother, William Lischer, Jr., and her parents, William and Patricia Lischer. MEMORIAL INFORMATION:A funeral service was held Sept. 8 at Meeting House Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to Green Mountain Camp or Center for Solace. There will be a celebration of life planned for this fall. To offer condolences, visit phaneuf.net.
• John David Lyman, 76, of Londonderry. Died August 23, 2026, after a prolonged illness. John was born Feb. 12, 1950, in Townshend to David and Betty (Roberts) Lyman. John grew up in Londonderry, where he lived his entire life, and graduated from Leland & Gray in 1968. After high school, John started his own car garage and worked at Smith’s Mill. John was an outdoorsman and enjoyed all outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, and working on cars. John was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Betsy Waldo. He is survived by his son, Doug (April) Lyman of Athens; his beloved grandchildren, Austin and Emma; his brother-in-law, Marc Waldo of Londonderry; and his stepchildren, Judy (Joe) Robinson of Florida, Kathy Coleman of Texas, and Bill Coleman of Vermont. Memorial information: None provided.
• Linda McCullock (Johnson), 69, died Sept. 1, 2026,after a challenging struggle with cancer and Parkinson’s disease. She was comforted throughout by her children Katie Barnes and Luke McCullock, her niece Mandy McCullock, as well as many family and friends. Throughout her illness, Linda’s steadfast faith in God helped her meet each day with grace and kindness. She will be deeply missed by so many. Linda was born June 3, 1957, in Newport, New Hampshire, and was raised in Walpole, New Hampshire. Her parents, Jim Johnson and Jane Johnson (McGuirk), taught her to work hard and put faith and family first. Growing up, she was active in 4-H and graduated from Fall Mountain Regional High School in 1975. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a business degree. Linda worked in many positions over the years from banks and sales to real estate and accounting. In 1996, Linda opened her own independent bookkeeping business, Lintech, where she worked for numerous small businesses in the area. Her most cherished position was her final post at Derrig Excavating in Putney, where she quickly became a devoted family friend, too. Through her childhood, Linda developed her love for gardening and forged a connection with the natural world. Her passion culminated in her well-known vegetable and flower gardens. Even through her last weeks she was eager to get outside and tend to her flowers. Linda married Craig McCullock in 1985. Together, they started numerous businesses and developed many friendships across the country through Craig’s love of hunting. Many weekends were spent in Guilford with Craig’s close friends from high school and many new ones throughout the years. Craig’s sudden and unexpected death in 2021 devastated his family and friends, but Linda stayed strong throughout. While Linda was raising her children, gardening, working, and helping with Craig’s many adventures, she also found time to volunteer in the community. She was a leader at the Genesis Church of the Brethren in Putney, and she served on the Dummerston School board, as well as caring for neighbors and family when in need. Linda was an excellent cook and enjoyed sharing her baked goods with friends. She was always ready to help others and give time to those in need. Linda leaves behind her mother, Jane; brother, Alan Johnson and his wife, Lynnette, of Walpole; her brother, Steven Johnson and his wife, Lily, of New York; her daughter, Katie Barnes and husband, Jeff, of Connecticut; her son, Luke McCullock and his daughters, Ariana and Vivian; and her special niece, Mandy McCullock and her wife, Bethany, of Dummerston. She also leaves her two sisters-in-law, Tammy Bedard of North Carolina and her husband, Michael, and Kim Goddard of Brattleboro, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Jim, and her husband.Memorial information: Donations in Linda’s memory can be sent to Putney Community Cares, 54 Kimball Hill, Putney, VT 05346. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Jeffrey Robert “Jeff” Mounsey, 52, of Brattleboro. Died Aug. 31, 2026, after a period of declining health. Born Aug. 21, 1974, to Raymond and Earline Mounsey. Jeff graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School in 1998. He later graduated from Barron’s Institute of Technology as an auto technician. Jeff was employed as an oil delivery driver for over 30 years for Barrows & Fisher of Brattleboro and, most recently, for Allen Brothers of Westminster. In 1994, he married Heather J. Harris. Together, they had two daughters. He was recently baptized and was excited to start his faith journey. Jeff enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, going to Monadnock Speedway and NASCAR, but most importantly spending time with his family. He was predeceased by his maternal grandmother, Jeannette Moul and his mother-in-law, Georgia Harris. He is survived by his wife, his daughters, Cheyenne and her partner, Michael Young, and Jasmine and her fiancé, Rafal Bezubik; his parents, Raymond and Earline; his brother, Sheldon and nephews, Troy and Keith. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, at 1 p.m., at Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. Burial will follow in Westminster New Cemetery.
• Peter Lawrence Root, 81, of Brattleboro. Died recently after a long and full life marked by hard work, deep family ties, and a passion for local history. Born at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Jan. 24, 1945, Peter was the son of Martha (Gilson) and Alfred “Skip” Root. He grew up in what was then known as Vets Village, a postwar housing community of more than 40 apartments located at the current site of the Brattleboro Little League field. Peter would recall Vets Village as a rough-and-tumble place, a kind of “Wild West town” filled with the children of returning World War II veterans, where “there was always something going on.” By February 1950, only a handful of families remained, and as soon as they were able, the Roots left Vets Village, purchased a lot on Fairground Road, and built the family home that still stands today. At the time, Peter would remember, that part of town was considered “out in the country,” with Henry’s Fruitland operating from a canvas-covered stand where, in later years, a Shell station and the Brattleboro House of Pizza would take their place. Peter was educated in local schools and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1963. He attended Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana, returned home to Vermont, and later attended Northampton (Mass.) Commercial College. His working life began in earnest along Route 30, where he was employed on road construction as a mechanic under Jim Davenport. He then joined his father at A.L. Root Transportation, a family trucking business. Peter drove trucks for the company for more than 20 years, through the years leading up to and following the deregulation of the trucking industry in 1980. With deregulation, large operators quickly squeezed out smaller firms like the Roots. After A.L. Root Transportation closed, Peter went to work as a city driver for ABF Freight System at its terminal in East Dummerston. He remained with ABF for 27 1/2 years, building a reputation as a steady, reliable driver who took pride in his work and knew the roads of Vermont and New England intimately. He continued there until he suffered a stroke that forced his retirement. He often said that, if not for that, he would have worked “a couple or three more years.” Retirement, however, brought its own satisfactions. Peter enjoyed his time away from the demands of freight schedules and used part of his later years to spend winters in Englewood, Florida. He was deeply devoted to his family and took great pride in their accomplishments. In April 1971, he married Jacie Miller of West Chesterfield, New Hampshire, beginning a partnership that would last for 55 years. The couple raised two sons, David and Derek, and built a life grounded in hard work,loyalty, and a strong sense of place.Peter’s love of Brattleboro and its past extended well beyond his own memories. He possessed a prodigious knowledge of local history and was widely recognized for his expertise. As a trustee of the Brattleboro Historical Society, he was often consulted on questions of town history, local families, landmarks, and the many changes that had reshaped Brattleboro over the course of his lifetime. Colleagues and friends alike valued his sharp memory, practical insight, and the stories he could tell about places that had changed or disappeared altogether. In reflecting on his life in recent days, Peter left a simple blessing, “As I go, I had a good life and love all my family. God bless them all.” It was a summation in keeping with the way he lived: straightforward, humbly, grateful, and without pretense. Peter is survived by his wife, Jacie; his sons, David and Derek; and his sister, Diane (Root) Gerry, of Tennessee. He was predeceased by his sister, Delia. Those who knew him will remember a devoted husband and father, a loyal co-worker, a careful and skilled driver, and a keen student of Brattleboro’s past. His life traced the arc of a town and region in transition and he carried that history with him, preserving it in memory and story for future generations. Memorial information: Donations in his memory may be made to the Brattleboro Historical Society and/or the Guilford Fire Department.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.