Obituaries
Editor's note: The Commons will publish brief biographical information for citizens of Windham County and others, on request, as community news, free of charge.
• Richard “Dick” Gordon Avery, 93, of Albuquerque, N.M., formerly of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 4 at his home. Husband of Lois Sawin Avery for 66 years. Father of Susan Avery of Brattleboro and Gretchen Avery of Albuquerque. Sister of Evelyn Avery of Bennington and the late Helen Healy and Marion Jackson. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late John J. and Mildred (Phillips) Avery, he graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1938, During World War II, he served six years in the Navy aboard the light cruiser USS Boise. After the war, he and his bride returned to Brattleboro and worked for his father at the Avery Machine Co., a venture he acquired upon his father's retirement. In 1953, an industrial accident nearly severed the fingers of his dominant right hand, forever limiting their movement. He never allowed this impairment to become disabling, as was evidenced by his golf scores. In 1966, he became a founding member and principal partner in Melsur Corp., a company that developed a unique process for manufacturing molded school desktops and seats from sawdust particles. He took great pride in his garden when he and his family lived on South Street. In 1979, he retired from the family business, and in 1982, he and his moved to the Southwest, first living in Mesa, Ariz., and later relocating to Albuquerque in 1991. He is best remembered for his sense of humor, his generous nature, and his especially hearty laugh. He was also practical, clever, and creative, using good common sense to solve a problem. He loved his family and took great interest and pride in all of their accomplishments. Memorial information: A memorial service will be conducted at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery to be announced at some future date. Donations to Southeastern Guide Dogs, 4210 77th Street East, Palmetto, FL 34221.
• Katharine “Kathy” Dix, 57, of Southington, Conn., formerly of Marlboro. Died Jan. 6 in Florida Hospital Fish Memorial in Orange City, Fla. Wife of Charles Dix. Mother of Brian Dix of St. Peter, Minn., and Jessica Dix of Southington. Sister of Robert and MaryAnn Elliott of Orlando, Fla,; David Elliott of Marlboro; and Melinda and Bill Coombs of Jacksonville. Born in Greenfield, Mass., the daughter of Robert and Volitia Elliott of Marlboro, she attended Marlboro Elementary School and Whitingham High School. She was a bookkeeper, involved in Girl Scouts and P.T.O. and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was a Sudoku fanatic, and enjoyed following NASCAR. She moved to Jacksonville to live with her sister Melinda this past spring, and had just headed south with her parents for the winter. Memorial information: The family is planning a private memorial in the spring. Donations to the American Cancer Society.
• Antoinette “Nan” F. Durling, 80, of North Walpole, N.H. Died Jan. 12. Wife of David Durling for more than 48 years. Mother of David A. Durling and his wife, Barbara, of Kittery, Maine; William Duling and his wife, Susan, of Amherst, N.H.; Robert Durling and his wife, Delila, of Holliston, Mass.; Cindy Hayes and husband, Michael, of Drewsville, N.H.; and Barbara Devanny and husband, Michael, of Becket, Mass. Sister of Michael Pugliese of West Pittston, Pa.; Joseph Pugliese of Wyoming, Pa.; Anthony Pugliese of Sparta, N.J.; and the late Anna DeGennaro. Born in Pittston, Pa., the daughter of the late Anthony and Mathilda (Bright) Pugliese, she held positions at the CIA, Rutgers University, J.H. Dunning Co. and worked at the Bellows Falls Union High School for 19 years before retiring in 1993. She was a member of the Saxtons River Art Guild, Monadnock Area Artists Association and a communicant of St. Peter's Church in North Walpole. She was a member of the PTA in both New Jersey and North Walpole, and was very active in several choral groups and St. Peter's Choir. Her passion was painting, and her work is exhibited throughout the region. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Jan. 17 at St. Peter's Catholic Church, North Walpole, with burial in the St. Peter's Cemetery in Drewsville. Donations to the Fall Mt. Food Shelf in Alstead, N.H., or Our Place Drop in Center in Bellows Falls.
• Shirley A. Fletcher, 76, of Zephyrhills, Fla., formerly of Vermont. Died Jan. 5 in Florida. Wife of Roger A. Fletcher for 51 years. Mother of Kim Chambers and Roger “Rocky” Fletcher, both of Zephyrhills. Sister of Sylvia Fletcher and Robert Record, both of Chester, and Bernard Record of Grafton. Born in Windham, the daughter of the late Gordon and Elvi (Fossi) Record, she graduated from Chester High School in 1953. She owned and operated the Kalico Kitchen in Chester for many years. Memorial information: Services will be held at a later date.
• Leslie N. “Les” Fosburgh Sr., 67, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Jan. 7 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Former husband of Myrna Martin. Father of Leslie N. Fosburgh Jr. of Hopedale, Mass. Stepfather of Craig O'Connor of the Philippines, Terrance O'Connor of Hopedale, and Joi Prouty of Keene, N.H. Brother of the late Ronald Fosburgh. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Louis and Elizabeth (Green) Fosburgh, he was raised and educated in Hinsdale and Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1962. After serving in the Vermont National Guard, he worked most of his career in the printing industry. He was employed as a typesetter at American Stratford and later at The Book Press, both formerly in Brattleboro. His last position prior to retiring was with Country News Distributors. He enjoyed music, dancing and playing cards. He was a member of American Legion Post 5 and VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 in Brattleboro, and was a former member of the F.O. Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445. Memorial information: There are no formal funeral services are scheduled. Burial will take place in the springtime in Morningside Cemetery when the cemetery reopens. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Constance Elaine Muzzey Kelton, 82, of Saxtons River. Died Jan. 9 at her home. Wife of Gerald R. Kelton for 61 years. Mother of Sherry Lee Yandow and husband, Robert, of Williston. Sister of Charlotte Kurkul of Westminster, Virginia Cryan of Essex, Wellman “Bud” Muzzey of Danville, Warren Muzzey of Westminster and the late William and Walter Muzzey. The daughter of the late Percy Muzzey and Eunice Smith Muzzey of Westminster, she was a 1948 graduate of Bellows Falls High School and remained a proud and active alumna throughout her life. She had been employed at the Bellows Falls Cooperative Creamery, Fletcher's Newsstand, and the Book Press. She was also a homemaker for many years. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Jan. 14 at Fenton and Hennessy Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, with burial in the Westminster Cemetery. Donations to the Vermont Chapter of the American Cancer Society.
• Carolyn Ann McAuliffe, 64, of Bellows Falls. Died Jan. 12 at her home. Wife of the late Lawrence “Babe” McAuliffe for 32 years. Mother of Andrea Scott and husband, Stanton, of Bellows Falls and Courtney McAuliffe of Westminster. Brother of Donald Clark of Grafton. The daughter of Helen (Bennett) Clark the late Bernard Clark, she attended school in Saxtons River and was a graduate of Bellows Falls High School, Class of 1965. She also attended Keystone College. She worked for TD Bank for over 30 years. Over the last few years, she worked for Northeast Member Business Services in Keene, N.H. She was a member of the Youth Services diversion board and served on the Greater Falls Hospital Scholarship committee. She enjoyed vacationing with family and friends, especially her grandchildren. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Jan. 18 at Christ's Church in Saxtons River, followed by burial in St. Charles Cemetery in Westminster. Donations to the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life, in care of the TD Bank branches in Bellows Falls and Brattleboro.
• Francis “Frank” Milford, 72, of Jacksonville, Fla., formerly of Chesterfield, N.H. Died Dec. 30. He served in Air Force and the Navy. He spent time with the Navy's Blue Angels as a flight engineer. He is survived by his children, Charles Milford and Dorothy (Chris) O'Neal; a sister, Marie (Ken) Tatro; and his longtime partner, Viva Williams. Memorial information: Burial with full military honors took place at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.
• Albert Russel Neill, 84, of Saxtons River, Died Jan. 10. Husband of Dolapo Neill. Father of Samuel, Nancy, and Betsy. A champion of global justice and historical preservation, he was born in East Orange, N.J., the son of the late Evelyn and Humphrey Neill. He attended Antioch College, and spent a short time in the Navy before embarking on an international career. His earliest assignments found him working in tandem with the Greek government, creating a comprehensive conservation program for historical sites across the country. The successful completion of this assignment led to position as a consultant within the Greek government, where he played a central role in the restructuring of its ministries. He then transitioned into a career in international health, focusing on organization planning and management of primary care systems. His work took him to Ghana, Egypt, Swaziland, Guyana, Lesotho, Kenya, and Yemen. One of his last major projects found him in Eritrea, shortly after its independence was won from Ethiopia. He assisted in the start-up of the Eritrea Health and Population Project, a mission to install and oversee the creation of a health care system from the bottom up. After his career slowed down, he returned to his ancestral home in Vermont to his wife and son. He enjoyed restoring his ancestral property. He became a stalwart of the community and volunteered by assisting in administrative duties of countless organizations, and was an active member in local politics. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held in the spring, details to be announced at a later date. Donations to Main Street Arts, P.O. Box 100, Saxtons River, VT 05154.
• Paul David Reffi, 83, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 7 at his home. Husband of Regina N. Klepadlo for 52 years. Father of Michael Reffi and his companion, Mary Draper, of Brattleboro; Cynthia Balduf and her husband, David, of Hinsdale, N.H.; Cynthia Deborah Lemnah and her husband, Bruce, of West Chesterfield, N.H.; Mark Reffi and wife, Jennifer, of East Dummerston; and the late David Reffi. Born in Barre, the son of the late Marino and Lillian (Gregoire) Reffi, his family moved to Brattleboro in 1940. He graduated from St. Michael's High School in 1948. and later served in the Navy during the Korean War. After the war, he returned to Brattleboro, where he was on the police force. He was later employed by New England Power Co. at the Vernon Dam, retiring in 1990. He was the first diver who volunteered to clear the river racks of the ice and debris jams on the Connecticut River. Later, he was taught to hard hat dive. He loved being in the water until he retired. He was also known for his radio and television repair business that he operated for more than 30 years, and often donated televisions to those in need. A devout Catholic, he was a communicant and usher of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and a longtime member and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Leo Council #917. He also held membership in American Legion Post 5, where he served on many committees and was head potato peeler for many years. He was also known for the work he did with the Boy Scouts. He enjoyed teaching young boys all the activities to become Eagle Scouts of which he had many in Troop 433, his sons among them. He was presented with the Boy Scouts' Silver Beaver Award in 1961 and Windham County Citizen of the Year in 1992. He was the first recipient of the Brattleboro Unsung Hero Award. He was active in the Little League program, and was head umpire for many years and served as president. In 1996, he was proud to carry the Olympic torch for the Summer Olympics through downtown Brattleboro. He was a founding member of the Bush Pool League in 1982, and then later taught pool to seniors at the Senior Center. He was a Notre Dame fanatic and enjoyed many rivalries with his Legion friends. He was very athletic in his younger years, playing on the K of C Basketball League in the 1950s and 1960s and later playing on the Brattleboro Men's Senior Softball League. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren during their sports careers. His children and grandchildren were very important to him and he spent quality time with each of them. He was one of the founders of Rescue Inc., and participated in many water rescues using his diving skills. He also served on the local ski patrol. He devoted many volunteer hours to Bridget's Kitchen, the Drop In Center, Meals on Wheels, and to anyone else who needed help, because he could never say no. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Jan. 11 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, with burial with full military honors in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to the Brattleboro Fire Department Dive Team, 103 Elliot St., Brattleboro, VT 05301; Green Mountain Camp for Girls, P.O. Box 326, Putney, VT 05346; or Brattleboro Little League, in care of David Cyr, Upper Dummerston Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Daniel D. “Danny” Russo, 85, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 6 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Husband of Debora J. Cook. Father of Danielle Russo and her fiancée Gregory Ahoner of Hinsdale, N.H. Born in Bloomfield, Conn., the son of the late Anthony and Philomena (Guerino) Russo, he was raised and educated in Connecticut. He served in the Navy during World War II, where he was stationed in the European Theater of Operation. He worked most of his career as both a self-employed horse trainer at several racetracks in the tri-state area, and worked as a bartender for several establishments in the Brattleboro area that included Sportsman's Lounge and threColonial. For five years, he owned and operated Alice's Restaurant, then located on Elliot Street. He was a member of VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034, and was a former member of the F.O. Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445. In conjunction with his love for horses, he enjoyed spectator sports and was an avid Chicago Bears and New York Yankees fan. Memorial information: In accordance with his final wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A memorial gathering took place on Jan. 14 at the Hinsdale VFW. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 916, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Ryan J. Williams, 23, formerly of Westminster West. Died Jan. 10 in Boston. Son of Roy and Tresa (Farnsworth) Williams. Brother of Kristine Williams of Bellows Falls. Born in Springfield, Vt., he graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School, Class of 2006, as a member of the Jesse A. Judd chapter of the National Honor Society. At the time of his death, he was employed as an assistant manager with Walgreens Pharmacy. He was a great cook, photographer, and musician, playing several instruments. As a child, he was a fabulous gymnast, winning several ribbons and trophies. He participated in cheerleading in high school, and continued with that interest as a judge. He enjoyed all types of music and was a talented dancer. He enjoyed drawing and making collages. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Jan. 16 at Fenton and Hennessy Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, with burial in Saxtons River Cemetery.
• Constance R. Wilson, 97, of Putney. Died Jan. 7 at her home. Wife of the late Frank G. Wilson for nearly 70 years. Mother of Gregory Wilson and his wife, Annette, of Putney, and the late Frank Jr., James, and Steven Wilson. Sister of Jacqueline, Carlton, Robert, and Bertrand Roby. Born in Rindge, N.H., the daughter of the late Levi B. Roby and Violet (Hamlin) Roby, she was married in 1939. She and her husband purchased the West River Basket Co., which would later become Basketville. Together, they built Basketville from a small town factory to an international business. She was devoted to her husband through good times and bad with the business, and through his final years suffering with Alzheimer's disease. She traveled with him throughout the world, purchasing baskets and adding to their collections of Americana. She raised four sons and suffered the tragic loss of three of them with stoic resolve. She enjoyed reading, needlework, her grandchildren, and traveling. The Wilsons spent the winters in Venice, Fla., and the summers in Putney for nearly 50 years. They often visited Canada and enjoyed the Wells, Maine area. Among her family, she was appreciated for her quiet manner, intelligence, wit and wisdom. Memorial information: Burial at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Putney will be at the convenience of the family. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Merrilyn “Lynn” A. (Hubbell) Wilson, 78, of Winchester, N.H. Died Jan. 8 at Applewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Winchester. Wife of John H. Wilson for 62 years. Mother of Robert J. Wilson and his wife, Deborah, of Hinsdale, N.H.; Gregory K. Wilson and his wife, Rebecca, of Hinsdale; Lauri L. Wallace and her husband, James, of Winchester; and James P. Wilson of Dover, N.H. Sister of the late Nancy Webster and Robert Hubbell. Born in Quincy, Mass., the daughter of the late Dorothy (Eldridge) and Yarrington Hubbell, she grew up in Northfield, Vt., where she attended local schools. She lived in Winchester for the past two years. She is formerly from Vernon, where she was resident for 25 years. She previously worked in the cafeteria for the Hinsdale schools. She faithfully attended Grace Christian Fellowship Church in Winchester for many years, and volunteered at Life Way Pregnancy Counseling Center in Brattleboro. She also participated in Marriage Ministries International, a ministry dealing with marriage and family, and eventually she and her husband led groups in their home. She enjoyed travel, as her life as a military wife brought her to exciting and exotic places all over the world. She loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, and could be found in the stands or on the sidelines watching her children and grandchildren's games. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Jan. 13 at Grace Christian Fellowship Church. Donations to the Grace Christian Fellowship Church, 39 Keene Rd. Winchester, NH. 03470.
Births
• In Lebanon, N.H., (Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital), Jan. 5, 2012, a son, Cohen Michael Smith, to Megan (McKeen) and Dominic Smith of Bradford; grandson to Ken and Molli McKeen of Walpole, N.H., Marge Smith of Bradford and the late Lewis Smith.
• In Brattleboro (Memorial Hospital), Jan. 3, 2012, a daughter, Scarlett Lee Theis, to Bethany (Kriger) and Robert Thies of Brattleboro; granddaughter to Ann Thies of Connecticut, Sam and Diane Kriger of California; great-granddaughter to Ada Kriger and Rachel Higgins, both of California.
• In Brattleboro (Memorial Hospital), Dec. 25, 2011, a daughter, Tammy NcNamara, to Tammy McNamara and Sonny Rosa of East Dummerston; granddaughter to Mary and Virgilio Rosa and Karen and Kevin McNamara.
College news
• Helena Gomez Cordoba of Londonderry, a member of the class of 2012, has been named to the Dean's List at Providence College for the Fall 2011 semester.
• Leland Hayford of Wilmington has been named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2011 semester at Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y.
• Madison M. Hinrichs of West Halifax, a Mathematics major in the Class of 2015, was named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2011 semester at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H.
• Shannon Weatherup of Vernon, a member of the Class of 2013 majoring in International Studies, has been named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2011 semester at American International College in Springfield, Mass.
• The following local students were named to the Fall 2011 Dean's List at Keene State College: MacKenzie Prasch of South Londonderry, Jocelyn Hill of West Halifax, Kiya Labadie and Ignazio Macaluso of Brattleboro, Selina Thomas of Putney, Stephanie Brown of Townshend, and Brandon Chabot of West Dover.