Obituaries
• John Francis Joseph Angil II, 60, of Spofford, N.H. Died Sept. 28 at his home. Husband of Lisa Ganzel for 23 years. Father of Elizabeth and John Michael Angil. Sister of Pam Angil of Twenty-Nine Palms, Calif. Born in Lorain, Ohio, the son of John and Barbara (Brodke) Angil, he was a resident of the area for the past 10 years and had been employed as Radiological Director for Vermont Emergency Management. While residing in South Carolina, he worked as Barnwell County Emergency Management Director and was a past president of the South Carolina State Emergency Association. Prior law enforcement experience included being Chief of Police for the City of Bluffton, S.C.; a deputy in Allendale County (S.C.) Sheriff's Department, where he was their first D.A.R.E. instructor; and an officer on the Port Royal, S.C., Police Department. He was also a firefighter in Port Royal, and later a firefighter engineer in Bluffton. He was a nationally-certified Paramedic who was very active volunteering with several squads in South Carolina and was the personal paramedic who traveled with former Vice President Dan Quayle when at Hilton Island, S.C. Prior to moving to Spofford, he was a resident of Barnwell, S.C. Active fraternally, he was a Master Mason, Shriner, York, Scottish Rite, and Eastern Star. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He loved riding motorcycles and was an active member of the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed being a Ham radio operator of the West River Radio Club of Vermont, and was a past member of the Keene Cheshiremen Barbershop Harmony group, as well as a certified PADI scuba diver, He cherished time shared with his family, especially his two children. His life centered around his family and friends. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral Mass was held Oct. 3 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Donations to Shriner's Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104-2390. Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro assisted the family with arrangements. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Dawn Elizabeth Arial-White, 52, of Surprise, Ariz. Died Sept. 25 at the Banner Del Webb Hospital in Sun City, Ariz., after a heroic fight with cancer. Spouse of Tammy Arial-White. Mother of Seth Hickey and his wife, Riki-Rachelle, of Quincy, Ill. Stepmother of Janessa Mustell of Surprise, Ariz. Sister of Toby Parrott of Bellows Falls and Kathy Miller and Tammie M. Houghton, both of Charlestown, N.H. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A celebration of her life was held Oct. 3 at the Moose Lodge in Bellows Falls. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148.
• Winnifred Baker, 98, of Leeway Circle in St. George, Vt. Died Sept. 26, after having a long happy life. She was born in Monmouth, Maine, the daughter of the late Herbert and Luella (Bancroft) Dixon. She was a graduate of Amherst (Mass.) High School, Class of 1935, and Massachusetts State College (now the University of Massachusetts at Amherst) in 1939. She was married in Leverett, Mass. to Pearle Baker. She served as bookkeeper for the town of Brattleboro for 20 years until she retired in 1980. She liked traveling, knitting for RSVP, and walking. She was a longtime member of Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro. She is survived by son Gerald Baker of St. George. She was predeceased by her husband Pearle in 1965 and sisters Ruth Hayes in 1967 and Lois Woodard in 2013. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: Burial will take place at Morningside Cemetery in Brattleboro this fall.
• Jean Kathryn Bozetarnik, 91, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 25 at Thompson House. Wife of the late Casimir F. Bozetarnik for nearly 45 years. Mother of Casey Bozetarnik and his wife, Patricia, of Brattleboro; Martin Bozetarnik and his wife Deborah of Dummerston; Barry Bozetarnik and his wife, Cecilia, of Brattleboro; David Bozetarnik and his wife, Migari, of Dubai, UAE; and Marcia Hansen and husband, Jeffrey, of Fair Oaks, Calif. Stepsister of Robert and Helen Whitten. Also survived by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Predeceased by two sisters, Lillian Levreault, and Irene Adelstein. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Nelson and Lillian (Swenson) Langua, she was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending St. Michael's Parochial School and later graduating from Keene High School, Class of 1942. She later attended the former Holyoke (Mass.) Business School. She proudly served her country in the Army during the Occupation period at the close of World War II, where she met her future husband. She had been employed as a nurse's aide at Eden Park Nursing Home for 12 years. A devoted homemaker, her life centered around her family. A devout Catholic, she was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. She was a member of American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, was an avid reader, and especially enjoyed time shared with her family and friends. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral Mass was held Oct. 3 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with committal rites and burial with full military honors held in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to Brooks Memorial Library, Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Arrangements were handled by Atamaniuk Funeral Home. To sign an online register book, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Master Sgt. Lawrence “Larry” M. Copeland (USAF, Ret.), 76, of Stoddard, N.H. Died Sept. 28 at home. Husband of the late Ursula Copeland for 45 years. Father of Virginia and Renie Copeland. He was the eldest of four brothers and one surviving sister who resides in Swanzey, N.H. He grew up in Hinsdale NH, where he attended school and, in 1956, joined the Marine Corps Reserve. Shortly thereafter, he transferred over to the Air Force, where he served proudly for 22 years before his retirement in Colorado in 1978. His overseas assignments included three years in England, a year in France, three years in Italy, three years in Germany and two tours in the Republic of Vietnam, where he was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal. He and his family moved back to New Hampshire in 1985, where he worked for Dan Thomas for 7 years, then NGM, from which he retired after 15 years in 2005. He was a member of the American Legion, a life member of the VFW, a Master Mason, and the Disabled American Veterans. In his later years, he could be found working around the house, planting flower beds, planting small rock gardens, or helping a friend in need. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral service was held Oct. 4 at Foley Funeral Home in Keene, N.H. Burial with full military honors took place Oct. 5 at the New Hampshire Veteran's Cemetery in Boscawen, N.H.
• David Henry Cray, 65, of Northborough, Mass. Died Sept. 21 at UMass Medical Center. Husband of Patricia Cray for 41 years. Father of Courtney Cray of Leicester, Mass., and the late Jason Cray. Brother of Kathleen “Sue” Durham and her husband, Steve, of North Carolina, Patrick Cray and his wife, Susan, of Vermont, and the late Lawrence and Michael Cray. Son of the late Kathryn and Henry Cray. A graduate of Bellows Falls High School, Class of 1967, he went on to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, graduating in 1973 with a B.A. in marketing. He then went on to work for American Precast of Framingham, Mass. and for PRO Equipment Rental/PRO Companies of Waltham, Mass. He was a big fan of all New England sports teams, especially the Red Sox and the Patriots. He also was a dedicated follower of UMass basketball and football. He was an avid golfer in his younger years and truly enjoyed watching all the tournaments to this day. He was a family man, a devoted husband, father, brother and friend to all. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral Mass was held Oct. 3 at St. Rose of Lima Church in Northborough. Donations to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.
• Joyce M. Kennett, 73, of Cambridgeport. Died Sept. 27. Mother of Richard Kennett and his wife, Crystal, of Putney, and Scott Kennett of Brattleboro. Also survived by 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her brother, Paul Jarvis. Born in Danby, Vt., the daughter of the late Scott and Parmelia (Demars) Jarvis, she attended schools in Wallingford, Vt., and worked as a waitress for many years.She loved working with crafts. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral service was held Oct. 3 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, with burial in Saxtons River Cemetery. Donations to the Saxtons River Fire Department, Saxtons River, VT 05154.
• Col. Michael S. Muskat (USAF, Ret.) of Putney. Died Sept. 15 at his home. Husband of Elizabeth Muskat for more than 60 years. Father of Peter Muskat and his wife, Debra; David Muskat and his wife, Mary; and Robert Muskat and his wife, Reolina. Also survived by six grandchildren.Son of Frances Spencer Abbe and stepson of Charles Howson Abbe, he was a career Air Force fighter pilot, and a warrior academic. A 1955 graduate of Amherst College and ROTC commandant, he also received a Masters Degree in Business Administration, and a Masters Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. Highly decorated, including the Silver Star and Purple Heart, he flew more than 125 combat missions in the F-105 Thunderchief during the Vietnam War, most of them as a member of the Wild Weasels. In February 1968, he was shot down, leading to the first night-time rescue by the Air Forces pararescue service using a “Jolly Green Giant” helicopter. He particularly enjoyed flying the F-111, and finished flying as the Deputy Commander of Air Force Korea in an F-16 prior to serving as Chief of Staff of Air University. The historical airpark at Maxwell Air Force Base provided a special touch of recognition with the F-105 “Thud” carrying his name and combat markings. Many remembered his deep voice over the airwaves of Southeast Asia. One memory from the war was a personal briefing he gave to President Lyndon Johnson detailing the Wild Weasel mission. He served as a Scoutmaster and helped his three sons each to attain Eagle Scout rank. In retirement, Mike redesigned and largely constructed Valley Head, Beth and Mike's generational home; served on the boards of the River Valley Credit Union and Putney Cares; and with Beth, traveled and hiked all over the world. Mostly, he is remembered as a man who adored his wife, loved and supported his sons, and cherished his grandchildren. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: While the celebration of his life will be private, a gift to a charity of one's choice in his honor is appreciated.
• Allan O. Orkins, 67, of Stockbridge, Ga., Died Sept. 12 in Stockbridge after a lengthy illness. Life partner of Pam Yeiser of Stockbridge. Father of Jesse Allan Orkins. Brother of Robin Orkins of Lyman, S.C., Randy Orkins of Lake Worth, Fla., and the late Lonnie A. Orkins. Also surviving is Jessica Nuelle, whom he raised as his own daughter, and three grandsons. A spiritual man, he was raised in Brattleboro, the son of the late Allan O. Orkins Sr. and Mary (Scott) Orkins. He was a trucker most of his life, but his true passion was music. He followed in his father's footsteps, writing songs and playing guitar. Two of his songs were sung by country singer Howard Salmon on his CD “These Trucks are Made of Gold,” including the title song and “Give Me Fair Warning.” MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A celebration of his life was held Oct. 4 at Meeting House Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro.
• Joseph E. Roberto, 91, of Guilford. Died Sept. 30 after a short illness. Husband of Barbara Lee. Father of Joseph Roberto and his wife, Patty, of Trumbull, Conn.; Christopher Roberto and his wife, Lisa, of Monroe, Conn.; Lee and Sandy Roberto of Sailorsville, Pa.; Nanette Roberto of Cambridge, Mass.; and Dan Roberto and his wife, Alex, of Girdwood, Ark. Brother of Michael Roberto and his wife, Lorraine, of Boynton Beach, Fla. Also survived by 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Born in Bridgeport, Conn., the son of Rosemarie and Joseph Roberto, he resided in Bridgeport for 46 years, at which time he moved to Vermont. Schooled in Bridgeport until age 16, he then worked for his uncle's construction company for two years before enlisting in the Army during World War II. Though initially told he had a two-year deferment, he was committed to fighting for his country and insisted they take him right away. Within 20 days, he was in basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas. He served with the 112th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion in northern Africa and southern France. He was wounded in Toulon, France, when a vehicle he was traveling in hit a land mine. He spent 13 months recovering from his injuries before he was discharged and returned home to Bridgeport in 1945 with a Purple Heart. Shortly after his return home, he completed four years of apprenticeship in carpentry and went on to become a superintendent, building roads and bridges in Connecticut. He also completed apartment complexes in Connecticut, Maine, and Vermont. Locally, he worked on Westgate Apartments and the Grand Union plaza in Brattleboro. He retired from Fairfield Associates after more than 60 years of service. In retirement, he played golf, and thought he was terrible at it, although he claimed two holes-in-one at the Brentwood Golf Course in Keene, N.H. He loved to travel, and especially loved to go to Alaska where his two youngest sons lived. Panning for gold (2 ounces found) and fishing were favorites. When his youngest son moved to Minnesota, he was able to accompany him on the car trip from Alaska to Minnesota along the Alaska Highway.He was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Fairfield, Conn. He has been a member of the NRA since 1952 as well as belonging to the American Legion, Elks Club, VFW, and Carpenters Union for 25 years. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral Mass was held Oct. 5 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Donations to the VA Medical Center, 215 North Main St., White River Junction, VT 05009. Arrangements were handled by Atamaniuk Funeral Home. To sign an online register book, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Phyllis E. Rogers, 80, of Holden, Mass. Died Sept. 28 at Christopher House in Worcester, Mass., after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Wife of the late Kenneth D. Rogers. Mother of Roben E. R. Lapan and her husband, Patrick, of Brattleboro; Charles E. Rogers and his wife, Barbara, of Gilbertville, Mass.; Miriam Rogers Montalvo and her husband, Marc, of Worcester; and Heidi E. Ebers and her husband, Elias, of Shrewsbury, Mass. Sister of Carla Cassens of Pembroke, Mass., and Paula S. Gonzalez of Hickory, N.C., and the late David L. Cassens, George Cassens, and Lois M. Cunniff. Born in Monticello, Maine, she was one of six children and was the daughter of the late Kenneth H. Cassens and Bertha Sherrard Cassens. She moved to Massachusetts in the early 1950s with her parents and eventually settled in the Central Massachusetts area where she resided for the past 50 years. She was widowed mid-life, having lost her husband in 1987. She spent the majority of her life working in human services, most notably for the Devereux School in Rutland, Mass., for more than 32 years. Family and others remember her for bringing children from Devereux home for the holidays, hoping to add positive experiences to their lives. She labored hard for her family. Any one of her children can attest to the things that she went without so they did not. She was a spiritual woman with a strong love of the Lord. In her retirement, she derived much joy from time spent with her grandchildren, gardening, and journeys to Maine. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral service was held Oct. 2 at First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, with a private burial will at Pine Grove Cemetery in Oakham, Mass. Donations to Christopher House Patient Activities Fund, 10 Mary Scano Drive, Worcester, MA 01605; or to VNA Care Network & Hospice, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608-1280.
• Sarah Wade, 92, of Westminster. Died Sept. 30 at her home. Wife of the late Parker Wade. Mother of DeWanda Gokey of Westminster. Sister of Mary and Betty. Also survived by three grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren. Born in Wilmar, Ark., the daughter of the late Jessie and Pearl (Burkehart) Griffin, she attended schools in Arkansas and worked for Home Health Care and Sylvania in Hillsboro, N.H. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral service was held Oct. 5 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, with burial in Westminster Cemetery.
• Phillip C. Wilson, 72, of Westminster. A native American saying goes, “It's a good day to die.” So it was for Mr. Wilson, when he collapsed at the Chester Rifle Range on Sept, 8, 2015. Paramedics tried to revive him, but were unable to do so. Born in Rockingham Memorial Hospital, the son of Ralph and Gertrude Wilson, he was well-known locally for his expert hunting skills and his love of fishing. He didn't catch a lot of fish, but he loved to cast a line out and enjoy the beauty of nature around him. His wife of 20 years, Linda, says “these have been my happiest years. He will never be truly gone as long as I hold his sweet loving memory in my heart.” MEMORIAL INFORMATION: No service date set.
• Committal services and burial with full military honors for Michael W. Walsh will be conducted Friday, Oct. 9, at 1p.m. in the Vermont Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center where he will be laid to rest next to his parents. Mr. Walsh, of Brattleboro, died March 25, 2015 at his home. Atamaniuk Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.