Obituaries
• Lucy Belle Adams, 99, of Reading, Vt. Died Jan. 27 at the Davis Home in Windsor. Born in Braintree, Vt., the daughter of the late Harry and Alta Belle (Stone) Flint, she received her schooling in Braintree. She married Theron H. Adams in 1935. She and her husband owned and operated their family farm in Morrisville for many years. They moved to Reading in October 1950. Lucy did housekeeping for several families in the Reading area. She was fond of sewing and enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends. Her husband died in 1976. Survivors include her children, Eugene G. Adams and his wife, Alice, of Perkinsville, and Maralyn Jillson and her husband, Nelson of Dummerston, seven grandchildren and several great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, Francis L. Flint. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Feb. 2 at Knight Funeral Home in Windsor. Committal services will be held in the spring in the Mountain View Cemetery in Braintree. Donations to the Reading Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 83, Reading, VT 05062.
• Robert Bruce “Bob” Bartlett, 63, of Putney. Died Jan. 24 at his home. Born in Bennington, the son of Augusta and the late Robert S. Bartlett, he grew up in Marlboro and, after completing his elementary education, he attended Brattleboro Union High School, graduating in 1970. Following school, he enlisted in the Army and, upon receiving his honorable discharge, he started working at a small mill in Marlboro. He later spent time as a rural mail carrier. then went on to work for Cersosimo Lumber, a job he enjoyed for many years. A longtime member of the West Brattleboro Baptist Church, he felt very much at home with the people he met there and he was fully involved in their many facets of community outreach. He especially enjoyed his charitable trips to the southern United States, where he did construction repairs for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. He enjoyed historic railroading, a hobby born from conversations with and literature left to him by his late grandfather, John S. Bartlett of Marlboro. He spent many hours researching the derivation of words, especially those found in his many bibles. His favorite reading topics included historic military conflicts and ocean-going vessels. In addition, he would delight in solving difficult math problems in his head, particularly while spending long hours moving lumber. He will be remembered for ambling about Putney, waving to acquaintances; for being a friendly soul, quick to start a conversation with strangers; for being one of the first to volunteer when more hands were needed; for providing rides to neighbors who had no transportation; and for offering his thoughts on social, religious and political topics. He shared his family's predilection towards silly puns, and he enjoyed giving a bone-crushing handshake. He is survived by his mother, Augusta Bartlett of Marlboro; his siblings, John Bartlett of Brunswick, Maine, Eric Bartlett of Westwood, N.J., Ellen (Bartlett) Sweet of Kaneohe, Hawaii, and Ann Bartlett of Marlboro. Memorial information: The family is planning an open house later this spring at their residence in Marlboro and all Bob's friends are welcome to attend. Notes of remembrance would be enjoyed by the family and can be sent to Augusta Bartlett, P.O. Box H, Marlboro, VT 05344. Donations to the Putney Fire Department, P.O. Box 875, Putney, VT 05346 for their professional support on Bob's last day, or the West Brattleboro Baptist Church, 978 Western Ave., West Brattleboro, VT 05301, for which he cared so much. Arrangements are under the care of Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro.
• Steven John “Stash” Bobrowski Sr., 90, of Bellows Falls. Died Jan. 27 at Westwood Center in Keene, N.H., after a long illness. Husband of the late Nelora Lickley Bobrowski. Father of Steven J. Bobrowski Jr., Ellen Podgurski and her husband, Edward, Maryann Lisai, Jane Ryan and her husband, Wayne, and Susan Bobrowski. Brother of Mary Smith and the late Leon, Anthony, and Joseph Bobrowski, and Laura Lawlor. Also survived by six grandchilden, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Born in Bellows Falls, the son of Poland natives Walenty and Eva (Nizik) Bobrowski, he was baptized at Sacred Heart Church and attended St. Charles School. He was a 1943 graduate of Bellows Falls High School, and served in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he worked as meat manager at the A&P and First National grocery stores. After retiring from First National in 1977, he worked many Sunday mornings at the family business, Nick's Cafe. In his earlier years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a very good bowler. He enjoyed watching sports and spent many winters with his brother, Tony, down at the “Ponderosa” in Florida. He spent his life taking care of his youngest daughter, Susie, with whom he shared his home. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church and St. Charles Church. He was a member of the American Legion, the Polish American Club, and the Knights of Columbus. He also served on the board of Rockingham Charities and was a great supporter of many charitable organizations. Memorial information: A funeral mass was held Feb. 3 at St. Charles Church, with burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home of Bellows Falls.
• Ryland C. “Jack” Carrier, 91, of Swanzey, N.H., formerly of Putney. Died Jan. 24 at Applewood Care Center in Winchester, N.H., after a period of declining health. Husband of Margaret L. (Bingell) Carrier for 39 years. Father of Eva Carrier of Greenfield, Mass and Sandra L. Whitcomb and her husband, Dan, of Williamstown, Vt. Stepfather of Scott Gentley, Leonard Sylvain, Douglas Sylvain, and Doreen Currier and husband, Bruce. Brother of the late Beryl St. Hillaire, Elizabeth Gates, and Dorothy Kimball. Also survived by six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Born in Greenfield, the son of the late Dorothy (Campbell) and Harold G. Carrier, and graduated from Greenfield High School, Class of 1941. He attended Becker College in Worcester, Mass., but left to enlist in the Navy during World War II. He was stationed in the Pacific and, there, he found his passion as a baker. He was the recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Baker Second Class. He was a businessman and owner of Ye Olde Coffee Shop in Brattleboro for 10 years before retiring in 1986. He was a lover of horses, riding and training them. He was also a lifetime member of VFW Post 1034 and American Legion Post 5, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Elks, all in Brattleboro. Memorial information: A graveside service with military honors will be held in the spring at South Cemetery in Leyden, Mass.
• Joseph Alan “Joe” Eskra, 66, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 22 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro, where he had been a resident for almost five years. Husband of the late Wendy (Traudt) Hsu. Father of Shane Eskra of Brattleboro and Erica Eskra and her companion, Christopher, of Hinsdale, N.H. Twin brother of Mary Bonenfant of Concord, NH.. Brother of Diane Westton of Burlington, and David Carlson of Phoenix, Ariz. Born in Brattleboro, the son of Joseph and Stephanie (Owsiak) Eskra, he was raised in the Halifax/Whitingham area, where he attended public schools. He had worked at The Book Press, the Brattleboro Retreat, and as the maintenance man for his good friend, James McPhail, owner of the Hurl Rock Motel in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He had been employed for the McPhails for many years, eventually returning to Brattleboro to be close to his family. He was a former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445 and enjoyed his affiliation with the club, often assisting with putting on the organization's dinners and functions. He enjoyed doing yard work, socializing with his friends, and helping others in need. His friends said he had a heart of gold. He was a former parishioner of St. Michael's Catholic Church and, in recent years, attended the Green Mountain Chapel on Western Avenue. Memorial information: A memorial service at Green Mountain Chapel will be conducted at a later date to be announced by the funeral home. Burial will be in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery on Orchard Street. Donations to Pine Heights Activities Fund, 187 Oak Grove Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online register book with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Forrest Gordon “Zip” Jacobs, 77, of Townshend. Died Jan. 14 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Father of Douglas Jacobs of Springfield, Vt., Steven Jacobs of Townshend, Vicki Stone and her husband, Keith, of Halifax, and Tammi Fogarty and her husband, Rick, of Whispering Pines, N.C. Brother of Philip Trevorrow of Townshend, Marcia Connolly of Wilmington, Barbara Jacobs of Cumberland Center, Maine, Debbie Brassor of Brattleboro, and the late Henry Jacobs. Also survived by 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Born in Wilmington, the son of the late Henry and Marjorie (Atherton) Jacobs, he attended local schools. He worked as a master plumber for 28 years and a logger for 15 years. He was a member of the National Guard and enjoyed riding his motorcycle, When he was younger, he enjoyed racing cars. He loved hunting, traveling to Florida and California, listening to country music, following NASCAR, and spending time with his family. Memorial information: At the request of the family graveside funeral services in Oakwood Cemetery in Townshend will be held in the spring. There are no visiting hours. If friends desire, memorial gifts in Forrest's memory may be made to Grace Cottage Hospital, c/o Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. To send condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Frederick “Rick” Kauffeld, 68, of Wilmington. Died Jan. 21. He was predeceased by his parents, Carl F. and Pauline Kauffeld. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dayle Burby Kauffeld; their daughter, Karlie; his daughter, Kristen Derry and her husband Skip; and his two grandchildren. Rick was born in Staten Island, N.Y., and graduated Tottenville High School in 1964 and went into business laying carpet. He worked for Sugar's Furniture, for which he carpeted the outside of a Volkswagen, before going into business for himself at Colonial Carpet. In 1978, he opened Rick's Tavern in Newfane, which he ran until 2002. He opened Rick's II in Brattleboro in the early 1980s. He was a major car enthusiast who started the area's first Cruise Night for antique cars, with huge success. He logged many a mile in his 1956 Chevy across the country and brought home many awards. He was an avid Earnhardt fan, but really loved any form of car-racing. After selling Rick's, he went on to dabble in selling Snap-On Tools before climbing behind the wheel of a MOOver! bus. His seasoned people-skills led him to make many friends while driving, especially during the winter months when students from South America boarded the bus. He took the opportunity to show off his very limited Spanish, and inquire about whether or not each country has music in their public schools (his findings were always reported back to Karlie.) Most folks in the West Rive Valley sat on Rick's lap at some point during the 25 years he played Santa in Newfane Village, or played against the Rick's Tavern softball team in the Brattleboro Men's League. Maybe you played on a team that Rick sponsored or, if you played on the Newfane field. you used the backstop and concession stand he built while his daughters were on the teams. You may have heard Rick announcing at the Deerfield Valley Fair truck pulls or subbing on WTSA as a radio DJ. A keen eye would have caught him cruising the streets of Brattleboro in his fire truck, or, relatedly, starring in a few “Don't Drink and Drive” commercials. In so many ways, Rick was a major contributor to the local community. A celebrity in the eyes of his loving family, besides serving up his famous pizza and chili, he was famous for serving up his jokes. He will be missed by many, but his family and friends all agree he's now serving at the bar upstairs. Memorial information: A spring memorial service will be held at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, his family asks one and all to “Pay It Forward” in his memory.
• Edwin Morley Kistler, M.D., 95, of Wells, Vt. Died Jan. 22. Husband of the late Elsa Kistler. Father of Phyllis Watson and husband, John. of Kent, Ohio; Joan Senecal and her husband, Kenneth, of Montpelier; Rebecca Waite and husband, Perry, of Pawlet; Judith Kernodle and her husband, Gerald, of Fowlerville, Mich.; Margaret Kistler of Wampsville, N.Y., and the late Edwin M.W. Kistler and Robert Laurence Kistler. Also survived by 18 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Born in Lancester, Pa., he graduated from Warrick High School in Rothsville, Pa., in the Class of 1938. He received a B.S. from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, and received his medical degree from Temple University in 1945. He completed his anesthesiology residency at the York, Pa., hospital before moving to Pittsford, N.Y. where he served as Director of the Anesthesiology Department at Genesee Hospital for 10 years. In 1963, the family moved to Brattleboro, where he served as the head of the Anesthesiology Department at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital until his retirement in 1986. He was also associated with the Brattleboro Retreat. Following retirement, he and his wife, who died in 2013, lived in Montpelier, for several years before moving to Wells. He enjoyed his vegetable garden, riding his bike, and playing classical guitar. Memorial information: The family will hold a private remembrance.
• Margaret “Peggy” Larsen, 91, formerly of Saxtons River. Died Jan. 25 at her daughter's home in Ascutney. Wife of the late James Larsen. Mother of James “Skip” Larsen of Bellows Falls, Robert and Terry Larsen of Bellows Falls, Debra Whitcomb and Gary Rorison of El Paso, Texas, Diane and Max Frazer of Ascutney, Ronn and Sandra Larsen and Scott and Colleen Larsen of Kalispell, Mont., Pam Kissell & Richard Nebbett of Springfield, Vt.. and the late Alan Larsen and Cheryl Riendeau. Sister of the late George and Ruth Metcalf. Also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Born in Wrentham, Mass., the daughter of the late Coe and Josephine (Mitchell) Metcalf, she held many jobs in her life. Locally, she worked at Halladay's and Mental Health Services. She was a member of the Mothers Club, was an assistant Girl Scout leader, and part of the Fire Department Auxiliary, all in Saxtons River, and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Bellows Falls. Memorial information: A service and burial will be held in the spring at a date to be announced. Arrangements are in the care of Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home.
• Kim M. Leiterman, 60, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 14 at her home in Geneva, N.Y. Wife of Lynn Leiterman for 37 years. Mother of Heather Su and her husband, Wei, of Harriman, N.Y,, Matthew Leiterman of Columbus, Ohio, and Allison Smith and her husband, Chad, of Duncan, Okla. Sister of Betty Weatherhead of Guilford, Irene Miller and her husband, David, of Vernon, Ronald Chapman and his wife Jill of Greenville, S.C., and the late Marilyn Best and Roy, Russell, and James Chapman. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Glenn and Dorothy Pierce Chapman, she was a 1974 graduate of Brattleboro Union High School. She was most recently employed at Waterloo United Methodist Church as church secretary and was a very active member. She served as chair of the church Memorial Committee and sat as a member of the Church Council. She was also a very active member of Closer Walk of Upper New York. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Jan. 23 at Waterloo United Methodist Church, with burial in Brownville (N.Y.) Cemetery. Donations to Waterloo United Methodist Church, 21 E. William St., Waterloo, NY, 13165.
• Florence M. Newman, 93, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Jan. 27, 2016 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, N.H. Wife of the late Harold Clough and the late Richard Newman. Mother of Donald Clough of Bonaire, Ga., Kristine Zavorotny of Hinsdale, and the late Kenneth and Bruce Clough. Sister of the late Charles Adams, Ralph Gould, Dorothy Brown, and Evelyn Rhoades. Also survived by 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Born in Bellows Falls, the daughter of the late Ralph and Alice (Smith) Gould, she was former resident of Unity, N.H., and moved to Hinsdale in 1953. She was raised and educated in Westminster, where she attended public schools. She had been employed for many years at the former American Optical Company and previously had worked at the former Margolin's Pocketbook Shop and at the Latchis Theater Motel on Putney Road. She attended First Congregational Church in Hinsdale and was a member of the Hinsdale Historical Society. She enjoyed travel and time shared with her family. Memorial information: Committal services and burial in Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale will take place in the springtime when the cemetery reopens. Donations to the Hinsdale Historical Society, P.O. Box 194, Hinsdale, N.H. 03451. To sign an online register book, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Robert L. Pike, 87, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 28 at his residence. Husband of Marjorie Pike. Father of Sharon L. Pike and her fiance, Glenn M. Wallen, of Brattleboro, and the late Shelia M. Pike Ferris and a stillborn daughter. Brother of Jean Fraser and her husband, Jack, of Norwich, the late Donald S. Pike. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Leon and Evelyn (Kemp) Pike, he was a lifelong Brattleboro resident. He was educated in the Brattleboro school system, graduating from Brattleboro High School, Class of 1947. He served his country in the Navy and worked for many years for New England Telephone, retiring in 1985. He was a tremendous high school athlete; he received the Diedrich Stolte Memorial Cup, for his aggressiveness and courage in athletic competitions. He was a 54-year member of the American Legion, a lifetime member of the Elks Club, and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 2326. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing, hunting, skiing, riding his bike, and traveling with his wife, Marjorie. He will especially be remembered by his family as a great, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Memorial information: Burial will take place at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in the spring. Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
• Johnathan Mark “John” Sargent, 31, of Newfane. Died Jan. 27 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Born in Lenoir N.C., to Mark Sargent of Guilford and Mary Miller of Lenior, he was a lifelong resident of Newfane. He was a graduate of Leland & Gray High School in Townshend, where he enjoyed playing basketball. He was a jack of many trades, from masonry work to being a heating and cooling technician. He always lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed the outdoors and took part in many activities - fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, snowmobiling and hiking. He liked to work on his many cars and tinker with small engines. He enjoyed bonfires and burnouts with friends. Mostly, he enjoyed playing with his daughter and teaching her things he enjoyed doing. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 12 years, Katie (Williams) Sargent, and his daughter, Mya. Memorial information: Services will be held Friday, Feb. 5, at 11 a.m., at Newfane Congregational Church, with fellowship to follow at NewBrook Fire Department. Donations to the Newfane Congregational Church, P.O. Box 27, Newfane, VT, 05345.
• Craig Ogden Weed Sr., 72, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Jan. 27 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro, following a period of declining health. Born in Hartford, Conn., the son of A. Otis and Rhoda (Ogden) Weed, he was raised and educated in Rockville, Conn., graduating from Rockville High School, Class of 1962. He had been employed as a cable repair man for Southern New England Telephone. He worked out of the Hartford, Manchester, Willimantic, and Enfield offices, retiring as a supervisor in 1995 following 28 faithful years with the company. Afterwards, he had worked for On Target Utility Services for nearly 20 years as a regional manager for Vermont and New Hampshire. Prior to moving to Hinsdale in 1988, he was a former resident of Rockville, Stafford Springs, and Norwich, Conn. Active fraternally, he was a member and past master of the Wolcott, CT Lodge 60, Free & Accepted Masons in Stafford, Conn., and had also served in the Connecticut Grand Lodge. He was a railroad enthusiast with a passion that led him to Hinsdale to refurbish an 1800 railroad depot into a permanent residence. He was an accomplished craftsman, taking great pride in his meticulous work. He was also an avid New England Patriots fan and a season ticket holder since 1971. He truly enjoyed spending time at his vacation home in Owls Head, Maine. A devoted family man, he enjoyed time shared with his family who meant so much to him. He was married to Kathleen (Feldon) Weed for 30 years, the mother of his children. He later married Kathleen Lynn Dearborn-Weed in 1997. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Weed of Denver, Colo.; his son, Craig Weed, Jr. and fiancée Karen Riendeau of Colebrook, N.H.; and two grandchildren. Memorial information: Burial will be in the springtime in Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale when the cemetery reopens. A small reception will be held afterwards at the Depot. Donations to Wolcott Lodge #60, P.O. Box 74, Stafford, CT 06075 or Monadnock Humane Society, 101 W. Swanzey Road, Swanzey, NH 03446. To sign an online register book, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Carol Ann Wing, 71, of Springfield, Vt. Died Jan. 23 after a brief illness. Born in Jamaica, N.Y., the daughter of the late Laurence and Evelyn Wilson, she grew up in Rockville Center, N.Y. She graduated from DePauw University in 1966, majoring in education and minoring in music. She later earned a master's degree in education at Adelphi University. She moved to Vermont in 1967. She taught mathematics in the Springfield school system for 30 years, retiring in the late 1990s. After her retirement, she played the organ at weddings and funerals, volunteered on local boards and offered support to those in need. She enjoyed church suppers, cards, Scrabble, jigsaw puzzles and going on cruises. She was a member of United Methodist Church in Springfield. Survivors include her son, Michael Becker of Brattleboro; two grandsons; and her brother, Roy Wilson of Lee, N.H. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be held Feb 13, at 11 a.m., at United Methodist Church in Springfield. Donations to the Edgar May Health and Recreation Center Scholarship Fund, 140 Clinton St., Springfield, VT 05156. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.