Births
• In Phoenix, Ariz, Dec. 12, 2017, a son, Joel Philip Ketchum, to Rachel (Darling) and Eli Ketchum of Buckeye, Ariz. Grandson of Judi Ketchum of Brattleboro and Roy and Sarah Darling of Greenfield, Mass.; great-grandson of Phil and Dottie Turner of Brattleboro, Charlie and Peg Ketchum of Melbourne, Fla., and Clare Hawes of Hadley, Mass.
Obituaries
• Norman J. Bergeron, 83, of West Chesterfield, N.H. Died Dec. 7 in Englewood, Fla. He was born on May 1, 1934, in Greenville, N.H., the oldest of six siblings. His mother, Regina Fortin-Bergeron, was from Wilton, N.H., and his father, Paul E. Bergeron, was from Kensey Falls, Quebec, Canada. He attended schools in Wilton, N.H. and Fitchburg, Mass. He was a resident of Hinsdale, N.H., from 1963 until this year, when he sold his business, and moved to West Chesterfield. He had been wintering in Rotonda West, Fla., since 2006. He served his country in the Navy during the Korean Conflict between 1951 to 1955 on active duty and was honorably discharged. He then served from 1955 to 1959 with the Naval Reserve. He was an amateur boxer in both featherweight and lightweight divisions in the Golden Gloves tournament between 1955 and 1957. He then moved to Florida for six years, where he married Joyce Estancy. They later divorced. He was the owner and operator of Norman's Auto Sales since 1963 and Norm's Marina since 1995 to 2017. He was well-known in the community and held memberships with the Masons, Shriners, Brattleboro Elks #1499, and American Legion Post 5, and was a life member of VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034, and the Brattleboro Eagles #2445. He was especially proud of his accomplishment of converting his salvage business into a marina. Norm loved his vegetable garden and fruit trees, which could be seen by boaters traveling the Connecticut River. He loved to give his vegetables away to his customers, friends, and family. He loved to ride his Harley, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a patient and loving father and a caring friend to many. He will be missed by all that knew him. He loved spending time in Florida with his soulmate and life partner of 36 years, Joan C. Nowill. He loved to fish with his sons in Vermont. He often said if he died today, he had done all he wanted to do, and he would have no regrets. He is survived by his sons, Greg P. Bergeron from West Chesterfield and Jay Bergeron of Manchester, N.H.; a brother, Raymond Bergeron from Fitchburg; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Paul and Robert Bergeron, Alice Erickson, and Pauline Boivin. Memorial information: Never one to view death sentimentally, he focused instead on the color offered by life's many experiences and the companionship of those he loved. This is how his family invites you to remember him. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at the Brattleboro Elks Club, 75 Putney Rd., on Sunday, Jan. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. All family and friends are invited. Donations to the Shiner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• David Julius Calicchio, 85, of Westminster West. Died Dec. 12. He was born in Cambridge, Mass., on Dec. 31, 1931, the third son of David Michael Calicchio and Mary Carmina Falco. He grew up on Keswick Street in Brookline, Mass., and was a proud graduate of Boston Latin School. He earned an A.B. degree in literature from Harvard University in 1954. During the Korean Conflict, he served in the Army in Alaska. He worked for Baldridge Reading Services before he started his own company, Putney West Reading. He taught at Windham College and at The Putney School, where he inspired many students as a teacher of literature and drama. In his youth, he was an amateur boxer and, throughout his life, an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan. He shared this love with of sports with Michael Rouleau and his with lifelong friend, John Irving. He read extensively, wrote plays and novels, and translated from Italian plays by Pirandello, Goldoni, and Ugo Betti, as well as Fernando Camon's novel, Memorial. He loved great literature, good food, and listening to opera. He was passionate about a plate of homemade pasta. He enjoyed playing a New York detective in Turn the River. His career as a playwright was honored in 2007 by the naming of the Emerging American Playwright Annual Award at the Marin Theatre Company. He leaves his wife of 55 years, Nancy Holmes Calicchio; his two daughters, Rafaela Calicchio of Putney and Gabriella Calicchio and her husband, Michael Janes, and his two grandchildren, Isabella and Elia Janes, of San Anselmo, Calif. He is also survived by his sister, Maria Candida Calicchio, of Cologne, Germany, his sister-in-law Claire Calicchio of Woodhaven, N.Y., and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Dante (and wife Irmgard) and Francis Calicchio. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, from 2 to 4 p.m., at his home in Westminster West.
• Allison Archie “Jack” Gleason Jr., 56, of Bellows Falls. Died Dec. 9, after a brave struggle with brain cancer. He was born on Feb. 28, 1961 in Keene, N.H., to Allison Archie Gleason, Sr. and Bertha Tonseth Gleason. He was a joyous man with a laugh that could light up a room, a fluffy mustache, and a story for every occasion. You could often find him wherever you could find a decent cup of coffee. He was a fixture in the community for his wisecracks and ability to fix anything. He worked many jobs in his time: Steamtown U.S.A., gas station employee, East Coast Steel, Jaxon MRI - his own company, general handyman, and industrial crane technician. Most prominently, he served proudly in the Navy. He leaves behind a loving family of two daughters, Jess Gleason of Boston, and Johannah Gleason-Clark with her husband, McKenzie Clark of Bellows Falls; his siblings Archie Gleason and his wife, Sheena Gleason, of Chester; Maggie Gleason and her husband, Eric Heinonen, of Pasadena, Md.; Kate Gleason and her husband, Glen Lawrence, of Keene; Julie Compagna and her husband, John, of Morrisville; and his partner Karen Neathawk of Bellows Falls. He was predeceased by both of his parents and his beloved cat of 21 years, Lickey Lee Gleason Jr. Memorial information: Calling hours were held at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls on Dec. 17. Donations to Monadnock Humane Society, 101 W Swanzey Rd, Swanzey, NH 03446.
• Rose Mary Lewis, 86, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 9 at her home following a lengthy illness. Born at home in the Bronx, N.Y., on Aug. 14, 1931, the daughter of Silvio Eduardo and Mary (Maria Antonietta Helena Camuto) Castelli, the family moved to Brooklyn, where Rose Mary graduated from St. Rose of Lima School and St. Brendan's High School. She later earned her Master's in early childhood education from St. Joseph's College in Brooklyn. She was hired as a teacher at St. David's School in New York City. There, she met her future husband, Edmund B. Lewis, of Birmingham, Ala. and Chapel Hill, N.C., who proposed to her two weeks after they met, telling her he immediately recognized that she would be their means of doing God's will for both their lives together. She accepted his proposal only a full year later and the couple were married on Oct. 20, 1956. They had six children, after which she began her doctoral studies and eventually received her Ph.D. in Education from New York University. She became professor of early childhood ducation at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, where she taught until her retirement in 2005. She was proud to be a social activist and helped to establish the busing program to integrate the elementary schools in Brooklyn during the late 1960s. A lifelong devout Catholic, she was a communicant of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro and was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, Ave Maria Circle #128. She was a faithful and devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life centered around her family. She enjoyed church and community activities, working with children, and was known for her expertise in Italian cooking. She is survived by her husband of 61 years; her six children, Christopher J. Lewis of South Londonderry, Edmund B. Lewis, Jr. of Mapleton, Ore., Jonathan X. Lewis of Longmont, Colo., Gregory S. Lewis of Berkeley, Calif., Dr. Maria F. Lewis of Davis, Calif., and Andrew D. Lewis of Los Angeles; her sister, Catherine Amante of Palmyra, Va.; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Paul Castelli. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Dec. 14 at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Committal rites and burial will be in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery in the springtime when the cemetery reopens. Donations to Brigid's Kitchen, in care of St. Michael's Catholic Church, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Loren Waterhouse Mills, 89, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 8 at Pine Heights Nursing Home, following a period of declining health. Born in Lancaster, N.H., on Aug. 31, 1928, the son of L. Glenn and Alberta (Waterhouse) Mills, he was raised and educated in Lancaster, graduating from Lancaster High School and Academy, Class of 1946. He went on to attend New England College, earning his B.A. in education in 1952. He enlisted in the Army in 1953, proudly serving his country. He was honorably discharged from active service in 1955, and then continued his education, completing his graduate studies at Plymouth State College. His first teaching assignment was at Groton (N.H.) High School where soon after he met his future wife, Janice Hatch, whom he married in Groton in 1959. He later taught math, science, and chemistry at Brattleboro Union High School and later Greenfield (Mass.) Middle School, from which he retired. He later went to work almost on a full-time basis for Mastaller Cleaning Service in Brattleboro. During his earlier years, he was employed by the Mount Washington Cog Railway. A man devoted in his faith, he was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Brattleboro where with his wife he was active in church functions throughout the years. In 1998, Loren, along with his wife, Janice, were recipients of the Harry Denman Evangelism Award. He was also a member of American Legion Post 5 and was instrumental in organizing funding to establish the Brattleboro Area Drop In Center. He was a devout NASCAR fan and attended many races at Talladega Speedway in Alabama. He also enjoyed watching spectator sports, especially professional wrestling. In recent years he enjoyed spending time at the Brattleboro Senior Center, being involved in church functions, and quality time shared with his family. He was a faithful and devoted husband, loving father and grandfather and a friend to many, well-known for his spirit of friendship and kindly personality. He was predeceased by his beloved wife in 2006 and by a grandson, Dana Loren Pratt, in 1998. Survivors include a daughter, Lori Cornellier of Brattleboro; two sons, Jay Mills of Hinsdale and Kevin Mills of Marlboro; and five grandchildren and several nieces, cousins, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Memorial information: A memorial service in celebration of his life was held Dec. 15 at First United Methodist Church. Burial in the family lot in Groton Village Cemetery will take place in the springtime when the cemetery reopens. Donations to First United Methodist Church, Town Crier Drive, Brattleboro, VT 05301. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Stephen Lee Pike, 91, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 9 at his home in West Lebanon, N.H., following a long period of illness. He was born Feb. 13, 1926 in Brattleboro, the son of Lee and Alice (Temple) Pike. During high school, he was employed in the press room at the Brattleboro Reformer, in addition to delivering newspapers in town. Upon graduation from Brattleboro High School in 1944, he joined the Navy, serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater aboard the USS Gherardi (DMS-30) and USS Knight (DMS -40). Upon release from active duty, he remained in the Naval Reserve as a member of Volunteer Composite Co. 1-27, Hanover, N.H., until its disestablishment, at which time he was transferred to the retired list. His civilian employment included serving as Chief of Medical Administration at the VA Hospital in White River Junction, and contracting officer for the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, N.H., until his retirement in 1981. Pike was one of the original members of CRREL's Gallery of Distinguished Employees and recipient of numerous other awards. He was an active communicate of Holy Redeemer Church in West Lebanon, N.H. He was a life member of the U.S. Naval Institute, the Retired Enlisted Association, Sampson WWII Veterans Inc., Veterans of Foreign Wars, Brattleboro Historical Society, and National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Plank owner of the U.S. Navy Memorial, Plank owner and life member of the Surface Navy association, a member of the Fleet Reserve Association and Navel Mine Warfare Association. In 1949, Pike was married to Celia Theresa Romano, a native of West Lebanon, and together they enjoyed traveling the United States, Canada, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Bermuda, Cuba, Jamaica, and the Hawaiian Islands. He maintained a lifelong interest in the Navy, compiling a written history of his World War II naval career at the request of the Navy Memorial team, and was an avid reader of nonfiction books. He is survived by a sister, Louise T. Pike, of Chevy Chase, Md., four cousins, a niece and three nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Celia, following 52 years of a happily married life. Memorial information: In accordance with his wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Donations to the US Navy Memorial Foundation, 701 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W. Suite 123, Washington, DC 20004.
• The Rev. Robert Hugh Reed, 88, of Townshend. Died Dec. 7. He was born Dec. 10, 1928 in Hudson, N.Y., the son of Robert Hugh Reed, Sr., and Paula Vivian Castellanos Reed. He was raised in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York City, and was active as a young person in the Presbyterian Church, serving in leadership roles. He graduated from Trinity Preparatory School, New York City in 1946, and the College of Wooster, Ohio, Phi Beta Kappa, in 1952. He volunteered at El Guacio Presbyterian Center in Puerto Rico and as Waterfront Director for the interracial camps at Forest Lake in Winchester, N.H. He graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in 1953, and was ordained to the Presbyterian Church. Rev. Reed served as Assistant Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian, Akron, Ohio, where he met his future bride. In 1954, he married Jane Wilson “Janie” Scott, and they honeymooned in Vermont. They moved to Long Branch, N.J. in 1955 to serve the First Presbyterian Church. While in Long Branch, Rev. Reed participated in the Presbyterian Preaching Mission in Cuba. In 1959, they became summer residents of Ames Hill in Marlboro. In 1961, Rev. Reed was called as organizing pastor of a new church development in Paramus, N.J. While in Paramus, he served as President of the Bergen County Council of Churches and led an Ecumenical Youth Team to Colombia, South America. In August 1963, he and Janie, with members of his church, participated in the March on Washington, and Rev. Reed participated in the March on Montgomery, Ala., in March 1965. In 1970, Reverend Reed became the Associate Synod Executive for the Presbyterian Church in Oregon. He was Acting Synod Executive and then Executive for the Presbytery of the Cascades in western Oregon, and was a trustee for Lewis and Clark College. In 1978, the family moved to Brattleboro, where he worked as a real estate agent with Martocci & Henry until retiring in 1982. In Brattleboro, he and Janie were active in community theatre. He was also active in the Democratic Party. He and Janie served with the Presbyterian Peacemaking Team in Haiti and Cuba in 1992 and Cuba in 2000. He was a trustee of the Ames Hill Marlboro Community Center Association since 1959. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jane Wilson Scott Reed; his daughter, Nan Elizabeth Reed Mann and grand-daughter Louisa; his daughter, Susan Jane Reed Rowell, her husband Robert, and grandchildren, Alison and Flint. Memorial information: A celebration of life service will be held at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro on Jan. 7, 2018, at 2 p.m. A private burial will be held at Kings Cemetery in Marlboro. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Clarence Robert Smith, 69, of Jamaica. Died Dec. 5. Born Aug. 1, 1948, in Springfield, Vt., to his parents Florence Mae and Chancy Smith, he grew up in Jamaica, a community he loved and called home throughout his life. It was often said that you could take Clarence out of Jamaica, but you could never take Jamaica out of Clarence. As an adult he worked a variety of jobs, including chopping wood, cleaning in a local restaurant, and general yard work. He was a hard worker and put great effort into everything he did. Those who came to know him could not help but be inspired by his determination, his kindness, and his devotion to all living things. He touched the hearts of many throughout Vermont. A passionate dog lover, he cared tenderly for his dogs throughout the years, including Raggy, Bandit, Rocky, and many others. Family was important to Clarence. He shared a close bond with his mother, Florence, and missed her deeply when unable to be with her. He will be deeply missed by all, including his mother, of Jamaica, sisters Shirley Smith, of Jamaica, Minnie Smith of White River Junction, Marion Holcomb of Peru, and brother Chancy Smith Jr., of Burlington. He was predeceased by his father. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held in Jamaica in the new year. All those who knew and were touched by Clarence are welcome to join in a celebration of his life.
• Stephen Steidle, 72, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 6, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Born on Jan. 21, 1945 in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Eleanor (Vermilyea) Steidle and Francis Xavier Steidle, he grew up in Waterville, Maine, and graduated from the University of Maine in Orono with a B.A. in Psychology and a M.B.A. His first employer after graduate school was Boise Cascade in St. Helens, Ore. Two years on the opposite coast of family and friends was too long and the Steidle family moved to Brattleboro in 1972. He continued with Boise Cascade, which eventually became FiberMark. He held various positions within the company for 30 years, retiring as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He left to pursue his own business, Meetinghouse Management, and retired in 2011. Always interested in the Brattleboro community, he served on served on several boards. He was on the Selectboard in the 2000s, briefly serving as its chair. He was a Representative Town Meeting member for six years and served as chair of the Town Finance Committee. He also served on the board of the Brattleboro Child Development Center, Community House, and the United Way Allocations Committee, and enjoyed being a member of the Brattleboro Sunrise Rotary. He was respected by many as someone who was intelligent, a good listener, fair-minded, and thoughtful. His sense of humor, his even temperament and his enjoyment of people will greatly be missed. He was a loving husband, a devoted and loving father and father-in-law, eagerly looked at pictures of his twin grandchildren and was thrilled to hold them. He leaves behind his wife of more than 50 years, Sharon Steidle, his son Craig, daughter-in-law Leigh, and his twin grandchildren, Jackson and Eleanor. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Linda, and brother-in-law Jim Hallee. He will be missed so very much by his family and many good friends. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 15 at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro. Donations to the Thompson House Nursing Home Activities Fund, Attn: Dane Rank, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.