Obituaries
• Elizabeth "Beth" Brassel, 59, of Lowell, Massachusetts. Died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on July 28, 2023. Beth lived every day of her life to the fullest, and never took for granted the time she had in this world. The daughter of Barbara J. (Lynch) Brassel and Dr. Roger W. Brassel, Beth was born in Montreal, and grew up in Queensbury, New York. She attended Saint Michael's College, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in philosophy. She later received a master's degree from SUNY-Buffalo in American studies and a master's degree in library science from Simmons College. While at SUNY, Beth was one of the editors for the inaugural issue of the journal Circles: Buffalo Women's Journal of Law and Society, later renamed Buffalo Journal of Gender, Law and Society. Throughout her life, Beth enjoyed running, skiing, swimming, hiking, backpacking, and spending time in the mountains in Alaska, Montana, Western Massachusetts, and upstate New York. After receiving her undergraduate degree in 1986, Beth joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and worked with the community on a Native American reservation in Kalispell, Montana. In the late 1980s and much of the 1990s, she lived in western Massachusetts where she became part of a group of friends who would cook, hike, travel, and garden together, and celebrate "anything, anytime" as one friend put it, birthdays and heartbreaks alike. Dogs and time in nature were always part of the equation. Many of these friends remained close for the rest of her life. It was through one of them that Beth met Tatiana Schreiber of Westminster West in 2004, and they remained long-time, long-distance companions for the next 19 years. Beth was the consummate librarian, working first at Northeastern University and the Bedford Public Library and then for 18 years at the Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell, always dedicated to ensuring access to whatever information patrons needed. As the Young Adult librarian, Beth developed a number of programs supporting youth in reading, writing, and creativity, including lively Dungeons and Dragons and interactive fiction groups, and just plain fun activities such as the "Totally Twisted Team Tongue Twister Tournament." After moving to Lowell, Beth took up rowing, reveling in her time on the water and the friendship of her rowing buddies. She enjoyed reading in all genres, and loved language, a passion she shared with her mother, a trained linguist. She was also interested in the history of gay and lesbian communities in Lowell; one project that meant a great deal to her was conducting interviews and documenting the lives of patrons of gay bars who were under police surveillance in the 1960s. She attended the 1993 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights and protested anti-gay legislation in Massachusetts and nationally. She valued justice, especially with respect to those marginalized in our society, and had an abiding interest in constitutional issues and the deliberations of the Supreme Court. Due to a childhood cancer, Beth coped with gradual vision loss. In 2017, she began a partnership with her intrepid and devoted guide dog, Leila. Beth continued to work as a librarian full-time (including after another cancer diagnosis in 2021) and became an advocate for accessibility in her community. For several years, she served as Chair of the Lowell Commission on Disability. Beth was kind, generous, and empathic, qualities revealed by the many people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences whom she befriended over her life. She also had a sharp sense of humor that brought joy to her friends, family, and especially the young people she worked with at the library. In addition to her parents, Beth was predeceased by her older brother Tom, and is survived by her partner, Tatiana; a sister, Kate Brassel; close friends whom she considered family Debbie (Burt) Ames and Josephine Power; a posse of other close friends who came together to help provide care; sister-in-law, Suzanne Brassel; many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins in the Brassel and Lynch families; and countless beloved friends made and cherished throughout her life. Memorial information: Donations in Beth's memory may be sent to Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuro-oncology Innovation Fund, 125 Nashua St., Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114; the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association-Young Parents Program, 465 School St., Lowell, MA 01851; or to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.
• Christopher "Chris" Coburn, 57, of Athens. Died, with his beloved "grand-dog" Cash by his side, on Sept. 1, 2023. Born on April 4, 1966, Chris was the kind of man you'd meet and instantly love. He had a way with animals that absolutely no one understood. He enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors, especially hunting in the woods of the Northeast Kingdom. He was a jack of all trades and was always there to give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Chris was just shy of reaching 30 years of employment at Temple Plumbing & Heating in Putney. Above all, his three children were his pride and joy. Chris is survived by his mother, Gail Coburn; sister Deb (John) Davey; daughters Kayla Coburn and Kori Coburn (Eric Laurendeau); son Colton Coburn; stepchildren Kori (Alex) Jameson, Erelyn Griffin, and Sean Griffin; grandson to-be Griffin Jameson; grand dogs Cash, Bane, Harper, and Jasper; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nephews. Chris was predeceased by his father, David Coburn. Memorial information: A celebration of life willbe held at a later date and burial will be private in Houghtonville Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Coburn Memorial Fund at any branch of 802 Credit Union.
• Kenneth Joseph Craig, 48, of Brattleboro. Died on Aug. 30, 2023. He was born at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital on Jan. 4, 1975, to his loving mother, Kennethea Ann Craig. A true Capricorn, Kenneth was loyal to those he loved. He had a dynamic personality with a rather unique balance of confidence and humility. Kenneth was a native Abenaki and was quite proud of it. His mother instilled core Native values early and they stuck. As a family, they would frequent the festivities in Swanton and enjoy the museum at the council building. It is there he learned that in Native culture it is believed that the spirit lives on. In his early years, he was a great student and an excellent big brother to Jeremy. They spent many days on adventures together doing what boys do and bringing treasured trinkets back to their mom. Only two years apart, Kenny always protected Jeremy. Kenny later graduated from Winooski High School and then set off to travel to Alaska for a while before returning to Vermont where he became a father. As a father, Kenny was devoted to what he called his greatest accomplishment, his son. Anyone who spoke with Kenny would soon hear about Jaymz. As an artist, any canvas was open to Kenneth's expressions: paper, actual canvas, walls... There was no limit to where he would show his talent. As a musician, he played any instrument of music beautifully and with ease. Both of these loves he passed on through Jaymz. Kenneth's love for music can be heard throughout all of Jaymz's recordings. His love of the arts will live on in so many ways, as many friends have a piece of Kenny's heart in a drawing or doodle he's done or trinket he gave. Kenny is survived by his only son, Jaymz Richard Zimmerman-Craig of Brattleboro; his brother, Jeremy Craig and his children; his aunts, Tammie and Ila; his uncle, Kenneth "Buggy" St. Francis, Jr.; and many cousins, as well as very special people Kenneth kept as family throughout his life - his son's friends, whom he cherished as his own, Devin, Marco, and Walter. Additionally, he leaves the mother of his son, Kara Zimmerman, and her children, Jaymz's siblings, Kaleb, Kamron, and Cadence. Kenneth was predeceased by his grandparents, Ila and Kenneth St. Francis, Sr.; his mother, Kennethea Ann Craig, and her wife, Nancy Comeau; many aunts and uncles, as well as a beloved friend of the family, Trevor Quest. Memorial information: A private burial will take place where he will be laid to eternal rest in the family plot with his mother at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. A public celebration of life for both Kenneth and his mother, Kennethea, will occur at a time and location to be determined and announced by the family. Donations to The Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, 100 Grand Ave., Swanton, VT 05488 (abenakination.com/donations/1395), where they can use the funds for programs in the arts, music and feeding the community; all passions of Kenneth's. To express condolences to Kenneth's family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Margaret Dowley, née Plumley, 60, died peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on Aug. 2, 2023 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. In the short weeks before her death, she had many visits and celebrations with family and friends. In that short span, they took the time to celebrate her favorite holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. In Margaret's lifetime, she was a devoted and loving wife, daughter, mother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Margaret was born on Sept. 26, 1962 to Marie Plumley, née Beam, in Townshend. The oldest of four siblings, she grew up in Brattleboro and later moved with her family to Newfane. She attended Brattleboro Union High School and Leland & Gray Union High School, and briefly spent a short time in the Army before being medically discharged. Margaret was the definition of a hard worker, wearing many different hats, and she had a genuine love for helping others. Throughout her teens and twenties, she worked at various places in Southern Vermont while also taking college courses. Eventually, she began working in the kitchen at Grace Cottage Hospital. She loved the relationships she formed with patients and co-workers, and continued there for 20 years. Afterwards, she drove a taxi for Adventure Taxi, and later was a bus driver for the Windham Central school district and an assistant cook at Leland & Gray. Again, she truly enjoyed the connections she made, and especially loved the time she spent with the students she transported. Margaret had a dedication to her family that is best remembered through the memories and in the hearts of her two children, Desiree and Patrick, and her mother, Marie. She was a hardworking single parent who always put her children's needs above her own. While she never received a degree, her children will always recognize all of the many jobs she personified daily: nurse, teacher, referee, chef, therapist, accountant, and wonder woman. The most important lesson her children learned from her was that it's okay to not be perfect, and what matters most is to be happy and healthy, and that what others think of you doesn't matter. A favorite motto that she would often tell her children was, "If they don't like me now, they wouldn't like me if I were (insert adjective): skinnier, prettier, richer…" Fifteen years ago, Margaret reunited with a previous love, Richard "Rich" Dowley. After their reunion, they were married by Rich's mother at his childhood home. Rich and Margaret enjoyed traveling and, shortly after their wedding, they went to Vieques, Puerto Rico with Margaret's daughter Desiree, and family friend Heather Coleman. Margaret fell in love with Vieques, and a few years later, returned for a "girls trip" with Desiree. Margaret always said that those trips were two of her favorite memories and she always wanted to return. Margaret requested that some of her ashes be scattered in Vieques, Puerto Rico. Margaret was a kind, caring, and giving person, full of love and warmth. She faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. She had a great sense of humor and, even in the last two weeks of her life, she was able to tease and have a laugh with both her family and the kind and caring staff at Grace Cottage. She leaves behind her husband, Richard Dowley; her mother, Marie Plumley; her two children, Desiree Plumley and Patrick Devens, Jr.; her sister, Deborah Plumley (John Vachon); her brother, Todd Plumley (Mary Mcginnis Dezess); a niece, Jessica Plumley; and nephews Justin Plumley, Joseph Vachon, and Nicholas Vachon. She was predeceased by three infant children, Christopher, Nicholas, and Alasia; and her brother, James Plumley. Memorial information: A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, Oct. 1, from noon to 3 p.m., at the NewBrook Fire Station in Newfane. Donations to Grace Cottage Foundation, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353, or the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Peter R. Duggan, 70, of Brattleboro. Died on Aug. 9, 2023. Born in Chittenden on Oct. 7, 1952 to Bernice (Feeley) and Raymond Duggan, Peter grew up in Vermont, with most of his years spent in Brattleboro, graduating from high school there. He entered the University of Vermont on an art scholarship, graduated with a B.S. in biology, then spent his career as a master electrician, first working for Tyler Electric, then at Landmark College for many years. A bit of a "Jack of All Trades," Peter could be counted on to help whenever he was needed. He loved adventure and travel in his younger days, hitchhiking across the country with a friend and his brother and later taking a tour of the Egyptian pyramids. An avid reader, Peter had a wide range of interests from spiritual development to politics to humor. Always active, Peter loved to ice skate and play hockey and took up martial arts. Music was a staple in his life and, in his 30s, Peter took up ballroom dance, a passion that never waned. He was active on the "dance scene" until his illness prevented him from attending during his last year of life. Peter leaves his friend and caretaker, Laura Winter of Wilmington; sparring buddy and devoted friend, Doug Richmond of Vernon; those he had connections with through dance and Landmark College; sisters Deb Kent and Jackie McElroy, whom he thought of often, and their families; niece Hilary Duggan and nephew Evan Duggan, whom he kept close in his heart, and their children. Peter was predeceased by his brother Edward "Chuck" Duggan, Chuck's wife Linda, and by his parents. Memorial information: There are no services, as Peter would have preferred that we all take time to dance and enjoy a good song.
• Mark Robert Heywood, 43, of Millinocket, Maine, formerly of East Dummerston. Died June 24, 2023 after a nearly year-long battle against an aggressive form of tongue cancer. He fought hard to conquer his illness, and lived twice as long as his doctors predicted. Supporting him all the way was his beloved soulmate and longtime companion, Sara Brown. Last summer, just before his diagnosis, he climbed Mt. Katahdin twice and, this winter, started his vegetable plants in anticipation of his summer garden. He spent what would be his last spring enjoying long walks down the driveway, sitting on the deck in the sunshine, and watching the birds at the feeder. Mark was born in Rutland on Oct. 22, 1979 and was adopted by Greg and Carolyn Heywood. He grew up in East Dummerston and graduated with honors from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1998. Mark was an excellent athlete throughout his school years in basketball, baseball, soccer, and track. He also displayed outstanding abilities in art and especially loved to sketch in the manner of his favorite artist, Edward Gorey. His art skills led him to the Maine School of Art in Portland and, after college, he remained in Maine and worked in a screen print shop until the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to close. At that time, Mark and Sara moved to Millinocket, where they worked hard to turn their camp into year-round housing. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service until his illness. Mark was much loved, appreciated, and supported as a valuable team member at any job he had ever held. He was hardworking, yet was quiet and easy-going and ready to offer help to anyone who needed it. He loved animals, nature, and being outdoors. He also enjoyed cooking, especially for friends, and loved to tend his vegetable garden. He was looking forward to and deserved many more good years, but God had other plans. All who knew him will always remember Mark and will miss him. In addition to his adoptive parents, Mark is survived by Sara and her daughter, Olivia Mitchell; a sister, Bethany Heywood (Bob) of Swanzey, New Hampshire; and several aunts and uncles. Memorial information: No services are planned. Instead, in Mark's memory, gift someone with an unexpected act of kindness.
• Oliver William Hutchison, 21, of Brattleboro and Westminster West. Died unexpectedly on Aug. 30, 2023. The beloved son of Lucy Burdo Hutchison and Charlie Hutchison, he was born on June 12, 2002 in Boston, and grew up in Jamaica Plain and Lexington, Massachusetts, before moving to Vermont in his early teens. He attended elementary school in Lexington and Sudbury Valley School in Framingham, Massachusetts, followed by Compass School in Westminster and, briefly, Brattleboro Union High School. He made good friends in all of these places. In 2018, Oliver became sick from the combination of Lyme and black mold poisoning. Over the next five years, he spent much of his time bedridden. He fought tenaciously for his health, researching and implementing every Western and complementary modality he and his parents could find. Oliver was a talented musician who played piano and guitar, composed his own songs, and loved to sing. He was inspired by the guitar skills of John Mayer. While at BUHS, he enjoyed chorus, Madrigals, and sang with the Shoulder Narrows a cappella group. With his innate curiosity, he quickly deciphered how to access the secret cash drawer at the old general store at his Westminster West home and on his own initiative, later converted his road bicycle into an electric one, even while he was sick. Oliver was intensely engaged with science and math and was an all around athlete from the moment he could crawl. He especially loved hockey, as well as hip hop dancing, basketball and baseball (pitcher), as well as karate and yoga. Oliver's innate love and empathy for humanity and for all those he encountered was enormous. He wanted all to be free from suffering. To that end, he was passionate about social justice, and was especially interested in inventing innovative technologies to create healthy green buildings with clean air so others need not suffer the harmful effects of mold contamination. He was a healer by nature, and learned many naturopathic healing modalities which he implemented for his own healthcare. He held an enormous love and compassion for animals, and always advocated for them. Oliver was a bright light and huge heart to all who knew him in his brief time with us. In addition to his parents, Oliver is survived by his loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 2 p.m., at Dummerston Congregational Church, followed by a reception and celebration of his life with food and singing across the street at the Evening Star Grange. A private burial will be held at a future date. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society.
• Kenneth Otis "Ken" Kingsbury, 64, of Brookline. Died unexpectedly on Aug. 31, 2023 at his home. Ken was born at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend on Jan. 28, 1959, the son of Durwood and Mildred Mae (Rawson) Kingsbury. A lifelong resident of the West River Valley, he attended local schools and was a graduate of Leland & Gray Union High School, Class of 1977. Following graduation, he proudly served in the Army. Ken had been employed as a chef working at Stratton Mountain Resort, at several seafood restaurants in Maine, and at the former Rick's Tavern in Newfane. He was a gifted auto mechanic and tinkered on cars on a part-time basis. Ken enjoyed music, travel, day trips to the coast of Maine, spending time with his family, and he especially loved his dogs. On July 4, 1987, at the Chapel in Stratton, he was married to Lora Valard who predeceased him on April 24, 2014. Survivors include his father, of Chesterfield, New Hampshire; two daughters, Amanda Valard and Deanna Case and her husband, Mitchell, Additionally, he leaves many nieces, nephews and several cousins. He was predeceased by He was predeceased by his mother, Mildred Mae Devens; his stepfather, Raymond Devens; and brothers Everett and Charlie
Kingsbury and Thomas Devens. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held at a future date and time. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Michael Paul Reffi, 63, of Brattleboro. Died Aug. 31, 2023 at home, surrounded by Mary, the love of his life, and his family, after a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer's. He was born on May 3, 1960 in Greenfield, Massachusetts to Paul and Regina (Klepadlo) Reffi. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, beginning at St. Michael's School. He graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1978. Michael was athletic and involved in sports, playing Little League and candlepin bowling and starring on BUHS's basketball and football teams. He was selected to play on the Vermont Shrine Bowl football team in 1978. Michael was a "pool shark," playing in many local leagues. He also enjoyed miniature golf, playing darts, and taking long walks, racking up many miles. His favorite teams included the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, as well as the Patriots and Red Sox. Michael was an avid baseball card collector with thousands of cards acquired over his life. As a young boy he delivered the Brattleboro Reformer and won a trip to Orlando, which started his love of travel. After graduation, he moved to Hawaii for a few years and then returned to his hometown. Michael and Mary spent many vacations in Atlantic City and Orlando where they bought a timeshare condo and brought family down to enjoy time together. "Ref," as he was known by many, had a weightlifter's body. With his long hair, beard, and leather vest, friends will remember his years of being a barroom bouncer at Ransom Hastings and Mort's Roadhouse. His past employers include C&S Wholesale Grocers, Finnell Roofing, Brattleboro Roofing, LaRock & Sons, and Manning & Sons paving. In summers, you could see Michael in the Curtis' BBQ bus working alongside Mary, Christine, and Curtis. His love of driving landed him a courier position for Vermont National Bank, where he logged thousands of miles. Other fond memories include his pet raccoon which would ride on his shoulder through town on his 10-speed bike. Michael was also a Boy Scout and enjoyed earning many badges and camping on the trails in the winter with his father. On Aug. 20, 2023, surrounded by family, Michael and Mary Draper were married in a spiritual ceremony. They have loved each other for over 25 years (though Mike was secretly admiring Mary for many years before), always making sure the other was happy, cared for and protected. Their love has always been so strong and in these final days for Michael everyone could feel the true love they shared. They danced many dances together until Michael could no longer dance. Michael may have had a tough exterior but he had the biggest caring heart for those he loved. He devoted his time to helping to care for parents and family. Grampa Mike taught the grandkids and great-grandkids to swim, spending many hours at the pool and enjoying time with each child. He showed the kids how he could bring ants back to life and fish would swim up and eat out of his hand. He also enjoyed Halloween and dressing up to scare the kids. He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, David Reffi; in-laws, Secel and Lorraine Goulas, Donna McDurfee, and Curtis Tuff; as well as many aunts, uncles, grand nieces and nephews. Survivors include his loving wife, Mary; brother Mark (Jennifer) Reffi; sisters Cynthia (Steve) Reffi-Bean and Deborah (Bruce) Lemnah; daughters, Cynthia (Steve) Boothby and Sheri Reil; niece, Michelle (Andrew) Reffi-Commo; nephews, Rex (Emma) Sheldon, IV and David (Alicia) Reffi; granddaughters, Courtney (Nate) Cretelle, Meghan (Tim) Zinn, and Olivia (Anthony) Reil; and several great-grandchildren, great-nieces and nephews and cousins. Memorial information: A celebration of Michael's life will be held Sunday, Oct. 15 at noon at the VFW on Black Mountain Road in Brattleboro. Memorial donations may be sent to Bayada Hospice, 1222 Putney Rd., Suite 107, Brattleboro, VT 05301; or Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of VT/NH, 88 Prospect St., White River Jct., VT 05001.
• Jacob Michael "Jake" Topping, 26, of Brookline. Died on Sept. 1, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, from injuries sustained in an Aug. 27 accident while doing what he loved - riding his Harley. Jake was born Oct. 1, 1996 at Concord Hospital in New Hampshire. He is survived by his mother, Julie Lowe, and stepfather, Chris Lowe, of Jamaica; his father, Jaye Topping and his significant other, Heather Pierce, of Dummerston; sisters Abigail and Kristen Lowe of Jamaica; brother Evan Topping of Dummerston; grandparents Penny and Larry Wilkens of Hillsboro, New Hampshire, Sheila Lowe of Jamaica, and Heidi Topping of Peterborough, New Hampshire; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is predeceased by his Gramps, Reg Lowe, and Aunt Tam. A 2015 graduate of Leland & Gray Union High School, Jake lived his life to the fullest. He was wild and daring, and there was no changing that. He loved souped-up vehicles, heavy equipment, snowmobiles, and anything that flies, but his greatest passion was anything on two wheels, which he was usually on one. He liked boating, fishing, mini biking with his brother, shooting guns, and swapping funny videos and texts with his sisters, but always watching out for them. He was the cool big brother every kid wants, but only the lucky ones get, even if only for a short time. Jake was proud that he flew helicopters and was a natural when behind any controls. He also had an affection for cats; his favorite was Whiskers (a.k.a. MuseMuse), which he taught many tricks. Jake loved spending time with his circle of friends riding and tinkering on anything involving a motor and "drinking beer with the boys," but he was also the type of guy that could always enjoy a "mommy drink" with his mom and sister. Jake was just an all-around fun person to spend time with. His previous employment included Hunter Excavating, WM Enterprises, Southern Vermont Sprinkler, and Lowes Real Estate. His last job was where he always wanted to be, running heavy equipment for his father at Advanced Harvesting. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, Oct. 1, Jake's 27th birthday, at noon. Family and friends will celebrate all the memories and fun stories of the great life he lived and they will give Jake his last ride from his home in Brookline to The Lowe Family Field (764 South Hill Rd. in Jamaica). If you'd like to join in on that, bring a ride you think Jake would like. They'll be departing his home in Brookline at 11:30 a.m. Donations to Rescue Inc., Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, where he received the best care we could've asked for, or the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care. To express condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Douglas J. "Woody" Wood, 77, of Guilford. Died at home with his daughter by his side on Aug. 31, 2023, following a short period of illness. Born in Brattleboro on July 30, 1946, the second son of Joseph E. Wood and Evelyn Emma Howe, he was a descendent of Col. John Sargent, who was born Dec. 4, 1732, at Fort Dummer and, so far as is known, was the first non-native child born within the present borders of the state of Vermont. Woody's lifelong career was in auto mechanics. He started at a young age with his younger brother Bob, working on bicycles. From there, they moved on to cars. Woody's Auto & Truck Repair opened at its location off Bridge Street in 1978, where he shared a six-bay garage with Bob's Service Center. They served the public from that location for almost 30 years. Doug was an avid collector of antique gas engines and classic cars. He amassed many friends while enjoying his hobbies, gathering at engine shows or traveling around the U.S. and beyond. He is survived by his daughter, Amy Beth (Daemon), and their three daughters Emma, Hanna, and Alyssa, with whom he resided for the last four years; his bonus children: Billy Franklin, Melissa (Mike) Bronson, Missy (Jim Charuhas) Snow, PJ (Cheryl) Snow, and their families, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Robert (June) Wood, sister Linda Wood, and brother Steve (Michele) Wood, sister-in-law Iva Wood, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, older brother Joseph E. Wood, and brother-in-law Jim Dunleavy. Memorial information: A graveside service took place at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery on Sept. 9.
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