Obituaries
• Gary Roger Crowley, 86, of Guilford. Died at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital on Aug. 23, 2025, following a period of declining health. Gary was born in Hornell, New York, on July 5, 1939, the son of Harry and Luella (Knapp) Crowley. He was raised and educated in Hornell, graduating from Hornell High School with the Class of 1957. Gary proudly served his country in the Army and was honorably discharged following his active service. He then went on to attend State University of New York at Geneseo where he received his master's degree in education. Gary taught ninth-grade science at Iroquois High School, from which he retired from following many dedicated years at the school. He later moved to Vermont to make his home with his son and daughter-in-law. Gary enjoyed golfing and excelled in sports, especially basketball, while in high school. He cherished time spent with his family. He is survived by his three children: a son, Michael, and wife, Vickie, of Guilford; two daughters, Elizabeth Wakeman and husband, Douglas, of Minnesota and Amy Crowley of Syracuse, New York - five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Richard and Donald Crowley, and a sister, Marilyn Day. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no services planned. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Richard A. Gay, 91, of Westminster. Died at his home on August 11, 2025. Richard was born in Randolph to Robert and Marguerite (Harrington) Gay on June 10, 1934. He graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1953 and served his country in the Air Force. Memorial information: A graveside service will take place on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Cemetery on Drewsville Road in Walpole, New Hampshire.
• Mary Elizabeth Susan (Garry) Giamartino, 69, of Newfane. Died unexpectedly at her home on Aug. 22, 2025. Mary was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1955, the eldest daughter of Eugene Benedict Garry and Elizabeth Susan Doonan (Garry, Parsons). She lived in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn and attended the Holy Cross Academy in Manhattan on scholarship. After graduating from Milford High School as the Valedictorian, she continued her academic journey at Union's Albany School of Pharmacy. She received a full scholarship, graduated with high honors, was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society and was selected as one of five students nationally for a prestigious internship at Hoffman La Roche. Mary was accepted to Dartmouth Medical School, however, she opted to settle in Brattleboro and start a business in 1982, The Hotel Pharmacy, with her husband Frank Giamartino. She served as the chief pharmacist at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for several years and then helped run the business while raising their sons. She was a NYC girl who embraced Vermont and the communities of Brattleboro and Newfane as her home for more than 40 years. She created a life filled with music, laughter, food, family, and friends - complete with a woodstove in the kitchen, a rock wall and butcher block - all early DIY projects. Her home in Newfane was a neighborhood hub for sledding in the winter, swimming in the summer, and get-togethers all the time. She started a garden, took her children berry picking, learned how to make pies and enjoyed cross-country skiing, cycling, swimming, and dancing. She was unstoppable on the dance floor, from classic waltz to disco. Mary and her family loved baseball from local Little League to their favorite team, the New York Mets. Mary was an incredible host for her family and friends near and far. She loved organizing holiday gatherings, parties, dinners and events, cooking and baking. There was always another seat at the table or space to stay. She enjoyed traveling with her family to historical sites and baseball games in the U.S., exploring Italy together and visiting family in Puerto Rico. She always showed up near and far to celebrate a wedding, birthday, graduation, or major life event. She was incredibly generous, supportive, engaging, funny, fierce, high energy, outgoing, and direct. She was an intense champion for those she loved, went all-in to help out, and drove all over New England to attend her sons' soccer and baseball games with snacks for everyone. She was a devoted mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend who was there for people when they needed support. David Brown shared the last decade of life with Mary. It was full of travel - Prague, Dublin, Budapest, Vienna, Istanbul, Sicily, Iceland, and local spots in New England, and books, discovering new restaurants, reading The New York Times and trying out recipes, and visiting friends and family. This was a time of love, peace, and calm after enduring devastating loss. She was predeceased by her husband, Francis Gerard Anthony "Frank" Giamartino, and their son, Nicholas James Eugene Giamartino. She is survived by her son, Vincent Garry Patrick Giamartino, his wife Emma and her granddaughters, Francesca and Eva; her partner, David Brown; her mother, Elizabeth Garry Parsons; brothers Eugene Garry and his wife Ruth, and Francis Garry and his wife Donna; sister Monica Garry and her husband Matteo; and nieces and nephews Shannon, Caitlin, Brennen, Garrett, August, Matthew, Suzy, Alexandra, Juliet Tina, Jacob, Lorenzo, Sofia, and many dear relatives. Memorial information: Friends and family may call at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro on Friday, Sept. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. A service will be conducted Saturday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m. at the Lowey Center at the School for International Training in Brattleboro, followed by a reception at The Marina. Donations to The Nicholas Giamartino Scholarship Fund, in care of WSESU, 53 Green St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, Attn: Jean Gilbert. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• James Lincoln Gordon, 65, died peacefully Aug. 1, 2025, after a valiant struggle with multiple sclerosis (MS). Jimmy was born to Marion (Cohen) Gordon and Efrem Gordon in Springfield, Massachusetts, on March 3, 1960, and was raised in Alexandria, Virginia. Jimmy is survived by his longtime companion, Susan Quinn; her daughter and son-in-law, Tara and Michael Shore; and their boys who called him "Papa," Garrett and Tanner Shore. He was also the cherished brother of Lisa Gordon, Josh Gordon, and Lewis Gordon and his wife, Robin. He is also survived by nephews Ethan and Spencer Gordon and Jesse and Austin Dabbs; and his Uncle Bernard and his wife Sophia Gordon. Jimmy started playing the harmonica at age 4. As years went on, he learned to play the guitar and several other instruments. Jimmy had become so talented from the love that he had poured into his passion for his music that, by age 15, Jimmy was performing with music legends such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Bonnie Raitt. His dedication to pursuing music continued and he moved to Boston where he attended Berklee College of Music and Emerson College. In later years, Jimmy was drawn to Vermont to pursue his studies at Marlboro College. He then settled in southern Vermont living in Brattleboro, Vernon, and Bellows Falls. Jimmy continued a lifelong journey embracing all aspects of music and entertaining, He immersed himself in the local music scene, playing with several local musicians and bands. He performed across the country on stages far and wide, including the Washington Mall with Bonnie Raitt and Carnegie Hall with J.J. Cale. He also wrote many songs and later recorded some of them on his own album, Come on Over, which was released in 1997. His second CD, MS Blows, was released in 2009 as a compilation of 14 world-class harmonica players that each contributed tracks, at Jimmy's invitation, in an effort to raise money for MS charitable organizations. His track "Pocketful O' Soul," his homage to the harmonica, is recorded there. As a member of the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of Harmonicas (SPAH) Jimmy was one of the few craftsmen in the country who customized and rebuilt harmonicas for professional players. He was invited to team up with Master Harmonica Technicians Joe Filisko and Richard Sleigh to learn their unique techniques of the Filisko Method Harmonicas. Jimmy was widely recognized for his sharp wit, exceptional musical talents, and immense generosity. He enjoyed meeting new people, always eager to create new friendships. Jimmy treasured those connections always, some of his dearest friends being those from college days in Vermont. His laughter was contagious, ringing out with a warmth that seemed to brighten even the dullest days. In his childhood, Jimmy could effortlessly draw laughter from his siblings with his playful antics and clever jokes, showcasing a gift for humor that endeared him to everyone around him. Memorial information: A remembrance celebration will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or donations, consider supporting local musicians by attending their shows or purchasing their music. Your support will not only celebrate Jimmy's memory but also uplift the vibrant artistic community around us.
• Alton W. King, 84, of Putney. Died peacefully on Aug. 19, 2025. A loving father, and cherished brother, uncle and friend, he was born on Feb. 25, 1941, in Westminster, the son of Ronald and Martha King. He served in the Navy from 1960 t0 1964 and worked as a builder in the area for decades, and was known for his work ethic and commitment to quality. Alton instilled in his children the values of kindness, integrity, hard work and the importance of family. Alton had a passion for building and gardening and was a lifetime Boston Red Sox fan. He found great joy in fishing, hunting, and spending time with family and friends. Known for his warm smile, dry sense of humor and kindness, Alton touched the lives of all he encountered. His legacy of love will live on through the memories of his family and friends. He is survived by his daughters, Denise Carlton (Dr. Adam Carlton) of Liberty Hill, Texas, and Tammy Scott (Brent Wainscott) of Tryon, North Carolina; grandchildren Ben Carlton, Caroline Christensen, Elisabeth Carlton, Olivia Carlton, Caleb Scott, Autumn King and Lauren King; sisters Dolores (Reg) Sylvester, Cheryl Aplin, and Frances Brochu; multiple nieces and nephews; dear friend Carolyn Holt, and ex-wife, Donna (Martin) King, mother of his children. He was predeceased by sons Brian W. King and Timothy S. King. Memorial information: A committal service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.
• Monica Mae Morris (Hutchins), 75, died peacefully with her loving daughter by her side on Aug. 17, 2025, at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, New Hampshire. Born in Burlington on Jan. 31, 1950, Monica lived a life rooted in love for her family and a deep sense of connection to those around her. She was the daughter of the late Helen M. and Owen Hutchins Sr. She grew up in a large and lively household as one of nine siblings - four sisters and five brothers - a dynamic that shaped her warm spirit and enduring devotion to family. Known affectionately as the "fun aunt," Monica had a remarkable memory for birthdays and never missed an opportunity to celebrate her loved ones. Her sentimental nature and joyful presence left lasting impressions on all who knew her. She spent much of her professional life working at Silver Forest of Vermont, where she brought dedication and care to her work. Her commitment extended beyond the workplace into every aspect of her life, especially when it came to those she held dear. Monica married the love of her life, Ronald "Peanut" Morris, on July 10, 1993. Monica was preceded in death by her beloved husband; brothers Glen Hutchins and Raymond Hutchins; and sisters Virginia Howard, Brenda Hatt, and Nancy Farrell. She is survived by her loving daughter, Ronda Morris; granddaughter Hannah Sheldrick of North Carolina; grandson Alex Sheldrick of Middlebury; brothers Jack Hutchins of Newfane, Daniel Hutchins of Brattleboro, and Owen Hutchins Jr. of Vernon; sister Elaine Greenwood of Brattleboro; as well as many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Monica's legacy lives on through the laughter she shared, the memories she helped create, and the unwavering love she gave so freely. Memorial information: A funeral service was held on Aug. 29 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, followed by burial in New Westminster Cemetery.
• Kenneth C. Lemire, 91, of Townshend. Died at his home on Aug. 19, 2025. Ken, the son of Clarence and Beatrice Lemire, was born in Willimantic, Connecticut, on Dec. 28, 1933. After finishing school, Ken joined the Navy and served on the USS Orion as an electrician for five years. On July 2, 1955, Ken and Eleanor (Ellie) were married. Upon discharge from the Navy, he began employment with Connecticut Light and Power Company as a lineman. He absolutely loved his job and was an excellent lineman. In 1981, Ken and Ellie bought their property in Townshend. For the next 10 years, they gradually rebuilt and added on to the original camp. Ken worked tirelessly finishing the home, had electricity added and a well dug, built walls, made winding stone paths, built a garden house, and did extensive landscaping. Always an ardent gardener, Ken, along with Ellie, planned and planted many perennial gardens. Ken and Ellie moved to their beloved Vermont place in 1991 to live there full time. Ken worked for a time for a local carpenter and gained much building knowledge. He always loved going to Patsy and Polly's store for morning coffee, a place where he made some wonderful friendships. Ken had great artistic abilities and made and painted Christmas ornaments, bird houses, signs, and seasonal decorations. There was almost nothing that Ken could not fix. Ken was a loving and devoted husband and father. He spent much time with his children having fun and teaching them important values in life. He coached after school baseball during the elementary school years and also assisted various scout leaders. Weekends were devoted to total family time. Camping was one of the favorite pastimes and the family camped far and wide. Ken enjoyed hunting, fishing, the Boston Red Sox, UConn women's basketball, and being with family and friends. He had a huge sense of humor and would brighten up a room. He was helpful to anyone who needed it. He will be missed by so many but will live in our hearts forever. Ken leaves behind his wife, Eleanor; brother Clayton Lemire; daughters Susan A. Raiola (Robert) and Carol A. Drouin (Doug); son Kenneth C. Lemire Jr.; grandchildren Julie Raiola, Gina Edwards (James), Nicholas Raiola, Ryan Flanders, Amanda Slater (Josh), Alicia Lemire, Brittany Lemire, Tiffany Figueroa (Gabe), Travis Lemire (Sara Ahli), and Ashley Polozie (Adam); and many great- and great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, his son Steven J. Lemire, brother Larry Lemire, grandson Robert Raiola Jr., granddaughter Haley Lemire, and daughter-in-law Nancy Lemire. Memorial information: A celebration of Ken's life will be on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Newfane. Donations to either the Windham County Humane Society, Grace Cottage Hospital, or the First Congregational Church of Newfane. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Alice Howe Anderson Stockwell, 99, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital on August 26, 2025, following a stroke. She had been a resident at Vernon Hall since March 2022. Alice was the first of four children born to Harry S. Anderson and Martha E. (Howe) Anderson on December 13, 1925 in Brattleboro, Vermont. Alice was a sixth generation Vermonter and a direct descendent of Jemima Sartwell Howe and Caleb Howe who were some of the earliest settlers in the Vernon-Brattleboro area. Their story is told in the novel Not Without Peril by Marguerite Allis. Alice's aunt was the renowned Brattleboro opera singer, Mary Howe. Alice was a lifelong resident of Brattleboro, growing up in the Greenhill Parkway and Chestnut Street area. Her mother died at age 30 when Alice was only nine years old, leaving her to help raise her brothers and sister. She graduated from Brattleboro High School with the Class of 1944. As a teenager and young adult, Alice worked as an usher at the former Paramount Theatre in Brattleboro, worked at Lee's Bakery on Main Street, spent a summer sewing baseballs for A.G. Spaulding on Birge Street, and worked at Fishman's Department Store on Main Street. She also worked at Margolin's handbag store, Templeton Furniture on Frost Street, and as a life guard at the Town Beach on the West River. After her children were in high school and college, she was a clerk at Hogback Mountain Enterprises and J.E. Mann. An avid skier, Alice spent many winters with the ski patrol and spent countless days on the slopes of Memorial Park and the Hogback Mountain Ski Area. Since she lacked any real parental supervision while growing up, Alice was known as a daredevil. In the winter, she used to jump the Harris Hill Ski Jump, and she would jump off the Brattleboro-Chesterfield bridge into the Connecticut River in the summer. On April 4, 1953, at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro, Alice married Donald White Stockwell of Brattleboro. A year later they bought their home on Country Hill and spent the next 60 plus years in that home raising a family. Alice was an active member of the Brattleboro community. She was a charter member of Nile Court #91, Ladies Shrine, a charter member of the Brattleboro Floral Arts and Garden Club, a member of the Ladies American Legion Auxiliary, and a life member of the VFW Auxiliary. Alice was a member of both the Brattleboro Historical Society and the Windham County Historical Society. She has been a member of the Centre Congregational Church since 1953. She sewed, knitted, and loved flower arranging and baking. She was well known for her sour cream cookies. Alice was very interested in genealogy and loved to reminisce about growing up in Brattleboro. Following their retirements, Donald and Alice traveled widely in Europe, building long lasting friendships along the way. In 2022, after Alice sold her Country Hill home of 64 years and moved to Vernon Hall, she quickly became part of the assisted living community and made great friends with those working and living there, including her friend Margaret Carrier. From Alice's first marriage, she is survived by daughter, Donna Frechette of Vernon. From her marriage with Donald, she is survived by a son, Mark A. Stockwell (Nancy) of Newfane and a daughter, Martha E. Momaney (Mitchel) of Dummerston. She is also survived by grandchildren Christopher Capen, Chad Frechette, Cathy Lyman, Tyler Momaney, Ross Momaney, Jessalyn Stockwell, and Alison Stockwell, as well as seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, and several cousins, including Roland Anderson of Brattleboro and relatives in Sweden. She was predeceased by her husband; a son, William E. Stockwell; and her three siblings, Stanley Anderson, Harry Anderson, and Mary VanIderstine. Memorial information: Per Alice's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A graveside service will be held at Prospect Hill Cemetery on South Main Street in Brattleboro on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 11 a.m. Donations to either Living Memorial Park Snow Sports, Inc. (LMPSS), P. O. Box 1945, Brattleboro, VT 05302; Brattleboro Historical Society, 230 Main St. #301, Brattleboro, VT 05301; or to a charity of one's choice. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Anne Sussman, 66, of Brattleboro died on May 28, 2025. Anne was a deeply beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, as well as a devoted Christian Scientist and member of The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Brattleboro. Over the years, Anne was a professor and teacher and, earlier in her career, an actress. A graduate of Smith College, majoring in English and theater, Anne pursued these passions throughout her life with intense curiosity, keen intelligence and a sparkling humor. Soon after college, Anne further honed her acting talents to become a member of Actors' Equity during her work as an actress in and around New York City. A vocation in teaching soon brought her to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, where she taught writing composition. Anne was also an English professor at Principia College and Landmark College, among other educational institutions. She was a dedicated and inspiring teacher who opened doors of discovery to her students through the study and love of literature and language. She will be greatly missed by her brother, Bill Ford-Sussman (Mary); her sister, Debbie Steckler (Alan); nieces and nephews Abigail and Timothy Steckler, and Aleah Ford-Sussman; sister-in-law Pilar Garcia Sussman, and many students and friends. Memorial information: None provided.
Services
• A celebration of life for Sylvia Elliott will be held on Sept. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Townshend Town Hall on Route 30. Family and friends are invited to join and share memories, taste some of Sylvia's favorite desserts, and celebrate her life.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.