James Vittorioso
James Vittorioso, 77, of Newport Center, died on January 16, 2025, in Newport. He was born on March 7, 1947, in Providence, Rhode Island, to Emanuel and Ida (Dimeo) Vittorioso.
He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving eight years as a radioman on a mine sweeper. On July 1, 1995, he married the former Jeanne Welton Jackson.
He worked many years as a shipper/receiver, then a few years as a security guard for the Rhode Island Bureau of Investigation before retiring.
Among his hobbies, he was a ham radio operator, enjoyed listening to radios, and watching western movies.
He is survived by his wife Jeanne Vittorioso, son Paul and his wife, Jen, and grandson Aiden of Rhode Island, his sister Judith Wooley of Rhode Island, his daughter Michelle, and friends and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents.
There will be no funeral or service. Online condolences can be made at curtis-britch.com.
Bert Francke
Bertold (Bert) Francke M.D., 84, died at his home in West Glover on January 17, 2025, following a period of declining health.
He was born November 18, 1940, in Koslin, Pomerania (Poland), and was raised in Bonn, Germany. As a four-year-old, he witnessed the bombing of Dresden.
Mr. Francke wrote his first string quartet at age 13 for the family quartet — his father on cello, his brother on second violin, his mother on viola, and he, himself, on first violin.
He graduated from the Ernst-Moritz Arndt Gymnasium in Bonn, where he was tutored in composition by his music teacher and completed his second string quartet.
From childhood on, wherever he was living, Mr. Francke always played quartets, usually first violin. He wrote a third quartet in Munich, Germany, where he attended university. After moving to the United States in 1969 to do biomedical research at UCLA Medical School, he wrote a fourth quartet in Los Angeles, and from there moved to San Diego to do research at the Salk Institute. After eight years in California, he relocated to New Haven, Connecticut, where, for three years, he had a lab at Yale University.
At nearly forty years old, Mr. Francke switched careers, studied psychiatry, completed a psychiatric residency at Saint Vincent’s hospital in New York City, became a psychoanalyst and relocated to the Northeast Kingdom, where he joined the Bread and Puppet theater, and met his late partner, Don Sunseri.
Continuing to play and compose string quartets, Mr. Francke eventually became medical director and chief psychiatrist at the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury, and for thirty years directed an octet — a string quartet and four singers — that performed Haydn’s Seven Last Words during Easter week all over the state.
After retiring from the state hospital, Mr. Francke practiced psychiatry at his home in Glover until 2021.
He is survived by his partner, Bob Hunt, of West Glover, four siblings Renate Gier, Dr. Albrecht Francke, Dr. Ulrike Madd, and Cornelia Francke of Germany, former wife, Dr. Uta Francke of Palo Alto, California, and his stepson Dakota Sunseri, daughter-in-law Lisanne Sartor and two grandsons Anthony and August Sunseri of Los Angeles, California, as well as nieces, nephews, special friend, Clare Dolan of Glover, and many friends, associates, and puppeteers.
A celebration of life will be held at a time to be determined in the coming summer, and his ashes will be interred in the Andersonville Cemetery in West Glover.
Catherine Griffin
Catherine A. Griffin, 73, died on Sunday, January 19, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 23, 1951, in Barton, the daughter of Edward D. and Angie L. (Mason) Durkin.
Catherine was a loving mother, a homemaker raising her three daughters, worked at Grobet File, and was a caregiver for several years. She grew up on Perron Hill in Glover with her dad and always reflected on the wonderful memories of living with Roger and Blanche Perron and all her cousins.
She enjoyed fishing, walks in the woods, crocheting, playing Hay Day and spending time with her family. Catherine enjoyed crocheting many hats and blankets over the years and donated to the mitten tree at WCAX.
She is survived by her three daughters: Samantha Grailich (Dale Holmes), West Parker (Randy) and Billie Jo Critchfield, and their father, Francis Griffin; four siblings: Ricky Durkin (Gloria), Sherry Durkin, Steven Durkin, and Beverly Rowles; grandchildren: Paige Streeter (Aaron), Levi Parker (Kathryn), Wyatt Critchfield, Derrick Grailich (Madisyn), great-granddaughter Claire Grailich, Tyler Holmes (Isaiah), Brittney Critchfield (Chris), and Logan Critchfield; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus children, and great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents and two brothers: Edwin “Sookie” Durkin and Donald Durkin.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at the Pine Grove Cemetery in North Springfield. Reverend Gerry Piper will officiate. A celebration of life will be held at the VFW Post 771 in Springfield following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to RRMC Marrow Donor Program, care of Kerry Ellis, Marrow Program Coordinator, RRMC Foley Cancer Center, 160 Allen Street, Rutland, Vermont 05743 (Memo: “In Memory of Catherine Griffin”).
Arthur McIntyre
Arthur James “Jim” McIntyre, 87, of Derby, died on January 10, 2025, after a long battle with heart and lung disease. He was born on October 23, 1937, in Newport to Gordon and Gladys (Rexford) McIntyre. At the young age of 15 months, his mother died, leaving him to be raised by his father, his grandparents Archie and Pearl (Robbins) Rexford, and many other extended family members.
He graduated from Derby Academy in the class of 1955. That year, he entered the United States Army, being stationed in Washington and Alaska amongst other locations. He was honorably discharged in 1957. On December 6, 1958, he married Kathleen “Kitty” Stevens who survives him.
During his lifetime, he operated the Shell Service Station in Derby Line while working part-time as a mail clerk. He later became a full-time rural mail carrier and was promoted to postmaster of the Derby Line Post Office. When his son was young Mr. McIntyre was a Boy Scout leader, and when his daughter, who arrived almost 10 years later, was little, he made skating rinks in the backyard and helped with the Derby Line ice rink, as well. He loved spending time with his children, whether taking them fishing, sliding, playing games inside or out, tossing a ball or shooting hoops in the backyard, etc., and always encouraged them to do their best, but at the same time, not be too hard on themselves. Jim was quite a handyman and always did most of the work on their home until he felt he could no longer do it, at which time he and Kitty downsized from their Valentine Avenue home in Derby Line to a mobile home in Derby. After retirement, he was a lister for the town of Derby, served on the Derby Line Cemetery Board, and in many other positions of public service.
Among his hobbies, he enjoyed fixing up old cars, and was a member of the Cars of Yesteryear. He enjoyed wood carving, woodworking, fishing, gardening, and running the Derby Line Music Jam for many years with his wife, Kitty, good friend Gary LeBaron, and many others. The donations received from the music jams were used to fund scholarships for students studying music or welding. He adored his time with the musicians and guests alike. They were like a second family to him, and he was proud to be able to help students pursue secondary education, whether academic or trade.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen “Kitty” McIntyre; his son Tracy McIntyre and wife, Christine; his daughter Kathi Sanville and husband, Mark; two grandchildren Erin Sanville (Jake) and Riley Sanville; and grandcats and great-granddogs. He treasured all family and that included sister-in-law Nancy (Stevens) Powierza and husband, Jim, of Florida; sister-in-law Mary Beth (Stevens) Morrison and husband, Malcolm, of Florida/Pennsylvania; and sister-in-law Sigrid Saradunn of Maine; along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother-in-law George Stevens and niece Stacey Stevens.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 13, at 4 p.m. at the Derby Center Cemetery with Reverend Carol Ann Barker officiating. Full military honors will be held. A celebration of life will follow at 5 p.m. at the Elks Club in Derby. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855 or to the North Country Career Center, Attention: Elisa Hastings, 209 Veterans Avenue, Newport, Vermont 05855.
The family of Jim would like to extend a big thank-you to all those who assisted him these last few years from the VNA. They treated him with respect, care, and dignity. Donations to the North Country Career Center will be used to help students who need financial assistance with purchasing work clothing, work boots, and travel costs for national competitions.
Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com.
Elva Smith
Elva Louise Smith, 82, of Wheelock, died on January 24, 2025, with family by her side. Born on July 28, 1943, to Vietti and Fay Kalinen, Elva is survived by her husband of 30 years, Gaylon Smith, two children Camden (Karen) Devereux and Amy (Scott) Hudik and four grandchildren: Camden and Joel Devereux, and Bryce and Brock Hudik. She also leaves Gaylon’s children: Jim and Keith Smith and Marie Champagne and grandchildren: Samantha Strout, Heidi Smith, George Smith. Elva was the oldest of five, three of which still carry on her memory: John (Marry) and Walter Kalinen, Sharon (Steve) Hazen, and a deceased sister, Carole Barrows.
Elva, having gone toe to toe with cancer for half her life, was an insignia of toughness. She was resilient without cease and a stone-temple of strength. Her infamous, high-pitched giggle was kinetic, and one couldn’t help but crack a smile of their own while hearing it. Your day got brighter while meeting Elva Smith, as she possessed a rare personality that bubbled and leapt to those who she came into contact with. Though she is no longer here, and will be missed beyond measure, it is true another angel has followed the sun’s golden path up to her rightful place in peace.
Elva graduated from Black River High School and Rutland Business College. She enjoyed refinishing antiques, hooking rugs with rich colors and elaborate patterns, canning, plugging her green thumb into her beautiful gardens, and cooking homemade meals for friends and family. In her middle age, Elva gifted one of her kidneys to her sister (Carole Barrows) which allowed her eight more years of precious life. A perfect descripting act of the kind of person Elva was. Her absence will be felt for a long time and, as she always said in farewell, and now we say to her, “Love you, love you, love you!”
A celebration of life will be held in the spring at the convenience of family. An announcement for the service will be made at that time.
Therese Stone
Therese M. Genereux Stone of Barton died on January 13, 2025, at Bel Aire Center in Newport surrounded by family. She was born on April 8, 1940, in Sutton, Quebec, Canada, the daughter of Ulric Genereux and Victoria Demers. On June 14, 1997, she married Mason Stone who predeceased her on October 9, 2006. Mrs. Stone worked at Yarn Tex for 19 years in Sutton, Quebec. She worked at Brome Missisquoi-Perkins Hospital in Cowansville, Quebec. She cleaned houses in Canada and Vermont. She worked at the Barton Cleaners and A Cleaner Globe in St. Johnsbury. She was the custodian of the Barton United Church. Therese was a member of the Barton Auxiliary Post #76. She loved square dancing with Brome Square in Cowansville, Quebec, and with the North Country Swingers in Newport (she was their treasurer for six years). She loved line dancing with the club Line and Vines at the West Burke meal site and was a volunteer in Barton and West Burke. She enjoyed the jam in West Burke. She loved country and western music, cooking, and knitting.
She is survived by her friend Donald Stoddard of Barton, and by her children: daughter Susan Davis (Claude Carrier) of St. Pie, Quebec; son Robert (Bob) Davis of Cowansville; and daughter Tania Genereux of Cowansville. She was the beloved stepmother of the following children: Cindy Stone (Ron Boucher) of Newport; Alice Stone (Wayne Johnson) of Chesapeake, Virginia; Arthur Stone (Nancy Stone) of Irasburg; Elwin Stone (Caroline Stone) of Hyde Park; the late David Patten (Lorraine Patten) of Sutton; Joanne Root (the late Michael Root) of Newport; Bruce Patten of Derby Line; and Elaine McAdam (the late Kenneth McAdam) of Brownington. Her grandchildren include Marie Claude, Steve, Josee-Anne Carrier, Corey and Samantha Davis, Mitchell, Sophia, Desiree, Lydi, Drew, Alicin, Alyssa, Nichlas, and many more. Her great-grandchildren include Noemie, Leane, Oceanne, and Colton. Her siblings include brother Leonard Genereux (Pierrette) of Cowansville; sister Cecile Genereux (the late Roland Sherrer) of Cowansville; sister Micheline Gauron (Theo) of Laval, Quebec; sister Ginette Rivest (Andre) of Laval, Quebec; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from Cowansville, Sutton, Montreal, St. Pie de Bagot, Canada, and Vermont.
A graveside service will be held at Westlook Cemetery in Glover on Saturday, June 21, at 10 a.m. with Reverend Joan Vincent officiating. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com.
Benjamin (Ben) Thurber
Benjamin Waitt Thurber, 92, died peacefully on January 21 in his home in Craftsbury, following a long battle with vascular dementia. A beloved father, artist, and minister, Ben will always be remembered for his kindness, commitment to his community, and great sense of humor.
Ben was born on September 27, 1932, in Newport to Wendell and Maude Thurber. After spending his early childhood in Island Pond, Ben and his family moved to Burlington. He attended Burlington High School and graduated in 1950, earning the title “class artist.” Ben then moved west to California where he graduated from Pasadena College in 1954 with a major in theology and a minor in art. He declined a full art scholarship to the Art Institute of Los Angeles and pursued graduate studies at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena from 1954-1958 where he received his Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained in 1959 and held standing in the Vermont Conference United Church of Christ for 65 years.
Throughout his varied career, he used art in his ministries and taught at local community centers. His first church was in Derby, where he also served Morgan from 1958-1961. He then moved to Des Moines, Iowa, from 1962-1964 where he served as pastor before moving on to work with inter-varsity students as a chaplain in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Iowa from 1964-1969. He became assistant professor of religion and chaplain at Malone College in Ohio from 1969-1971. He returned to his role as pastor from 1971-1982 at the Hamilton Congregational Church in Massachusetts. After 1982, he shifted gears to do art full time while serving interim ministerial assignments throughout Vermont (Coventry, Vergennes, Salisbury, Milton) and filled in at churches throughout the state. From 1993-2003 he served as pastor of the Church on the Common in Craftsbury.
In addition to his ministerial work, Ben was an accomplished artist, focusing on pen-and-ink sketches and paintings of classic Vermont scenes and buildings. He served as president of the Vermont Handcrafters and participated in craft shows and stores throughout Vermont and New England. He is also known for his tree fungus art and his annual calendar that featured his sketches and watercolors celebrating Vermont. The 2025 calendar is the forty-first edition.
Ben was predeceased by his parents Wendell and Maude Thurber; his brothers Stanley and Lawrence Thurber; his sisters Atlantis Poor, Isabel Brown, Francelia Thurber, Rachel Thurber, and Elizabeth Thurber. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Beverly, of Craftsbury; his daughters Carla Burridge of Sandwich, Massachusetts (husband, Bob), Julia Wood of Morgan (husband, Gregg), June Ellen Cushing of Bolton, Massachusetts (husband, Pascal), Barbara Reiley of Kula, Hawaii (husband, Michael), Ruth Lindsay of Beverly, Massachusetts (husband, Doug), and Sara Hamel Connolly (mother of daughters); his sons Benjamin Thurber Jr. of Walpole, New Hampshire (wife, Lindsay) and James Thurber of Burlington (wife, Karyn); his stepchildren Kurt Mayr of Glastonbury, Connecticut (wife, Abigail), Karoline Mayr of Brambleton, Virginia (husband, Todd), and Karl Mayr of Westport, Connecticut (wife, Nicole); 32 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren; and his niece Bonnie Thurber Klimowski (husband, Steve) of Fairfax.
Special thanks to Shauna Shepard, Julie Wood, Jennifer LaPoint, VNA aides Abby and Chelsea, Pastor Kim Larose, Michelle Warren, Cheryl Williams, and Dr. Alison Landry for their kind help during Ben’s final days.
A celebration of Ben’s life and legacy is planned for Memorial Day weekend (details to be announced later). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Craftsbury Church on the Common’s Deacons’ Crisis Fund, P.O. Box 46, Craftsbury Common, Vermont 05827 or Orleans/Essex VNA Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855 or online at www.orleansessexvna.org.
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