Becka Scelza
It is with great sadness that her family shares the death and passage into heaven of Becka Scelza, their daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, on March 15, 2026, with her family surrounding her in love.
To know Becka was to love her. Her loving, giving heart was a joyful gift to many and truly the essence of who she was.
Becka was born on November 15, 1976, at her family home in Albany. As a child, she and her brothers loved the many animals raised on the family homestead. At eight years old, Becka started taking riding lessons from Fran O’Reilly in Glover. She was a natural equestrian, dedicated to learning everything about horseback riding and animal care. All could see the passion in her eyes and the love in her heart.
At the age of ten, Lady, Becka’s first horse, became a part of the family. She rode her from morning till night, loving every second. Continuing lessons with Fran, Becka also joined 4-H and performed in her first horse show at the Barton Fairgrounds with Lady, winning the Grand Championship. Becka and Lady continued to compete, winning most of the Jumping Competitions they participated in. As Becka grew, High Power, 16 hand 2-inch thoroughbred, joined the family.
Becka enjoyed being an active member of DECA and participating in competitions under the leadership of her teacher Bill Rivard. When Becka graduated from Lake Region Union High School, she attended Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where she graduated with a marketing degree.
After graduation her sense of adventure called her on a journey to drive across the United States, stopping at national parks, enjoying the beauty of our country. She especially loved Zion and Bryce Canyon. Her travels led her to California to visit friends and later accept a job at the University of California Santa Cruz. She delighted in both the California coast and the mountains. In time Becka moved to Boulder, Colorado, sharing a home with her lifelong best friend Janine. She loved her job there. She and Janine loved hiking in the mountains and the friends they made there. Becka always felt grateful to share these wonderful experiences with Janine.
When Becka returned to Vermont, she became even more interested in spirituality and healing of every kind. She received her Reiki certification, which she often used on animals, ones she cared for and those who were drawn to her wherever she traveled. Many called her an animal whisperer.
From early childhood into adulthood Becka cherished family vacations to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She loved climbing the sand dunes, building sandcastles, walking the beach, and gathering rocks and shells with her brothers, mom, and Gramme.
She also loved visiting Italy! Always interested in art history and Italian culture, Becka visited museums and churches, admiring the beautiful creations of so many Italian artists and sculptors. She explored the ancient ruins of Pompei and Pasteum, always in awe of the brilliance it took to build these ancient structures.
Becka so loved nature. She enjoyed kayaking on Crystal Lake and hiking the many trails around Willoughby Lake.
She had a great sense of humor… she was an avid reader since childhood, always carrying a book with her wherever she went. She was an amazing gardener and loved flowers, always bringing her mom bouquets throughout the year.
The love in Becka’s heart was deep, her caring for others even deeper. She was loved by many, both humans and animals alike. Becka carried an unconditional love in her heart and will be deeply missed by so many whose lives she touched. Becka had a deep faith in God, in angels, and she believed in the power of prayer. Her faith could not be extinguished. Her prayers were so genuine. Now she will be her family’s angel in heaven, always watching over them.
She is survived by her mother, Sharon, her father, Tom, her brother Todd, her brother Tyler and wife, Dawn, and her nieces Lindsey and husband, Jake, Tyra, and Harley. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Lois and Jack English, and Jeanne and Angelo Scelza.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a permanent bench in Becka’s memory will be placed at a local area animal shelter in remembrance of Becka’s deep love and affection of all living creatures. As Becka would want, a portion of donations will be given to the Frontier Animal Society to all who come there for help. Donations may be sent to: Marie George, 90 Herrick Street, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Patricia O. Paine
Patricia O. Paine died at home, as she desired, on the evening of March 17, 2026. Born January 19, 1940, Pat lived a good life.
Pat was a professor at Russell Sage College in Troy, New York, for 26 years. She served in the positions of physical education department chair and athletic director. She coached field hockey and lacrosse for many years.
Pat resided on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, for twenty-one years owning two highly regarded businesses with Mickey Normandin: Woman Printers and Fingerpaints Home Based Child Care.
Upon moving to the Northeast Kingdom, Pat came out of retirement to work in Americorps and the Council on Aging. She also served on the Northern Counties Health Care board.
Pat leaves behind Kito Paine Normandin, Jarumi Paine Normandin, and Mickey Normandin. Together, Pat and Mickey raised Jar and Kito from newborns and lived in the same home for 42 years. She helped provide a great life for the family. Oma will be missed immensely.
It was dementia that robbed Pat first of her brilliant mind and spirit then, in the end, her body.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Anthony Moccia
On March 13, 2026, Anthony Moccia’s fight against cancer ended.
But his end isn’t what is important, it’s the way he lived his life.
Anthony Moccia was a superhero whose origin story started out a little differently.
He didn’t crash into earth like a meteor. He wasn’t bitten by a spider. He wasn’t avenging a great wrong. But even without a beginning that included fireworks or car chases, he became the sort of hero no one will forget.
Anthony was born in May 1982, son of Paul and Patricia Moccia in Littleton, New Hampshire, but he would have called Vermont his real home.
It was when he moved to Vermont that he started collecting his cadre of heroes. It is impossible to talk about Anthony without talking about the people he surrounded himself with. He met his best friends: Tom Paradis, Emily Jankowski (Kiser), Barry Sykes, Nate Laber, and Andrew Comtois, in kindergarten, and they stayed by his side right to the end. In the history of super groups, there will never be a league of heroes like this one. In elementary school, Anthony pulled in Corey Sicotte, and in high school, Derek Limoges, Jaime and Mac McKenney, Abbie Harris, Ashley Maroot, and Crystal O’Keefe. The league of super friends wasn’t insular though. With Anthony leading the charge, they collected all sorts of supers, and together, their good works spread throughout the world.
Anthony was an incredible athlete right from the start. He started cross-country skiing almost as soon as he could walk, and not even the coldest day — or Spandex — kept him from competing. Throughout his life, Anthony’s pain or discomfort never stopped him from succeeding, and excelling, at everything. Work, friendships, coaching, parenthood — Anthony was all-in. In high school, he was part of teams that won championships (Don’t hold it against them. They didn’t realize they were supposed to hide their super strength.) At North Country Union High School, they were cross-country skiing champions, track and field champions, and soccer champs. Of course, kittens were still rescued from trees, cars were jump-started, and bank robberies were foiled, but those were more side projects. In adulthood, their coaches — Jose Batista and Mike Kiser — went from mentors to friends, and were at Anthony’s side as he fought his final battle.
Anthony attended Lyndon State College and joined the soccer team there. He met even more heroes: Nick, Shawn, Jake, Ben, Rob, and Josh (please forgive the lack of last names, because his sister didn’t know them all, and couldn’t even have kept track of them if she did). Later, he competed in Ironman competitions, and met friends Tony and Michelle. Hopefully, it’s becoming clear how many heroes Anthony knew, and how they recognized the desire to do good in each other and so, joined forces.
In his everyday work, Anth always managed to help people and support them as they followed their dreams. His bosses and co-workers, especially Josh (Julie), and Dan (Linda), recognized that in him, and he became a leader not just in his daily work, but in bringing opportunities to the local community. Anthony’s love of cycling had him spear-heading the Dirty 40 race and the famous early spring gravel race, Rasputitsa, which he attacked head-on with dear friend Heidi Myers.
Every hero needs a heroine, and there was only one person — Cija Gray — who was strong enough to be at Anthony’s side. They met in high school, but it wasn’t until years later when they realized they were an unstoppable duo. That kind of power is generally too strong to be combined, but when twins Isabella and Kallen came along, and later, daughter Elliana, it became obvious to everyone that the universe had a reason for bringing the two together. Anthony’s joy in his family was like his strength — unlimited. He coached the sports, attended the dances, danced the dances, and amplified every interest his children had. He made sure they were exposed to all the best music, but agreed that Benson Boone had bangers, as well. He adored his children, and he and Cija worked tirelessly to give them every opportunity to play, imagine, and succeed. Even when he had no voice, and little breath, Anthony would open his eyes when he heard his children’s voices to tell them he loved them more than anything. He made sure that the heroes he’d found in his life would surround his children with his love, even when he wasn’t there.
Superman is survived by more friends than can be named, though his sister gave it a shot, and his family is unendingly grateful for the people who held his hand with them while he passed.
He is survived by the warrior he married, Cija, and the heroes-to-be that are his children: Kallen, Isabella, and Elliana. He is survived by his parents, Patricia Moccia (Ted Rogers), and Paul Moccia (Mare Straube), and his sister Stephanie Ripley (Brad). He is survived by his nephews and nieces: Anora, Thelan, and Jake, and the very special student he coached, Jacob. He is survived by his mother-in-law, Laura, and sister-in-law Tiana.
He was predeceased by grandparents, Phil and Ann Scott, Cosmo Moccia, and uncle Steve Scott.
“While we are devastated that we won’t see Anthony every day, I think he would tell us that we don’t need to project a signal in the sky to remember him. His strength and humor live on in his wife and children, and the good that he did in the short time he was here on Earth.
A celebration of Anthony’s life will be held at a later date. If friends desire, memorial contributions in Anthony’s name may be made to the Anthony Moccia Family Fund, care of Passumpsic Bank, P.O. Box 218, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com.
Alexander Marsh Sr.
Alexander Marsh Sr. died on November 6, 2025, unexpectedly and very suddenly. He is survived by his fiancée, Deserae Pion, where they resided together in Irasburg with their children Harleigh Costa and Nicholas Marsh. He passed away at the age of 32. He was born in Burlington on December 9, 1992, to Hope Bowen and Christopher Marsh Sr.
He graduated from North Country Union High School in 2011. He received quite a few certificates from JROTC with high ranking.
Alex had a big family and a big heart to match. He would do anything for anyone. He was the type who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.
He liked making raps and playing video games. He loved cooking, spending time with his family, and the new little family he was making with his fiancée.
Alexander is also survived by his four children who was his world and meant everything to him: Kendall Marsh, Alexander Marsh Jr., Harleigh Costa, and Nicholas Marsh; his mom, Hope Bowen, and her husband, Clint Stevens, of Fair Haven; his dad, Christopher Marsh, and wife, Barbie, from Island Pond. He is also survived by eight brothers and two sisters: Calvin Peacock and his wife, Emily, and their children from Macclenny Florida; Devon and his wife, Kate Dagget, and their children; Tyrell Dowland from Fort Myers Florida; Nicholas Hunt; Logan Hunt; Dustin Favreau; Christopher Marsh Jr.; and Abraham Marsh, all from Island Pond; Kristen and her husband, Logan Harper, and their children from Glover; Sydney and her husband, Austin Guyer, from Barton; his maternal grandmother, Linda Bowen, from Newport Center; and his paternal grandmother, Shirley Hand, from West Charleston.
He was predeceased by his grandfathers — he held a special bond with them all. His papa Gary Alexander Hand predeceased him on February 25, 2013; he gave him his nickname Booboo. His Grampa Raymond Edger Marsh predeceased him on January 3, 2022; Alex was proud of his decorated Vietnam veteran grandfather and was a big reason for him joining JROTC. He enjoyed long hauls on the truck with his PaPa Larry Ervin Bowen, who predeceased on October 25, 2022. He also had a soon to be brother-in-law he was very close with who predeceased him on February 7, 2025, Nicholas Ronnie Pion.
He is survived by a stepfather, Scott Dowland, of Derby; his step-grandmother, Pam Dowland, from Bristol, Rhode Island, who died in December 2025; and by a stepmother, Tiffani Mills, from Bonifay, Florida. He also is survived by many uncles, aunts, and cousins, all of whom he had very special bonds with.
Alex loved the bond he had with all of his brothers and sisters from making raps with them, watching football, playing video games, to going on vacation to Florida. To Alex, spending time with family meant everything to him. It didn’t matter what it was. Alex was a wonderful Christian who had amazing prayers and gave it all to his Lord and Savior.
Alex named his son after his soon-to-be brother-in-law and his grandfathers (Nicholas Larry Ray Marsh) who all predeceased his new son’s birth.
Alex’s burial will be in the spring. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com.
Carolyn Ann Darcy
Carolyn Ann Darcy, 84, died peacefully on March 17, 2026, with her loving family by her side. She was born September 1, 1941, in Newport to Cleveland and Phyllis (Morse) Cornell. She graduated from Derby Academy in 1958. She married James Darcy on January 30, 1993, who predeceased her.
Carolyn was office manager for AmeriGas for many years. She held membership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 798 Auxiliary of Newport. Among her hobbies, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, reading, and she loved to spend time with her family.
She is survived by her children: Steven Davis and his partner, John Andrews, of Orlando, Florida; Gary Davis and his partner, Heidi Dux, of Glover; twins: Terry and Tracey Davis of Derby; Christopher White of Derby; and Heather Wright and her husband, Scott, of Derby. She is survived by her grandchildren: Courtney Gallup and her husband, Drew, of Derby; Brady White of Burlington; Logan White of Derby; David, Kaitlyn and Anthony Wright of Coventry; Drayden, Aurora and Damon Wright of Newport; and by her great-grandchildren: Ivy Gallup and twins: Indy and Jack Gallup. She is survived by her brothers: Amos Cornell of Newport, and Stuart Cornell and his wife, Edwina, of Orleans, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Carolyn was predeceased by her brothers and sisters: Cleveland “Tinker” Cornell, Jr. and his wife, Cynthia; Cora Joeckel and her partner, Guy Dion; June Desrochers and her husband, Roland; Stanley Cornell; Sidney Cornell; and sisters-in-law Doreen and Leslie Cornell.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date at her late home. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society, 4473 Barton Orleans Road, Orleans, Vermont 05860, or to the Mary E. Wright Halo Foundation, 1073 Upper Quarry Road, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences are welcome at curtis-britch.com.
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