Obituaries

Obituaries April 17, 2013

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Robert Belida
Robert Belida

Robert C. Belida

Robert C. Belida, 65, of Jay died suddenly on April 6, 2013.

He was born on April 6, 1948, in Lowell, Massachusetts, son of the late Michael and Lorraine (Cockerline) Belida.  He was a graduate of Winchester High School and attended Tulane University.  He was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard as well as a longtime member of the American Legion.

Mr. Belida worked as a self-employed electrical engineer and designer.  He was a co-founder and director of the Jay Athletic Association, and he was active with Little League coaching and umpiring while his children were involved, extending over ten years.  He was also district administrator for the Northeast region of Little League.

On July 4, 1976, he married Becky Mathieu.  A devoted husband of 36 years, father, and “Grampa,” he always found time to be with his family including attending sporting events that his children were involved in.  His love for his family and friends was apparent through his words and actions; he always spoke highly of his wife and children describing how proud he was of each of them.  He cherished the time he spent with his two grandchildren as they always brought a smile to his face and a joy to his heart.  He had a natural gift of interacting with children and could always make them laugh.  He was an avid Boston sports enthusiast and enjoyed spending time in the woods.

He is survived by his wife Becky Belida of Jay; his children:  Corey Belida and his wife, Erica, and their two children, Emerald and Ashton, of Fairfax, Kevin Belida and his wife, Rachel, of Portland, Oregon, and Nikki Belida of Fairfax; his brothers:  George Belida and his companion, Jonan Cacciola, of Woburn, Massachusetts, and Peter Belida and his companion, Geraldine Rossi, of Salem, Massachusetts; his mother-in-law Lorraine Mathieu of Williston; and by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Michael Belida, and his wife, Pepper; and by a sister, Belinda Belida.

A private burial with family will be arranged at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hope Lodge, 237 East Avenue, Burlington, Vermont 05401.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

 Rachel Lorraine Marcotte Bussiere 

Rachel Bussiere
Rachel Bussiere

Rachel Lorraine Marcotte Bussiere, 82, of Newport died on April 3, 2013, in Newport.

She was born November 7, 1930, in Magog, Quebec, a daughter of Jean and Malvina (Stebenne) Marcotte.

On July 22, 1947, she married Remi Bussiere, who predeceased her in 1997.

She was a strong woman who was a firm believer in God, human decency and love.  She raised us with morals, values and forgiveness.  She was a tower of strength both physically and mentally.  She instilled in us the power of our mind; she used to say, “you can do anything as long as you put your mind to it.”  Her love for us was deep.  Her first grandson, Benjamin Bussiere, said it best:  “Grandma, you lived a full life.  You made me laugh all the time when I go to visit.  You also spoiled me like crazy.  Your love was warm and heartfelt even though I took it for granted.  I’m happy your suffering is over and you can be with Grandpa forever.  Rest in peace, Grandma.  You shall be missed forever.”

She is survived by her children:  Dennis Bussiere and his wife, Barbara, of Norwalk, Connecticut, Michael Bussiere and his wife, Ruth, of Norwalk, James Bussiere and his wife, Laura, of Norwalk, L.C. Bussiere of Newport, Remi Bussiere and his wife, Jessica, of Newport, and Paul Bussiere and his wife, Hope, of Newport.  She is also survived by nine grandchildren; and by the following brothers and sisters:  Real Marcotte of Canada, Norman Marcotte of Florida, Ben Marcotte and his wife, Jeannine, of Magog, Quebec, Rita of Florida, and Claire of St. Johnsbury.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Adult Day Care in care of Newport Health Care Center, 148 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

Annelies Champagne
Annelies Champagne

Annelies E. Champagne

Annelies E. Champagne of Newport Center died on April 12, 2013, in Newport.

She was born in Dresden, Germany, on May 24, 1927.  On February 7, 1956, she married Lawrence (Larry) Champagne who survives her.  She graduated from high school in Germany.

Mrs. Champagne operated her own variety store on East Main Street in Newport for many years.  She loved all animals, enjoyed flower gardening, bird watching, and her nickname was “Annie Oakley,” as she was a sharp shooter.  She was a member of the National Rifle Association.

She is survived by her husband Larry Champagne of Newport Center; her foster children:  Sheila Rice of Michigan, Louis Greene of Michigan, Stewart Greene of Troy, and Kenneth Greene of Wisconsin; and by ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, two brothers, and a sister during World War II.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Newport Center, with the Reverend Chris Barton officiating.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

Jeff Ricky Gerrow 

Jeff Gerrow
Jeff Gerrow

Jeff Ricky Gerrow, 46, of Holland died suddenly on April 9, 2013, at his home in Holland.

He was born on October 10, 1966, in Newport, a son of the late Morris and Barbara (Blanchard) Gerrow.  He was a farm worker for Brian Champney in Holland.  He loved farming, fishing, playing horseshoes and attending family gatherings.

He is survived by his daughter Hannah Gerrow of Newport; his son Jeffrey Gerrow of Brownington; his brothers:  Bill Gerrow of North Troy, Tim Gerrow and his wife, Laura, of Jay, and Bryan Gerrow of Coventry; his cousin Roland Blanchard who was looked upon as a brother; and by his half-brother Larry Lagrow and his wife, Sally, of Fairfax.  He is also survived by his nephews:  Corey French, Ricky Gerrow, Tucker Gerrow, Ethan Shepard, Mike Gerrow, Nicholas Gerrow, Jessie Gerrow and Logan Gerrow; a great-niece, Amelia French; and by numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, at the Albany Village Cemetery with Pastor Paul Prince officiating.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to Laura Gerrow in trust for Hannah Gerrow, in care of Community National Bank, 4811 U.S. Route 5, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

Jerry Henry Mason 

Jerry Mason
Jerry Mason

Jerry Henry Mason, 65, of Albany died on April 9, 2013, at his home.

He was born on May 27, 1947, in Barton, a son of Richard and Lois (Larocke) Mason.  On September 2, 1965, he married Huguette (Yogi) Tanguay, who survives him.

Mr. Mason was a driver for Wilbert Vault Company in Hardwick for many years, and later worked for Ethan Allen Manufacturing in Orleans for 13 years.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodcrafts.

He is survived by his wife Huguette (Yogi) Mason of Albany; and by his children:  Richard Mason and his wife, Cindy, of Coventry, Susan Ewert and her husband, Darrel, of Lees Summit, Missouri, and Paul Mason of Albany.  He is also survived by his grandchildren:  Richard Mason Jr. of Newport, Elizabeth Behena and her husband, Evelio, of Charleston, Daniel Behena of Dickenson, Texas, and Nathan, Cynthia, and Sophia Behena all of Charleston; a sister, Sarah Donofrio and her husband, Larry, of Kentucky; a special aunt, Helen Stacy, of Albany; and by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers:  Sam and Mike Mason.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice Inc., 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

 Brian Scott McGivern 

Brian McGivern
Brian McGivern

Brian Scott McGivern, 48, of Newport died in Williston.  He was pronounced dead on April 10, 2013.

He was born on June 3, 1964, in Newport, beloved son of Robert McGivern and Nancy (Fairbrother) McGivern.

He is survived by his mother Nancy McGivern of Westfield; his father Robert McGivern and his wife, Christine, of Lyndonville; his brothers:  Eric McGivern of Newport and Keith McGivern of Derby; his sister Rosalie Putnam of Coolville, Ohio, his nephew Christopher Putnam; and by his niece Amanda Monahan.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

 Dorothy E. Metcalf

Dorothy Metcalf
Dorothy Metcalf

Dorothy E. Metcalf, 94, of Barton died on April 7, 2013, in Glover.

She was born on August 15, 1918, in Ticonderoga, New York, a daughter of Charles and Rose (Shelley) Varmette.  On February 14, 1935, she married Roy F. Metcalf of Irasburg, who predeceased her in 1971.

Mrs. Metcalf liked to travel and enjoyed visits with members of her family.  She also enjoyed outings with her friends.

She is survived by her son Donald W. Metcalf and his wife, Pauline, of Coventry, Connecticut; her daughter Janice Sanville and her husband, Dustin, of Irasburg and Daytona Beach, Florida; and by four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by six brothers and two sisters.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the Irasburg Cemetery with the Reverend Rick Shover officiating.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at curtis-britch.com.

 Brooklyn E. Morale

Brooklyn E. Morale, beloved infant daughter of Kristen E. Pierce and Justin T. Morale, died on April 7, 2013, in Newport.

She was born on April 7, 2013, in Newport.

She is survived by her parents:  Kristen E. Pierce and Justin T. Morale; and by her sister Kallie Buck.  She is also survived by her maternal grandparents:  Tracy Davis Pierce and Carl Leroux, of Barton, and Ritchie Pierce and his fiancé, Sue Wilkins, of Barton; her paternal grandparents:  Kimiko Fitz and her fiancé, Todd Scelza, of Irasburg; her maternal great-grandparents:  Stanley and Beverly Davis of Derby; her paternal great-grandparents:  Gerald and Patricia Fitz of Lowell; and by several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

Myrna R. Nadeau

Myrna R. Nadeau, 74, of Coventry died on April 11, 2013, in Newport, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on September 14, 1938, in Newport Center, the daughter of Forrest and Lillian (Butler) Duckless.  On January 14, 1964, she married Charles H. Nadeau who survives her.

She was bookkeeper for Nadeau Auto Parts and Landfill.  She volunteered for many years for American Red Cross blood drives.  She enjoyed knitting, playing cards, doing puzzles, and traveling, especially to their home in Florida.  She was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and Daughters of Isabella.  She loved her family dearly.

She is survived by her husband Charles H. Nadeau of Coventry; her children:  Kim Russell and her husband, Brian, of Derby, Christina Nadeau and her husband, Floyd Kelley, of Derby, and Kerry Keement and her husband, John, of Coventry; her grandchildren:  Douglas and Tracy Russell, Jennifer and Joshua Bowen, Jessica Pierpont and her husband, Ralph, and Ashley Keement; and by her great-grandchildren:  Connor, Madison, and Parker Russell, and Peyton Pierpont.  She is also survived by her brothers:  Harold Duckless and his wife, Lucille, of Newport Center, Robert Duckless of Brattleboro, and Elwood Duckless and his wife, Louise, of Newport Center; and by her brother-in-law Robert Nadeau and his wife, Priscilla, of Ipswich, Massachusetts.

She was predeceased by her infant daughter Tracy Ann Nadeau; her brother and sister-in-law Kenneth and Louise Duckless; and by her sister-in-law Marilyn Duckless.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newport, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated.  Spring interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 191 Clermont Terrace, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to Bel-Aire Activities Fund, 35 Bel-Aire Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

 Donald M. Funk 

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Donald M. Funk, who died on March 24, 2013, will be held on Saturday, April 20, at 12 p.m. at the Plymouth Congregational Church in East Charleston.

Please come celebrate the life of a humble man who volunteered to help others throughout his life without any thought of himself.  Whether it was leading a Cub Scout pack, teaching guitar to whoever asked, fighting fires in his community, or his heroic saving of a two-year-old drowning victim, he never looked for praise.  He was also active with the Barre, Massachusetts, Rod and Gun Club, helping with the annual fishing derby, Easter egg hunts, and Christmas parties for the area children.  As part of the American Legion, he used his sound equipment for all their functions, making sure everything went off without a hitch.

Come share your stories of this funny, unassuming man.

 Richard V. “Dick” Swift 

Richard Swift
Richard Swift

Richard V. “Dick” Swift, 84, of Barre Town, died on April 4, 2013, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born to Ella (Richardson) Swift on February 13, 1929, in Worcester, Massachusetts.  At age five, and after her death, he was adopted by William and Ethel (Flanders) Swift.  He attended Matheson Elementary School in Barre and graduated from Thetford Academy in 1947.  Following graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy serving on the U.S.S. Macomb, minesweeping in the Mediterranean Sea.  After his discharge from the service in 1950, he attended Becker Junior College in Worcester, graduating in 1952.  While attending college, he was a member of Phi Theta Pi, an honorary business fraternity.

On April 26, 1952, he married the love of his life, Mabel Joyce Farnham, in Barre.  This made Mr. Swift a new member of the Farnham family.  He quickly became everyone’s favorite “Uncle Dick,” and many non-family members also knew him as “Uncle Dick” or “Swifty.”  Following their marriage, they lived in Springfield, Massassachusetts, Ware, Massachusetts, St. Johnsbury, and Littleton, New Hampshire (1954-1968), before moving to Barre Town in 1968.

In earlier years, he worked as a manager for the McClellan Retail Store in St. Johnsbury; as an insurance investigator for 21 years with the Retail Credit Co. and New York Life Insurance Co.; he owned and operated a bread business and a Thomas English Muffin sales route; was a school janitor at Spaulding High School in Barre; he served for many years as a senior enlisted man with the Vermont Army National Guard; he was employed by General Electric in Burlington; and he worked for Capitol Stationers in Barre.  In his late 60s, he became a substitute teacher at local schools.  At the age of 73, he became a full-time substitute teacher for Barre Town Middle and Elementary School, a job that he dearly loved.  He also was a part-time house painter.

While living in Littleton, he served as a Littleton park commissioner and was a member of the Littleton Lions Club where he had served as president.  After moving to Barre Town, he became a member of the Montpelier Lions Club and the Canadian Club and the American Legion Post #10, both of Barre.  He was also a member of the Democratic Party, Alcoholics Anonymous, where he was a sponsor and had reached 54 years of sobriety, the Sno-Bees, and he served as a commander in the Vermont Civil War Hemlocks group.

His interests were many and varied.  He enjoyed raising sheep and showing them at local fairs, fishing, hunting, skiing, and playing horseshoes and cards, which he took very seriously.  He liked to attend Thunder Road and enjoyed NASCAR racing, coaching and watching baseball, keeping the scoreboard for the American Legion Post #10 team, and calling bingo at the Canadian Club.  He had a deep love for children and took pleasure in playing Santa Claus during the Christmas season since 1967.  He really liked going to the Trow Hill Grocery Store for his coffee, ice cream floats and sharing jokes.  He was a passionate reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles.  He also was a poet who wrote many beautiful and touching poems.

All of his interests aside, his number one passion was his family.  He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.  His favorite thing was to gather with everyone for a birthday or holiday.  His family was fortunate to be able to be all together with him for Easter dinner.  It was a bittersweet celebration.  A niece also had a star named after him.

As the family has been going through his pictures and newspaper clippings, it appears that he may have been photographed more times than Elvis.  He certainly had more “five minutes of fame” than anybody the family knew, including his appearance on WCAX television as a “Super Senior.”  He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all of the students whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife Mabel Farnham Swift; his children:  Sarah Carlyle and her husband, Robert, Peter Swift, and Candace Stewart and her husband, Randy, all of Barre; his grandchildren:  Kerri Hull and her husband, Cary, Brian Allain and his companion, Julie Barclay, Joshua Stewart and Holly Stewart, all of Barre; his great-grandchildren:  Monica, Madelyn and Ava; a sister, Joyce Isham, of Barre; a sister-in-law, Susan Swift, of Glover; and by many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a grandson, Devin Richard Swift; and by three brothers:  Dwight Swift, Ken Swift and Alan Swift.

A memorial service and life celebration was held on April 13 in Barre.  Interment will be in the Brook Haven Cemetery in Orange.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Dick Swift Scholarship Fund, Barre Town Middle and Elementary School, care of Principal Timothy Crowley, 70 Websterville Road, Barre, Vermont 05641.

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