Joseph J. Basil
Joseph J. Basil, 91, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, beloved husband of the late Marie M. Basil died on April 18, 2017.
He was born on February 22, 1926, in Island Pond, to Jack and Phoebe Basil.
He graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Island Pond in 1944, and from the University of Vermont in 1950.
He was in the Army Air Corps, in Germany during World War II. After the war, Captain Basil served in the National Guard in Vermont, Pennsylvania, Illinois and California.
The Basils were married on July 21, 1951, and were childhood sweet hearts for 65 years. Mrs. Basil died on March 26, 2016. They lived in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, in Illinois, and also for 24 happy years, in Southern California with their beloved daughters: Glorie Ann and Mary Jo Basil, who survive him.
He worked on the space programs from 1962 to 1973 in California. He also had his real estate broker’s license in California, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., working to the end of his life.
He loved doing things with Mrs. Basil as they square danced and just had a great time together. He was a dad plus “Mr. Mom” to his daughters and was always there for them.
He raised money for hearing impaired and deaf children, and also raised money for the building of Children’s Hospital next to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange, California.
He always remembered and talked about the great town of Island Pond. He and Mrs. Basil went back over the years.
He liked to hike, fish, and his favorite thing was to go and see Rose Steady as a kid. She would give him cookies and milk and also he would go to camp 21 with the Stafford brothers.
He gave his time to people and he was proud of his home in Orange. He loved to play golf when he had the time, and loved watching and attending baseball games with his daughters.
He had two brothers who have predeceased him: Ben and Jack Jr., in 2015.
He is survived by his brother Bob; several nieces and nephews; also great-nieces and great-nephews; by his brother-in-law John Steady, of Glens Falls, New York; and by very special friends and family Joy and Don Viken of Orange.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., on Saturday, May 6, at St. James Catholic Cemetery in Island Pond, with military honors. Online condolences may be shared at curtis-britch.com.
Michael Rawlings Bone
Michael Rawlings Bone, 63, of Fort Myers, Florida, died unexpectedly on April 22, 2017.
Mr. Bone was born June 12, 1953, in Granite City, Illinois, the eldest child of Shirley (Kocis) and Malcolm Bone.
He spent a good part of his childhood in the Northeast Kingdom, living in Island Pond, Derby, and Newport Center. He graduated from North Country Union High School in 1971.
He was a devoted husband and father, and is survived by his wife, Michele (Bisogno) Bone; and their three children: Tara Randles, Jennifer Bone, and Justin Bone. Mr. Bone also leaves behind a daughter-in-law, Heather Bone; and his three grandchildren, whom he deeply loved: Michael, Landon, and Ella. He is also survived by his four brothers and three sisters: James Bone and his wife, Linda, Stephen Bone and his wife, Cynthia, Charles Bone and his wife, Suzanne, Linda (Kocis) Delabruere and her husband, Leonard, Jacob Kocis III and his wife, Sherry, Jody (Kocis) Smith and her partner, Jeff Peterson, and Janice Kocis and her husband, Julio Perez Martin; along with all of his and Ms. Bone’s nephews and nieces — including Stephen, Joshua and Aaron, who were as close to him as his three children.
Mr. Bone will be remembered for his hard work and dedication to the water and wastewater industries, as he worked alongside the Bone, Bisogno, and D’Alessandro families for over 40 years as a certified general contractor. He was a great leader, teacher, and mentor to the many co-workers who had the pleasure of working with him.
In 1995, his love for basketball inspired one of his most rewarding achievements, founding the nonprofit organization High Hoops, which continues to develop future leaders on and off the court, one basket at a time. His vision was to provide his son Justin, and many other players he had coached, with a more competitive basketball experience. He was not only a coach, but also a friend and father figure to numerous basketball players throughout southwest Florida.
He was loved and will forever be remembered for his sense of humor, generosity, and devotion to his family and friends. He will continue to live through each of them and will remain in the hearts of his loved ones forever.
A memorial service will be held at Fred Hunter’s Funeral Home located at 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida, on Saturday, May 6, at 4 p.m. The family invites family and friends to visit from 3 to 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to one of the following organizations: High Hoops, Inc. (www.paypal.me/highhoops), Hoops on Mission (www.hoopsonmission.org), Mended Little Hearts (www.mendedlittlehearts.org), or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate).
Ruby A. Choiniere
Ruby A. Choiniere, 93, of Derby Line, died peacefully on April 23, 2017, at Bel-Aire Center, in Newport.
She was born on August 25, 1923, at Doctor Cleasby’s residence in Orleans, the daughter of Joseph and Fleda (Vinton) Racine.
She attended Door Academy in Springfield, Massachusetts, and graduated in 1942 with her certificate as a licensed beautician (a nine-month course). Her father would drive her to the train station in Orleans for her departures and arrivals from Springfield.
On June 25, 1945, she married Germain Choiniere (who predeceased her on December 21, 2001). They were married at St. Theresa’s Church in Orleans. Two weeks later, Joe Racine “threw them a dance” to celebrate their union at the Grange hall over his store in West Charleston. The next day, they drove to Niagara Falls, New York, for their five-day honeymoon.
Mrs. Choiniere was a beautician for over 53 years, and was well known by everyone in town. She worked out of her home while raising her five children, which was rare in those days. She loved her job and would cater to her customers’ needs, listen to their problems, and in return, swapped many great recipes over the years. She enjoyed her flower gardens, and looked forward to seeing her tulips coming up in the spring. Mrs. Choiniere loved her family, and often was the disciplinarian. She was a great cook, and would often have many friends and relatives share a meal with her family. In retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Choiniere traveled to Florida, Aruba, Hawaii, and Las Vegas. She also loved to walk, and many times, before the sun came up, was seen walking with her friend Betty Racine around town. Later in life, she enjoyed taking trips to Montreal, New York, Connecticut, and casinos with her best friend Betty Murphy. These two, rekindled their friendship, and laughed and enjoyed their trips together.
She is survived by her children: James R. Choiniere and his wife, Francine, of West Burke, Jean McAuliffe, of Brattleboro, John Choiniere and his wife, Diane, of Brownington, Jacalyn Slaiby of Derby, and Janet Goodine and her husband, Frank, of Lyndeborough, New Hampshire; by her grandchildren: Danielle Choiniere-Aldrich and her fiancé, Cori Lucas, Nathan Choiniere and his wife, Angela, Justin Choiniere and his wife, Kate, Jacquelyn, Jonathan, Paul, Billy, and Jamie McAuliffe, Adam Choiniere and his wife, Heidi, Joshua Choiniere and his fiancée, Brittney McCarthy, Cherie Bettencourt, Marie Hardiman, Dan Slaiby and his wife, Linda, Linda Slaiby, Sandra Palladino, and Zachary and Vanessa Goodine.
She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Carter and Bryce Aldrich, Noah, Brooke-Lynne, and Abigail Choiniere, Keegan, Chris, Ryan, Jackson, Nicolas, Kelsea, and Mya McAuliffe, Harper Clark, Colton Choiniere, Shane Switser, Kyle Bettencourt, Czar and Emerald Hardiman, Daniel Slaiby Jr., Ryan Hardiman, Tanya Symonds, Erica Brooks, Kaiden Palladino, and Lily and Mavis Goodine. She is also survived by her brother Rudy Racine and his wife, Joan, of Sun City, Florida; a brother-in-law, Gaston Choiniere, and his wife, Pat, of Fredericksburg, Virginia; and a sister-in-law, Bella Collette, of Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
She was predeceased by her sister Ruth Skinner of Irasburg; and by two sons-in-law: Paul McAuliffe and William Slaiby.
A Mass will be celebrated at a later date, to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: The Mary Wright Halo Foundation, 1073 Upper Quarry Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com.
Gordon B. Daggett
Gordon B. “Bub” Daggett, 80, of Holland died on April 26, 2017, at the Newport Health and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born on October 16, 1936, in Newport to the late Bernard and Thelma (Willey) Daggett.
On April 11, 1958, he married Colleen Crowe who predeceased him on April 30, 2003.
He was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses in Stanstead, Quebec.
Mr. Daggett enjoyed sugaring, working in the woods, and in Bible education work. He was a very easygoing man, influenced many, and loved making baked beans.
He is survived by his son Steve Daggett and his wife, Jenny, of Holland; his grandchildren: Chandler and Chelsea Daggett of Holland; his sister Alice Daggett of Derby; his sister-in-law Vicki Daggett; and by several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents and his wife, he was also predeceased by his brother Joe Daggett.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 4 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall on Citizens Road on Pine Hill in Newport.
Friends may call at the Kingdom Hall on Saturday, from 3 p.m., up until the hour of the service.
Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com.
Theresa G. Descheneau
Theresa G. Descheneau, 100, of Derby, formerly of North Troy, died on April 28, 2017, in Derby, surrounded by her family.
She was born on October 31, 1916, in Jay, to Delphus and Rose (Fortin) Bacon. On December 26, 1940, she married Hector Descheneau Sr., who predeceased her.
She enjoyed working in her flower gardens.
She is survived by her children: Robert Descheneau and his wife, Marcia, of West Charleston, Richard Descheneau and his wife, Diane, of North Troy, and Dennis Descheneau and his wife, Kathy, of Newport Center; by ten grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Lucille Viens of Claremont, New Hampshire; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her son Hector Descheneau Jr. on April 6, 2010; and by three brothers and five sisters.
Funeral services were held on May 2, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, in Newport. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Heart Association, Vermont Affiliate, Inc., 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495, or to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, Inc., 55 Day Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.
Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.
Dorothy Avis Virginia (Hampp) Goodridge
Dorothy Avis Virginia (Hampp) Goodridge, 91, died peacefully on April 11, 2017.
She was born March 14, 1926, in Akron, Ohio, to Joseph E. and Dorothy E. (George) Hampp. She graduated from Barberton High School in 1942, then spent the next two years in the cadet nursing school program at Peoples Hospital in Barberton, Ohio. She quit to marry Donly Clement Goodridge Sr., a Vermont boy who was her pen pal while he was in the Navy. They married on February 11, 1946, and of this union had six children.
They owned and operated a dairy farm in Craftsbury Common for 15 years. Avis, as she was known, was an avid reader, enjoyed years of travel to bowling events with her husband, and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her children: A. Jean Bezio and her husband, Charles, of Newport, Susan J. Richardson and her husband, James, of Albany, Donly C. Goodridge Jr., of Craftsbury, Gilbert E. Goodridge and his wife, M. Kay, of Craftsbury, and Kevin M. Goodridge and his wife, Rosemary, of Albany; by son-in-law Michael Grondin of Albany; daughter-in-law Colleen Goodridge of Albany; by her brother Paul W. Hampp of Mogadore, Ohio; her sisters-in-law, Anthea Pugh of Radford, Virginia, and Ruth Goodridge of Burlington; and her brother-in-law Carroll Goodridge and his wife, Donna, of Easley, South Carolina; by 16 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren; and by many nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Goodridge was predeceased by her parents; her in-laws: Bert and Bea Goodridge; her husband, Donly, in 1997; her youngest daughter Carol, in 2015; her great-grandson in 1994; her sister-in-law Barbara King; and brothers-in-law Basil Goodridge and Albert Pugh.
A graveside service will be held at a later date in Craftsbury.
Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com.
Ruth Marie White Whitcomb
A good woman has died. Ruth Whitcomb, 100, formerly of Morgan, died quietly and peacefully on April 23, 2017, at the Woodridge Rehab and Nursing Center in Berlin.
Mrs. Whitcomb shared 67 years of her life with her loving husband, Roger, who predeceased her in 2006.
She was born on October 7, 1916, the daughter of Robert and Etta (Welch) White, and grew up on their Hillside Dairy farm in Ryegate. She came to Newport in 1939 after graduating from the University of Vermont and, with her husband, lived successively in Derby and Morgan.
She devoted herself to her family and work as a teacher of home economics and special education, and then as a realtor. She is credited with working for the creation of a distinct school for special education in the area and then serving as its first teacher. She is remembered as a lady of considerable energy, interests, and intelligence who served in numerous capacities for her community. Those who knew her will remember her ability to identify those who needed a little more attention, a little more patience, and a little more love — all of which she freely gave in touching many, many lives. Her faith and love of music found outlets as an organist in church from her teen years until she was in her eighties. She was one of those remarkable people who did remarkable things, quietly.
Mrs. Whitcomb was of that generation which fully lived the values of work, self-reliance, honesty, learning, service to others, inner strength, and compassion for those less fortunate. The manner in which she conducted her life led to numerous recognitions for her achievements. While she never brought attention to them, when pushed, she admitted pride in being selected as a women’s editor of The Cynic (the student-run newspaper at the University of Vermont) and in being selected for Mortar Board, a national honor society recognizing college seniors for their exemplary scholarship, leadership and service. She was a lady of considerable grace who saw goodness in all people and felt blessed by her life and family.
Grit is deemed a desirable trait by many. Ruth Whitcomb had enough for several people.
In her later years she was blessed by the love and support of her family and many friends — all of whom were treated to her positive outlook on life and her expression, “I am a lucky old lady.”
She is survived by her children: Martha Montague and her husband, Richard, of Groton, John Whitcomb and his wife, Ida, of Elburn, Illinois, and Alan Whitcomb and his wife, Cathy, of Granville, New York.
She was predeceased by her daughter Nancy Dowd and her husband, Tom.
She leaves nine grandchildren: Michael Dowd and his wife, Elicia, of Hooksett, New Hampshire, Christopher Dowd and his wife, Trish, of Voorheesville, New York, Maura Dowd Kammerman and her husband, David, of Binghamton, New York, Patrick Dowd and his wife, Aimee, of Ballston Spa, New York, Jeffrey Whitcomb and his wife, Hillary, of Batavia, Illinois, Thomas Whitcomb and his wife, Amy, of Lantana, Texas, Sara Whitcomb Schroeder and her husband, Kurt, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Hannah Whitcomb Cargill and her partner, David McNall, of Fairfax, and, Ashlee Whitcomb and her partner, Jeremy Gaudette, of Eastford, Connecticut. Thirty-two great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren blessed her life and have been blessed in turn, by hers. She is also survived by a sister, Alida White Buckland; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will communicate plans for a service at a later date. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions in her memory to: New England Kurn Hattin Homes, P.O. Box 127, Westminster, Vermont 05158. Kurn Hattin is a nonprofit home for children from kindergarten through eighth grade whose circumstances will benefit from the safe, caring, and educational services it provides.
Those wishing to send e-mail condolences may contact www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com.
0 shares
