Nicholas E. Marro

Nicholas E. Marro, 44, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at his home in Springfield. He was born April 11, 1972 in Springfield, Vt., the son of Stanley L. Marro and Connie R. Smith, He attended Springfield Schools and graduated from Springfield High School.

He was employed as line cook at the Riverside Reataurant in Springfield for many years, and most recently he was employed as line cook at 56 Main Restaurant in Springfield. He loved to cook, and enjoyed camping and fishing.

He is survived by his mother Connie Jones and her husband Paul Jones, 3 daughters Ariel, Jade, and Lucinda. 2 brothers Shane Hillock and Douglas Hillock. Also by several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his father Stanley Marro.

A private memorial service was held on Sunday June 5, 2016 at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont.

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Hubbard Richardson, 93

Hubbard Richardson, 93, passed away Dec. 29, 2015, at Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born March 3, 1922, in Worcester, Mass., the son of Myrtis and Irving Richardson of Northborough, Mass. He graduated from Becker Junior College in Worcester. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

Mr. Richardson worked at Fellows Gear Shaper, owned and operated Richardson General Trucking, and was employed by Green Mountain Railroad until retirement. He served St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Springfield as sexton, junior warden, and led the early service. He was also a past president of Springfield Art and Historical Society.

He was an avid railroad and model railroad enthusiast, with a large collection of O-Gauge trains, books and magazines.

Survivors include two daughters, Llanda Richardson and Eleanor Heikkinen, numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Richards was predeceased by his wife, Harriette Slack Richardson, whom he married June 15, 1946, in Springfield; and his twin sister, Elizabeth Richardson.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Springfield, followed by the burial and a reception. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark's Church. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Gertrude E. Baker, 96

Gertrude Elaine Baker, 96, formerly of Springfield, died Saturday, May 28, 2016, at Sullivan County Home in Unity, N.H. She was born Nov. 28, 1919, in Providence, R.I., the daughter of Milton and Gladys (Chapman) Baker. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1938.

After graduation, Ms. Baker lived with the Fullam family for 25 years, serving first as maid and then doing cooking, housekeeping and bookkeeping, as well as teaching Bible studies and assisting in the missionary program at Calvary Baptist Church in Springfield.

She later was employed by Mrs. Blanche Bryant in Florida and her duties included assisting with a genealogy manuscript. She and her mother produced the manuscript, "History of Hartness State Airport," in 1985 in Springfield and she later volunteered at the Orange City, Fla., area medical center.

Survivors include several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 4, at Calvary Baptist Church in Springfield, with the Rev. Michael Pelletier officiating, followed by the burial in Pine Grove Cemetery in North Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 156 Main St., Springfield, VT 05156. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Molla H. Kanerva, 91

Molla H. Kanerva died Tuesday, May 24, 2016, in Springfield, Vermont. She was born April 8, 1925, in Newport, the daughter of the late Ruben Heidenblad and Alice Nelson Heidenblad. She married Lennard Kanerva on Sept. 10, 1949. He predeceased her on Dec. 24, 1999 after 50 years of marriage. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was also predeceased by two brothers, Howard and Norman Heidenblad; a sister, Charlotte Hammond; and her beloved son, Alan Kanerva, who passed away June 18, 2008 after a long battle with cancer.

Molla graduated from Towle High School in Newport in 1943. She went to work for the Selective Service System at the local draft board for two years and then went to work at the Citizens Bank in Newport in July of 1945 and remained in banking until her retirement in May of 1987. 

She and her husband had moved to Springfield in 1986. After her retirement, they spent several years traveling here and abroad until his declining health in 1997.

Survivors include two nephews, Evan and David Hammond; a cousin, Elizabeth Heidenblad DeGraaf; her daughter-in-law, Leslie Kanerva; and long-time friends and neighbors, Raymond and Ruth Lacasse and their family.

At her request, there will be no calling hours or service. A private committal will take place at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport. Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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Beverly J. Barbour, 80

Beverly J. Barbour 80, died Monday, May 23, 2016, surrounded by her family at Springfield Hospital.

She was born Dec. 20, 1935, in Providence, R.I., the daughter of George E. and Lucy R. (Tunicliffe) Denton. She attended school and graduated from high school in Rhode Island. On May 20, 1955, she married George M. Barbour in North Kingstown, R.I. He predeceased her in 1992.

She was employed at the W.T. Grant department store and worked as an licenced nursing assistant in nursing homes and home health care for many years. She traveled overseas with her husband, who was in the milityary.

She was a member of Quidnessett Baptist Church in Rhode Island and First Baptist Church in Chester. She enjoyed traveling, puzzles, playing cards, especially cribbage, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her two daughters Patricia Lowden of Springfield and Barbara Duquette of Chester, nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, brother Ronald Denton, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her sons George M. Barbour Jr. and Johnny L. Barbour Sr., grandson, Joshua Lowden and brother George Denton Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 27, 2016, at First Baptist Church in Chester. The Rev. Thomas Charlton, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in Quidnessett Cemetery in North Kingstown, R.I. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Chester Memorial Fund, PO Box 187 Chester, VT 05143. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel.

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Flora A. Bowley, 92

Flora A. Bowley, 92, passed away May 22, 2016, at Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was born June 27, 1923, in Newport, the daughter of Gerald and Nellie (Holmes) Potwin, and she attended schools in Woodstock.

Ms. Bowley was employed at the Goodyear Rubber Plant in Windsor for 25 years.

Survivors include her daughter, Patricia Patterson of Springfield, one granddaughter, three great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one grandson.

The graveside committal service will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 26, in Grout Cemetery in Perkinsville. Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156. Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Anna Jean Kalinen, 57

Anna Jean (Davison) Kalinen, 57, of Andover, died May 18, 2016, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

She was born Oct. 31, 1958, in Springfield, the daughter of John Davison Sr. and Sally Osborne. She graduated from Green Mountain Union High School in Chester in 1976.

She was employed by CEPCO in Chester in the late 1970s. She was a teacher’s aide at Chester Andover Elementary School for 15 years. She enjoyed gardening, sewing and making country meals.

Mrs. Kalinen is survived by her sons Arvid Kalinen of Andover and Paden Kalinen of Ludlow; her mother Sally Gilmore of West Addison; brothers John Davison Jr. of Killeen, Texas, Ronald Parks of Andover, and Kevin Baker of Andover; sister Sharon Baker of Chester; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her father John Davison, Sr. and her husband Alan Kalinen.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 28, at Andover Community Church, reception afterward. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Andover Community Fund, 561 North Hill Road, Andover, VT 05143. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel.

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Robert N. Greenwood, 80

Robert N. Greenwood, 80, passed away Saturday evening, May 14, 2016, at his home in Springfield. He was born in New London, Connecticut, the son of George and Helen (Berg) Greenwood. He attended schools in Connecticut and graduated high school in Connecticut. He later attended college for courses in law enforcement.

He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War and the United States Army during the Vietnam War. On Nov. 24, 1986, he married Sandra A. MacDonald in Chichester, New Hampshire.

Robert was employed in law enforcement with the state of Connecticut for many years, retiring in 1986. He worked in Alcohol Enforcement, was head of security at Mitchell College, and worked in the Secure Unit of the Concord Prison. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and target shooting with his son and grandchildren. He was a member of the American Legion Post #67 in Chester.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra of Springfield; son Scott Greenwood of Springfield; daughters Lisa Christi Greenwood of East Charleston, Vermont and Sherry Hill of Bradford, Vermont; stepchildren Tony Vachon of Meredith, New Hampshire, Michael Vachon of Ashland, New Hampshire, Timothy Vachon of Plymouth, New Hampshire, Steve Vachon of Plymouth, New Hampshire and Sue Degrace of Holderness, New Hampshire; 26 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; special cousin Jack Greenwood of Townshend, Vermont; and special caregiver Richard “Rob” Lentz of Claremont.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 4, at Patch Park in Charlestown. Contributions may be made in his memory to Feed Our Vets at P.O. Box 1, New York Mills, NY 13417 or www.feedourvets.org. Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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John M. Estep, 59

John M. Estep, 59, of Chester, died Friday, May 13, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born Nov. 10, 1956, in Wadsworth, Ohio, the son of James P. and Velma V. ( Cogar ) Estep. He attended schools in Ohio, and graduated from Norwayne High School.

In 1981, he was married to Kathy Crouch in Baltimore, Vt., and they made their home in Chester. Mr. Estep worked for Mack Molding in Cavendish for 19 years, and with Whelen Engineering in Charlestown, N.H., for seven years.

He enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife; his children Felista Sutherland Chester and John Moore of West Virginia; eight grandchildren; his father, James P. Estep of Ohio; brothers Vondon Estep, Paul Estep, Terry Estep, Garland Estep and Shelby Varian, all of Ohio, and Fred Estep of Virginia; sisters Mandalee Hummel of North Carolina and Dale Dohner of Ohio; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Velma V. Estep.

At Mr. Estep's request, there will be no services. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice . Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel.

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Russell L. Farnsworth Jr., 47

Russell L. Farnsworth Jr., 47, formerly of Sterling, Mass., passed away Thursday, May 12, at UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, following a battle with leukemia.

He was born on July 16, 1968, in Springfield, Vt., to Betty (Richardson) Chapman and Russell Farnsworth Sr. He graduated from Wachusett Regional High School. He was a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, in Boston, and International Union of Operating Engineers Local #4, Boston, and had and worked for the past 10 years for Albanese Brothers Construction, in Dracut. Previously, he worked with his family in their business, R.E. Chapman, Co. He was a welder and an outdoorsman, who enjoyed fishing, boating, snowmobiling, riding dirt bikes and four wheelers as well as camping.

He leaves his wife of 26 years, Lisa (Salls) Farnsworth; his daughter, Jessica Farnsworth of Lunenburg; his son, Russell Farnsworth III and his wife, Lindsey, of Ashburnham; two granddaughters, Miranda and Leda; his parents, Betty Chapman and Richard Chapman of West Boylston and Russell Farnsworth Sr. and Vanessa Loomis Farnsworth of Chester, Vt.; two brothers, Michael Belville of Marietta, Ohio, and Jason Farnsworth of Springfield, Vt.; two sisters, Martine Belville of Leominster and Sara Armen of Waitsfield, Vt.; four step-brothers, Dave, Jeff, Steve and Andy Chapman; three stepsisters, Stephanie Sequin, Renee Lillie and Amy Hebert; nieces and nephews, in-laws, aunts and uncles, cousins and many friends. He was pre-deceased by his maternal grandmother, Meme Bertha (Cowan) Terry.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, May 21, at 1 p.m., at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. Burial will follow High Plain Cemetery, West Boylston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org), 9 Erie Drive, Natick, MA 01760. To share a memory or leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.milesfuneralhome.com.

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Carl Chandler, 82

Carl Chandler of 30 Powder House Court, Marblehead MA passed away peacefully at the Lafayette Nursing home in Marblehead, Wednesday, morning, May 11, at 10:20.

Carl was born in Bellows Falls Vermont on July 17, 1934 to Agnes (Bell) Chandler and Earle F. Chandler. The Chandlers moved to Springfield VT which is where Carl spent the major part of his childhood. He joined the Army in 1953 and spent almost three years in Alaska, which he spoke of often.

In the early 1960s he started his career as a radio broadcaster at WCFR in Springfield and discovered his lifes other passion the theater. He was involved in several productions of the Springfield players. Carl moved his family from Springfield, Vermont to Ticonderoga, New York for a short stint at a local radio station then to Marblehead, MA where he held positions at several north shore radio stations including WESX of Salem.

He also became very active in local theater groups and performed in many productions from the late 1960s through the 1980s. His roles of Emile de Becque from South Pacific, The padre from Man Of LaMoncha, and Johnny Brown from The Unsinkable Molly Brown were some of his proudest moments on stage. In the mid 1980s Carl moved back to Westminster Vermont to be closer to his family and enjoy the area he grew up in.

He is survived by his two children Margot L. Chandler and Christopher S. Chandler both of Marblehead Ma, daughter-in-law Ester N. Chandler, 4 grandchildren, one great grandchild, his sister Alma (Chandler) Rounds of Brattleboro VT, pre-deceased by sisters Olive (Chandler) Reed, Charlotte (Chandler) Olney,and brother Herbert Chandler, and many cousins and friends around New England.

A small celebration of life service is planned at the Bellows falls, Oak Hill Cemetery in Vermont on June 12th at 11:30am.

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Ralph A. Parsons, 74

Ralph A. Parsons, 74, passed away Sunday morning, May 8, 2016, at Springfield Hospital. He was born Sept. 4, 1941, in Ludlow, Vermont, the son of Ralph H. and Pauline (Dorey) Parsons. He attended Springfield schools. On Sept. 9, 1967, he married Linda M. Bruce in Springfield.

He was employed as a custodian at Cutler Nursing Home/Hanson Court Nursing Home in Springfield for several years, and later as a custodian at LoveJoy Tool Company in Springfield for 23 years.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, camping and enjoyed walking.

He is survived by his wife, Linda of Springfield; two sons, Alexander Parsons and his wife, Rebekkah, of Keene and Michael Parsons and his companion, Kimberly Gendron, of Springfield; two grandchildren, Miles and Catherine; one brother, Ernest Parsons and his wife, Nancy, of Charlestown; three sisters, Marilyn Howard of Manchester, New Hampshire, Marlene McFadden of Springfield and Linda Snide, also of Springfield; also by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; one brother, Neil; and three sisters, Donna, Patricia and Dianne.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Springfield and will be announced at that time. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Epilepsy Foundation, 8301 Professional Place, Suite 200 Landover, MD 20785; to Autism Speaks, ATTN Web Gift,1060 State Road, 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540; or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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David Cilley

David Maurice Cilley of Columbia, S.C., passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2016. No services are scheduled at this time. Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel of Irmo, South Carolina, assisted the family.

Born in Springfield, Vermont, he was a son of the late Maurice Albert Cilley and Ida Hall Cilley. He was predeceased by two brothers. David was the husband of Patricia Ann Cilley for 58 years.

In addition to his wife, Patricia, he is survived by his children, David Cilley (Annette), Dana Cilley (Cathy), Diane Cilley and Dawn Cilley. He is also survived by six grandchildren, David, Amber, Brittany, Bobby, Sean and Katelyn; and three great-grandchildren, Xander, Andrea and MacKenzie.

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Margaret E. Stevens, 98

Margaret Elizabeth Stevens, 98, passed away Sunday, May 8, 2016, at the Cedar Hill nursing home. She was born March 23, 1918, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of James and Agnes (Mawhinney) Ferguson. Margaret lived in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, and worked at Ingersoll Rand for many years until retirement.

On Aug. 21, 1982, she married Everett W. Stevens of Weathersfield Bow. She was active in Fairview Farm, quilting and the Trinity Evangelical Free Church of Windsor. A genuinely nice lady, she lived her life without complaint.

She is survived by members of the Stevens family, longtime friends and her right hand man, Floyd Buck.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Weathersfield Bow Cemetery. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.

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Hugh Taft

Hugh Taft, a resident of Kendal in Hanover NH, died May 3, 2016, peacefully with family at his side.

He was born and raised in Wallingford VT, the youngest of six children of Raymond and Maud Taft. An excellent student at Wallingford High, Hugh earned admission to Middlebury College, class of 1944. He entered their 3-2 program which earned him a BA degree from Middlebury and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1947. His service in the U.S. Navy (Electrician’s Mate) came between his last 2 college years.

Hugh’s first job was with Baxter D. Whitney in Winchendon MA, in 1947. He met the love of his life, Barbara Lee Pauli of Rutland, VT, in 1947; they married in 1949 and remained a devoted couple for 67 years. They moved to Springfield VT in 1950 where Hugh joined Bryant Chucking Grinder Corp. as a mechanical engineer.

Hugh and Barbara were members of the UCC church in Springfield and sang in the church choir for 49 years. Hugh was a member of the Springfield Rotary Club, and an enthusiastic hiker and skier; he and the family were regulars at Mount Ascutney.

In 1960, Hugh left Bryant and joined with two local business partners to form Vermont Research Corp, which became a leading manufacturer of magnetic memory drums for the emerging computer industry. VRC employed several hundred people in their North Springfield plant in a variety of engineering and precision manufacturing jobs for nearly two decades.

In his retirement, Hugh was able to devote more time to his great interest in trees, and cultivated a sizable arboretum on their property. He and Barbara moved to Kendal in 1999.

He is survived by son, Roderic, and his wife, Christine, of Medfield MA; daughter, Martha Taft, and her husband, Fred Weiss of Washington, DC; son-in-law, Jeffrey Taft-Dick of Springfield VT; plus 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Hugh was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, just two months ago; daughter, Pamela Taft-Dick; and daughter, Paula Taft.

A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church UCC in Springfield, VT, on May 21, 2016, at 11 a.m. To view an online memorial or send a message of condolence to the family, please visit www.rand-wilson.com Arrangements are under the direction of the Rand-Wilson Funeral Home of Hanover, NH.

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