Doris B. Clark

Doris B. Clark, 93, formerly of Springfield and Wardsboro, died Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, at Cedar Hill Health Care Center in Windsor. She was born June 19, 1925, in Windham, the daughter of Leon and Sadie (Underwood) Bills. She worked as a nanny in private homes and also owned and operated a day care/child care business for many years.

Survivors include four children Roger Fuller, of Cavendish, Ellen Fuller, of Marlboro, Sarah Wilcox, of Springfield, Bonnie Bedi, of Sylvester, Georgia; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth Fuller Sr., Aug. 1, 1992; two sons Lester and Kenneth Fuller Jr.; and her siblings.

A service and burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156; or Cedar Hill Health Care Center Activities Fund, 49 Cedar Hill Drive, Windsor, VT 05089.

Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Rachel Bibens Watkins

Rachel Bibens Watkins, 100, formerly of Reading and Springfield, Vt., passed away with her children by her side, on Nov. 5, 2018, in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Rachel was born on May 21, 1918, in Springfield, Vt., the daughter of Gladys and Burnham Bibens. She was predeceased by her husband of fifty-five years, Kenneth Watkins; her parents and her siblings, Eric Bibens, Merrill Bibens, George Bibens, and Nellie Reed.

She is survived by her son, Dale (Judy) Watkins of Bedford, Mass., and her daughter, Diane (Robert) Smith of Plattsburgh, N.Y.; her grandchildren, Mark Watkins, Meghan (Anthony) Caiazzo, Kristin (Dominick) Pangallo, Lindsey (Luke) Carapezza, and Michael Smith and his fiance, Lourdes Gonzalez; her great-grandchildren, Aurelia and Lucy Pangallo, Parker and Ella Carapezza, and Hudson and Cora Caiazzo; her sister, Elizabeth Wallace and many nieces and nephews.

Rachel graduated from Springfield High School and from the University of Missouri in 1940. That fall, she married Kenneth Watkins. They owned and operated Watkins General Store in Reading until 1971.

Rachel was also the Town Auditor and Town Clerk for Reading for several years before opening her own Real Estate business, Watkins Real Estate in Reading. She received the Realtor of the Year Award for Windsor County in 1975. In addition, Rachel was an active member of her community, held offices and served on numerous boards. She was especially dedicated to the Reading Christian Union Church and the PTA where she was an officer at the state level. After moving to back to Springfield in her eighties, Rachel was an active volunteer at the Senior Citizen Center and the Springfield Hospital.

Rachel enriched the lives of those around her. She was an influential role model, especially for girls, on how to be a strong and independent woman. Her love of family, integrity, work ethic, practicality, graciousness, frugality, dry sense of humor, her fabulous apple pies and her memorable "one-liners" define Rachel. She was loved by many, a testament to a life well lived.

The family extends thanks to the excellent caregiving lovingly provided at The Vilas Home and Meadowbrook Healthcare. There will be no calling hours, rather a memorial service will be held in Vermont in the spring, at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rachel's memory may be made to the Vilas Home, 61 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.

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Douglas A. Currie

Douglas A. Currie, 92, of Springfield, passed away at his home on Monday October 22, 2018 surrounded by his family. He was born February 8, 1926 in Springfield, Vermont the son of Robert D. and Julia E. (Keisler) Currie.

He attended Springfield Schools, graduating from Springfield High School class of 1943. He was a star quarterback for the Springfield Cosmos during High School.

He served in the United States Navy during WW II.

On August 9, 1950 He married Elinor Stewart in New York, and they have made their home in Springfield, Vt. for many years.

He owned and operated Brando’s Pizza in North Springfield, Vt. for several years. He was a Postal Carrier with the United States Postal Service out of the Springfield Post Office for 38 years, retiring in 1982. After retirement He drove School Bus and drove delivering and picking up cars for Soucy Motors in North Springfield, Vt.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Springfield, a member of the Knights of Columbus and served on the St. Mary’s Parish Council, and volunteered as an Usher.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, was an antique collector, enjoyed attending local sporting events. officiated at Cosmos Football games for 20 years, and coached Little League Baseball for many years. He was also an avid Yankee’s fan.

He is survived by his wife Elinor of 68 years of Springfield, two sons ; Michael Currie of North Springfield, and Howard Currie of Springfield, two daughters ; Cynthia Currie of St. Albans, and Melissa Leenders of Lebanon, N.H. Three grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, one daughter Linda Currie, one son Robert Currie, one brother Jim Currie, and two sisters Peggy Stone and Shelia Thompson.

Friends may call at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday October 26, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Springfield, Vt. Reverend Peter Williams will officiate.

Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Springfield.

Contributions may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont.

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Linda G. Holl

Linda G. Holl, 59, passed away on Aug. 18, 2018, at Rutland Regional Medical Center, after a courageous battle with cancer, with her son, Michael Longobardo, at her side.

Linda was a proud and devoted mother to her son, Michael, he was the center of her life. She cherished watching him grow into the man he is today. She had a nurturing quality that she brought to all aspects to life around her.

Linda was a successful, driven entrepreneur who never knew failure whether it was a clothing store, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, food service provider, or real estate developer. Her personal time was often spent working in her flower gardens listening to her favorite country music, or enjoying the sun with family and friends.

Having cancer never defined Linda and she continued to use herself to advance the cause for cancer research hoping it would provide a future benefit for other women. In memory of Linda, please make donations to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition to continue her fight for a cure.

Most of all, Linda will be remembered for her laugh, quick wit and generosity.

Interment services will be held privately.

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield assisted with arrangements.

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Glenna W. Sargent

Glenna W. Sargent, 85, of Chittenden, died Saturday, July 21, 2018, at her residence.

She was born Dec. 2, 1932, in Rutland, the daughter of Glendon and Edna (Wright) Wilder.

She graduated from Rutland High School in 1951 and Rutland Business College.

She married Gene Sargent on Aug. 15, 1959.

Mrs. Sargent had been employed by Lincoln Iron Works and as the activities director for Community Care Network in Springfield. She owned and operated 2 Sargents Real Estate and Chester Appliances prior to her retirement.

She was a 4-H volunteer leader for several years and a member of the Chittenden Senior Group.

Mrs. Sargent enjoyed acrylic painting, flowers and hanging out with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband Gene of Chittenden; daughters Glenna Jean Cole of Perkinsville, Janet VanAlstyne of Chester, Paula Ann Sargent of Mendon; a son Matthew J. Sargent of Springfield; a sister Jane Coburn of Whitehall; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a sister Lorraine Merrill.

Memorial services will be held at noon Saturday, July 28, 2018, at the Barstow Memorial School Hall. Burial will follow in the Horton Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Barnard Funeral Home.

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Irena Obdrzalek

Irena Obdrzalek, 67, passed way at her home Friday, July 6, 2018. She was born Dec. 1, 1950 in Czechoslovakia, the daughter of Miloslav and Gertruda (Bednarik) Krmasek. She attended schools in Czechoslovakia, earning a degree in accounting.

On July 19, 1975, she married Bohumil “Bob” F. Obdrzalek.

In 1986, she moved to Springfield, Vt. In 1990, she and her husband opened Bottle Redeemers in Springfield where she was owner, operator, and bookkeeper.

She enjoyed cooking, knitting, and reading.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years Bohumil “Bob” Obdrzalek of Springfield, one son Jan Obdrzalek of Springfield, one daughter Alice Mills of Essex, Vt., three grandchildren, and one sister Alena Vlcek.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 12, 2018 at the Oakland Cemetery in Springfield, Vt.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Mark N. Tanny

Mark Niemis Tanny, 56, of Brownsville, passed away on Monday June 4, 2018 after a two and a half year battle with pancreatic cancer. Mark was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on Jan. 3, 1962. He is survived by his wife Tracey Cummings Tanny, daughter Leah Tanny, and son Paul Tanny; his mother Brenda Schlegel, brothers Craig Tanny (Cindy) and Keith Tanny (Elizabeth); his mother-in-law Janet Shatilla and brother- and sister-in-laws Peter Cummings, Michael Cummings (Denise) and Anne-Marie Cummings; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Edward Tanny.

Mark earned the Eagle Scout award in 1979. He graduated from Whitingham High School in 1980 and attended Boston University, where he graduated with a BS in Operations Management. Mark earned his MBA from Babson College in 1986. He returned to Vermont following his education and began working at IVEK Corporation in 1986 and purchased the company in 1997. Mark was proud to be a U.S. manufacturer and supporter of local businesses. He was an active board member for the Springfield Regional Development Corporation.

Mark loved spending time skiing at Jay Peak with his family. He had a passion for mountain biking and times spent with family and friends in the Northeast Kingdom. He also enjoyed woodworking, fishing and golfing.

Visiting hours will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday June 9 at Knight Funeral Home, 903 Hartford Avenue, White River Junction, VT 05001. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday June 10 at Old South Church, 146 Main Street, Windsor, VT 05089. Following the funeral, there will be a reception at Ascutney Mountain Resort, 485 Hotel Road, Brownsville. Condolences may be expressed to Mark’s family in the online guest book at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at One Medical Center Drive Lebanon, NH 03756.

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Rita M. Belisle

Rita M. Belisle, age 85, left to be with the Lord on June 1, 2018 at her home in Springfield, Vermont with loving family by her side. Rita was born to Lorenzo J. Sr. and Mary Jane (Labbe) Brillant on June 8, 1932 in Hanover, New Hampshire. Rita was one of six children. She lived in Athol, Massachusetts in her youth and worked for Brillant's Bakery, her family-owned business.

She married her first husband, Richard E. Rayner, at the age of 17. Rita, her husband, and family moved from Athol to Bellows Falls, Vermont, where Rita and Richard had three children. Their marriage ended in 1965. Rita worked many years for her father's business, Brillant's Bakery in Bellows Falls, which later became the famous Rita's Coffee Stop which she owned and operated until her retirement in 2001. On Nov. 1, 1975 Rita married Henry H. Belisle who predeceased her on Feb. 17, 2016. Henry often referred to her as his "Rosebud." Rita came to be known as a mother figure and mentor to many who knew her. She was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Mrs. Belisle is survived by her son Rick Raynor and wife Lana of Westminster, Vermont; her daughters Marlene Curtis and husband Lee of Saxtons River, Vermont, and Diane Bartlett and husband Donald of Saxtons River; her brother Lorenzo "Pete" Brillant Jr. of Morgan, Vermont; her sisters Constance "Connie" Dawson of Bradford, Vermont, Venice Cavallo of Bellows Falls; her grandchildren Celeste Best, Chris Wilder, Tonya Burkholder, Tim Maxfield, Trevor Ramsey, Joshua Curtis, Danielle Raynor, Jevonne McLaughlin, and Eric Hill; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Henry, her parents, her sisters Jeanette Rumrill and Joanne Holbrook, and her granddaughter Monica Dunn Curtis.

Rita will be deeply missed by her family and the Bellows Falls community. Her memory will be held in the hearts of many.

There will be calling hours 5 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 6 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 7 at Saint Charles Church in Bellows Falls. Following the service, Rita will be laid to rest next to her husband Henry at St. Charles Cemetery. Reception to follow at the American Legion in Bellows Falls.

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Nicholas Lynch

Nicholas Lynch, 37, died Friday, March 30, 2018, in Springfield.

He was born Sept. 15, 1980, in Springfield, the son of Scott A. and Cheryl (Emerson) Lynch.

He graduated in 1999 from Springfield High School.

Mr. Lynch was a self-employed petroleum equipment technician and also operated a car detailing business over the years. He enjoyed riding dirt bikes and racing, hunting and fishing, mechanics and rebuilding trucks. He also enjoyed watching football and was a Washington Redskins fan.

Survivors include his mother, father and stepmother Shawna Lynch, all of Springfield; a son, Cory "CJ" Lynch, and a daughter, Morgan Lynch; a stepbrother, Todd Aiken; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by a brother, Corey Lynch.

Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 6, at the funeral home with the Rev. Malcolm Fowler officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to Davis Memorial Chapel, 99 Summer St., Springfield, VT 05156.

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William R. Guy

William R. Guy of North Springfield, Vermont, died Friday, March 23, 2018, peacefully at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born Nov. 26, 1939, in Lebanon, Maine, to Eugene N. and Zelma (Nichols) Guy.

Following the death of his father in 1945, he along with his mother and brother moved to Alton, New Hampshire. In 1955 they moved to Chester, Vermont, where Bill graduated from Chester High School in 1958. After graduation he joined the Army Reserves in Chester. In 1962, Bill married Evelyn Crossman at the First Baptist Church in Chester, Vermont.

Bill became a skilled machinist and over the course of the next five years he was employed at Pratt and Whitney, Cone Automatic and Bryant Grinder.

In 1967 Bill became co-owner of Idlenot Family Restaurants with his brother Eugene, then over the course of the next 20 years, they built up a chain of 12 restaurants in Vermont, New Hampshire and New York, later selling to the Friendly’s Corporation in 1986.

He was a member of the Springfield Elks Club and bowled in leagues for more than 30 years at the Plaza Bowl in Springfield.

Bill’s favorite hobby was restoring and driving his classic cars.

Survivors include his wife Evelyn of North Springfield; his son, Douglas, granddaughters Gillian and Grace Guy and their mother, Georgeann Guy, and brother Eugene (Carol ) Guy, all of Springfield, Vermont; also nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday March 31, at First Baptist Church on Main Street in Chester, Vermont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail Springfield, VT 05156.

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John C. Stearns

John C. Stearns 66, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Springfield on Tuesday March 6, 2018. He was born April 18, 1951 in Springfield, Vermont the son of John M. and Marguerite (Bunting) Stearns. He graduated from Bellows Falls High School.

He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era.

John apprenticed at Lucas Pattern Shop in Springfield, Vt. and worked at Lucas for several years. He later owned and operated Precision Valley Pattern Company for 30 + years. He was also a Carpenter and Contractor.

He was a member of the Chester American Legion Post 67 in Chester, Vermont.

He is survived by 1 Son Tyler J. Stearns and his wife Amanda of Chester, 1 daughter Mercedes Kubisek of Proctorsville, 7 grandchildren, 1 sister Carol Mcgrotty and her husband Bill of Bangor, Maine and nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday March 14, 2018 at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vt. Reverend Gerry Piper will officiate.

Burial will be at a later date in the Brookside Cemetery in Chester, Vermont.

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Richard Hamilton

Richard Hamilton, known a s “ Dick,” of Rutland, died Feb. 8, 2018, with his family by his side.

He was born on Sept. 15, 1928, in Summit, N . J . , t h e youngest son of five children of Harry Thomas and Dorothy Crawford Hamilton, where he grew up until his marriage to Ann “Winkie” Bigelow Hamilton in 1954.

He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1946, and Yale University in 1950, where he was a member of the Whiffenpoofs, the renowned university a cappella group, in both his junior and senior years. This affiliation brought him great singing opportunities and marvelous friends in his ensuing years. While living in Rutland, Dick continued his love for singing with the Curbstone Chorus.

In December1950, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the Army Counterintelligence Corps in Wurzburg, Germany, subsequently returning to civilian life in 1953.

After they married, Dick and Winkie moved to western Canada where he was in the construction business with one of his brothers until 1960. In the summer of 1960, they moved to Seattle where Dick joined Larry Smith & Co., real estate consultants. He was transferred to Toronto, Canada, in 1963 to build the Canadian division of the company. After serving successfully in this capacity until 1967, Dick took ownership of W-W Urban Consultants Limited, primarily specialist consultants to shopping center developers and urban planning and development offices across Canada.

In 1974, the family returned to the U.S. and lived for the next 25 years at their beloved farm in Springfield, VT. From 1974 to 1984, Dick continued his Canadian consulting work by “commuting” from Springfield to Toronto and back every alternate week. He had sold the firm in 1980 to a commercial real estate firm, A.E. LePage Limited, and worked with that firm until returning to the U.S. on a full-time basis in 1984.

Fishing was his great love, and he was fortunate in being able to cast his flies on many of the revered trout and salmon rivers and lakes throughout the world. Along with many U.S. waters, his fishing travels extended to the Gaspe Peninsula, Patagonia, Kamchatka, Russia, New Zealand, Tibet, Iceland, Norway, British Columbia, Alaska and the U.K.

Survivors include his wife, Winkie; and his sons Thomas B. Hamilton, his wife, Gillian, and children Jamie, Ben and Oliver, of Chittenden, VT, Matthew S. Hamilton, his wife, Rosemarie, and children Katie and Elizabeth, of Wentzville, MO, John C. Hamilton, his wife, Pamela, and children Stephen, Sarah and Meghan, of Rutland Town, VT.

His oldest son, Richard “Rick” Jr., died of a brainstem tumor in 1987. Dick was also predeceased by his three brothers and his sister.

His family will welcome friends at the Tossing Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, 2018. There will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, March 24, 2018, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m at the Rutland Country Club.

At Dick’s request, there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to: Green Mountain Fly Tyers Club, c/o Charles Whitehair, 205 North Church St., Rutland, VT 05701; or Mendon Fish & Game, c/o Rick Putnam, P.O.Box 752, Rutland, VT 05702.

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James E. Baldwin

James E. Baldwin, 80, died Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, at his home.

He was born June 6, 1937, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, the son of James and Beatrice (Fowler) Baldwin. He graduated from Springfield schools.

Mr. Baldwin served in the Army National Guard Company C in Springfield.

He was employed at Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield and later, owned and operated a window washing company in the area for many years. He was a pastor with the World Wide Church of God. For several years, he had a WOOL Radio show playing '20s music and sharing facts regarding the musicians and music.

He was an avid record collector, avid reader, enjoyed music, history and genealogy.

Survivors include a brother, Dale Baldwin, of Rockingham; three nephews, eight great-nieces and -nephews; and several cousins. At his request, there will be no services.

Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Art & Historical Society, P.O. Box 336, North Springfield, VT 05150. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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George W. Arnold

George W. Arnold, 91, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, at Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center.

He was born Jan. 9, 1927, in Augsburg, Germany, the son of George and Wilimenia (Grusshaver) Arnold.

He graduated from high school and later, from agricultural school.

Mr. Arnold married Alice Morse May 5, 1956, in Keene, New Hampshire.

In Springfield, he worked at the Fellows Gear Shaper for several years and later, was a building contractor in the area for many years.

He enjoyed woodworking.

Survivors include his wife, of Springfield; four sons Richard, of Tennessee, Rodney, of Springfield, Emery Arnold, of Indiana, and Gregory Arnold, of Indiana; eight grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mr. Arnold was predeceased by a sister, Margaret.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at United Methodist Church in Springfield, where a calling hour begins at 10 a.m. prior to the service officiated by the Rev. Gerry Piper, pastor.

Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Activities Fund, 105 Chester Road, Springfield, VT 05156.

Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Carmine N. Verdi

Carmine N. Verdi 90, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Monday morning October 9, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born on March 10, 1927 in Netcong, N.J. the son of Angelo and Mary (DeMucchio) Verdi. He attended Schools in New Jersey, graduating from Netcong High School in 1944.

Moving to Springfield, Vermont in 1975 Carmine was the Barber in Springfield for nearly 40 years. He held many unofficial town meetings in his barbershop over the years and counseled many on life, personal growth and how to count one’s blessings.

Carmine was once featured in the Springfield Reporter as Person of the Week for his contributions to the Springfield Community.

He is survived by his children ; Andreas Verdi and his wife Donna Salviati of Derry, N.H. , Kristine Vanwezel formerly of Keene, N.H. , Mark Verdi and his wife Gina Witalec Verdi of Wayland, MA. 8 grandchildren : Lindsay Edgerley and Olivia Robinson of Manchester, N.H. , Alexei Verdi of Haverhill, MA., Jordan Vanwezel of New York, NY., Jami Vanwezel of Keene, N.H. Benjamin, Nicholas, Eliana, and Caroline Verdi of Wayland, MA. 1 great grandchild ; Tobias Hedrick-Verdi of Haverhill, MA. Carmine’s longtime companion of 40 years Connie Bemis of Ludlow, Vt. Mother of his 3 children and good friend Alei Verdi of Wayland, MA. Also by several nieces, nephews and cousins in and around Netcong, NJ.

He was predeceased by his 2 brothers – Chester and Anthony and also by his sister Tomisina.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday October 16, 2017 at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont, Reverend Peter Williams will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery in Springfield, Vermont.

Friends may call at the Davis Memorial Chapel on Sunday afternoon October 15, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society PO Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123 . Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont.

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Arthur R. Taft

Arthur R. Taft, 59, died Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts.

He was born Sept. 23, 1957, in Springfield, the son of Clifford and Rena (Martin) Taft.

He graduated in 1975 from Springfield High School.

Mr. Taft was employed as a lineman and in electrical maintenance at substations for Central Vermont Public Service for many years. He built, owned and managed North Springfield Self Storage for many years.

He enjoyed snowmobiling and riding motorcycles.

Survivors include a brother, Martin Taft, of North Springfield, nephews, great-nephews and -nieces.

He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Nancy Sammel.

Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

The memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at the funeral home with the Rev. George Keeler, pastor of North Springfield Baptist Church, officiating.

Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in North Springfield.

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Richard M. Hitchcock

Richard M. Hitchcock, 86, of Springfield, passed away unexpectedly Monday, July 3, 2017, at Springfield Hospital. He was born July 20,1930, in Springfield, Vermont, the son of Ivan and Blanche (Butterfield) Hitchcock. He attended Springfield schools, graduating from Springfield High School and the Co-Op Program in 1949.

Richard served in the United States Army National Guard Company D from 1950 to 1953, during the Korean War.

On July 17, 1954 he married Nancy Spaulding in Springfield, Vermont.

He was employed in the pattern shop at Jones & Lamson Machine Tool Company for a short time before starting his 32-year career as head of the survey division of Dufresne-Henry Engineering in North Springfield, Vermont. He enjoyed all aspects of woodworking. He owned and operated Sign Crafter for 25 years creating hand-carved wooden signs.

Richard had an inventive mind. He looked at the world with a unique perspective, an attribute he passed along to his children.

He was an active lifetime member of the Springfield United Methodist Church. He was a youth leader for many years and held a variety of offices within the church. He made the wooden sign for the church. Richard loved to talk about the Bible and share his faith with others.

He is survived by his wife Nancy of North Springfield; three daughters, Patricia Doherty and her husband, Gerard, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, JoAnn Grey of Wichita Falls, Texas and Margaret Hitchcock-Steger and her husband, Kurt, of Brooklyn, New York; six grandchildren, William Doherty, Eliza Kennedy, Timothy Doherty, Matthew Grey, Stephanie Gorham and Whitney Philippi; five great-grandchildren, Allison Doherty, Kaitlyn, Greyson, Lily and Sally Gorham; as well as many nieces, nephews and their spouses.

Richard was predeceased by his parents; brothers Raymond and Robert Hitchcock; sister Priscilla Connor; nephew Raymond Jr.; and son-in-law Stephen Grey.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 20, at the United Methodist Church in Springfield, Vermont. Pastor Gerry Piper will officiate. A private family burial will be held a later date.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in his name, please consider the Springfield United Methodist Church, 10 Valley St., Springfield, VT 05156.

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Marianne V. Parker

Marianne V. Parker, 79, of Springfield, died Monday, June 19, 2017, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

She was born Nov. 11, 1937, in Northampton, Massachusetts, the daughter of Michael and Josephine (Wilga) Zalenski.

She graduated from high school in Northampton and received a bachelor of arts degree from Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Mrs. Parker was the K-5 gym teacher for Springfield Public School System from 1968 to 1980. She owned and operated Marianne's Crafts in Springfield for several years and later, was employed in customer service at Readex in Chester for 12 years.

She was an avid golfer and member of Bellows Falls Country Club in Rockingham, as well as an avid bowler and league member at Springfield Plaza Bowl. She also enjoyed playing cribbage and other card games.

Survivors include four children, Michael Parker, of Springfield, Joseph Parker, of Durham, North Carolina, Melissa Brock, of Navarre, Florida, and Elizabeth Pratt, of Woodstock; a sister, Elizabeth Scobie, of Southampton, Massachusetts; three grandchildren; a niece and two nephews.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 110 Main St., Suite 203, Burlington, VT, 05401.

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Joan H. Creelman

Joan Henrietta Creelman, 85, died Saturday, May 6, 2017.

She was born Oct. 30, 1931, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Samuel and Henrietta (Borland) Creelman.

Born with a disability, she became a special education teacher after graduating from Philadelphia Biblical Institute.

Miss Creelman taught at the Chester Road one-room schoolhouse, Union Street and Park Street schools. In retirement, she owned Miss Creelman’s Ink and Paper print shop.

She was a member of Springfield Community Chorus and Vermont Retired Teachers Association.

She enjoyed singing and listening to music, (classical hymns), bird watching, painting, drawing and crafts.

Survivors include her siblings, Gwen Coppola, Diane Reilly and David Creelman, all of Philadelphia, nieces and nephews.

Miss Creelman was predeceased by a brother, Robert Creelman, and a great-nephew.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, at Davis Memorial Chapel where friends may call at 12:15 p.m. prior to the service officiated by David Batchelder.

Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Community Chorus, P.O. Box 231, Springfield, VT 05156; or Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156.

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Larry W. Griswold

Larry W. Griswold, 64, of North Springfield, passed away Tuesday evening April 11, 2017 at the Springfield Health & Rehab Center in Springfield, Vermont. He was born August 12, 1952 in Springfield, Vermont the son of William and Eleanor (Simonds) Griswold. He attended Springfield Schools, graduating from Springfield High School class of 1971. He served in the United States Army during Vietnam, stationed in Germany. He served 3 years active duty and 10 years in the Guard Reserves.

On September 10, 1977 He married Sueann Sanford at the Weathersfield Center Church in Weathersfield, Vt.

Larry was employed on the assembly floor at Bryant Grinder Co. in Springfield for 23 years. He later owned and operated his own construction and excavating business for many years.

He enjoyed hunting, woodworking, four wheelers and raising miniature ponies and donkeys.

He is survived by his wife Sueann of North Springfield, one brother Christopher Griswold, of North Springfield, one sister Elaine Erskine of North Carolina, and nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, and also by his son Shawn Griswold in 1997.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday April 22, 2017 at the Assembly of God Church in Springfield, Vt. Reverend Marc Aube Pastor will officiate. Burial will follow in the Pine Grove Cemetery in North Springfield, Vermont.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont.

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