Don L. Connor

Don L. Connor, 62, died Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, at Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center.

He was born May 28, 1955, in Springfield, the son of George P. and Virginia J. (Emery) Connor.

He graduated from Springfield High School and received his nursing degree from River Valley Community College in Claremont, New Hampshire.

Mr. Connor was employed with Mack Molding in Cavendish for a few years and later, worked as an LPN for area hospitals and nursing homes, including at Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center for over 12 years.

He enjoyed reading and writing short stories.

Survivors include two siblings Donna Perham, of Chester, and Dennis Connor, of Springfield; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents and a brother. Paul Connor.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156.

Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Paul W. Evans

Paul W. Evans, 54, died Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, at Springfield Hospital, of COPD.

Born Oct. 12, 1962, in Hawaii, he was the son of Peter and Ina (Wortman) Evans.

He graduated in 1981 from Springfield High School.

Mr. Evans was employed for 25 years at Mack Molding in Cavendish.

He enjoyed snowmobiling.

Survivors include his life partner of 23 years, Juanita Aldrich; his sister, Joann “Joy” Janssen of Pittsford; a niece and numerous cousins.

The memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Davis Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Gerry Piper officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156.

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Donald R. Merchant

Donald R. Merchant, 67, of Weathersfield, died Sunday, July 3, 2016, at his home. He was born July 30, 1948, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the son of George D. and Oda (Loetta) Merchant.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War . Mr. Merchant was employed as a supervisor with Mack Molding for 25 years, retiring July 30, 2014.

On June 27, 1992, he married the former Robin Elizabeth Acker in Reading.

He loved riding and working on motorcycles.

He is survived by his wife, Robin; daughter, Jean Marie Willard; three sons Donald R. Merchant Jr., Roy M. Towsley, and Steven Towsley; two brothers Bill Keller and Woodrow Scott; two sisters, Beatrice Huestus and Loreen Ruser; eight grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 2016, at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. The Rev. Scott Kearn, pastor, will officiate.

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Elizabeth Merritt, 78

Elizabeth Merritt, 78, of Chester, passed away Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. She was born June 2, 1937, in Springfield, the daughter of Rosario and Laura (Buskey) Pignato. She attended Springfield schools and graduated from Springfield High School, Class of 1955. On Oct. 19, 1957, she married Thomas Merritt in Springfield. They resided in the Chester area for many years.

She worked at Bryant Grinder Corporation in Springfield, Mack Molding in Cavendish, and later worked as a seamstress for the Tony Totes Company. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary 67 in Chester, and a member of the VFW Post 771 Auxiliary in Springfield. She enjoyed camping, gardening, playing bingo and cribbage and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband Thomas of Chester; three sons, Robert Merritt of Springfield, Richard Merritt of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and James Merritt of Charlestown; one daughter, Carol Batchelder of Rockingham; one sister, Pauline Lehoullier of Johnson, Vermont; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by an infant son, Alden; two brothers, Joseph Pignato and Patsy Pignato, and two sisters, Mary Wyman and Victoria Davis.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Simonsville Cemetery in Andover, Vermont. Reverend Gail Kindberg will officiate. A gathering will follow the service and the location will be announced at a later date. Contributions may be made in her memory to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center One Medical Center Drive Lebanon, NH 03766. Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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