Dorothy R. Stearns

Dorothy Ruth "Dot" Stearns, 86, formerly of Springfield, died Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, with family at her side.

She was born June 24, 1931, in Springfield, the daughter of Harvey S. and Sarah P. (Chase) Snide.

She graduated in 1950 from Springfield High School.

On June 30, 1951, she married William "Roy" Stearns.

After working as a secretary at Bryant's, Mrs. Stearns became a full-time homemaker and for 22 years, was a demonstrator/supervisor for American Home Toy Parties. She was also employed at the Paddock Restaurant in the kitchen and the Riverside Junior High School cafeteria.

She was active in Springfield High School Alumni Association, as well as a member of First Congregational Church of Springfield and the Rebekahs.

She enjoyed playing Scrabble and cribbage, collecting hummingbirds, flower and vegetable gardening, traveling, and in earlier years, candlepin bowling.

Survivors include her husband, of Westmoreland; son Gary, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, daughter Kelley Lauren, of Chester, daughter Wendy Putnam, of Westmoreland; two granddaughters, a step-grandson and step-granddaughter, a step-great-grandson; siblings Larry Snide, of Bellow Falls, Patricia Hardy, of Springfield; many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Stearns was predeceased by brothers Fredrick, Paul and Robert Snide.

The graveside service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, June 10, in Gill–Walker Cemetery, Putnam Road off from Route 5 North in Springfield, followed by a reception at the Whitcomb Building in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Springfield High School Alumni Association, 13 Fairground Road, Springfield, VT 05156.

Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Rev. Fr. William P. Morgan

The Reverend Father William Paul Morgan, age 90, of Barnet, Vt., passed away on Friday, May 25, 2018, at his residence.

Fr. Bill was born in Lynn, Mass., on April 26, 1928, son to Francis and Jennie (Leonowitz) Morgan. He was raised and educated in Malden, Mass., graduating from Malden High School, Class of 1946. Following graduation, Bill joined the Navy and served for two years from 1946-1948 earning the rank of Seaman First Class. He attended St. Clement Minor Seminary and St. John Seminary in Brighton, Mass. On Feb. 2, 1957, Bill was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston, Mass., by His Eminence Richard Cardinal Cushing, Archbishop of Boston.

His priestly ministry began as Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (2-22-1957 to 3-4-1958). He then served at St. Aloysius Parish, St. Johnsbury, Vt. (3-4-1958 to 5-29-1964) and St. Mary Parish, Springfield, Vt. (5-29-1964 to 7-26-1968). His first pastorate was at Our Lady of Snows Parish, Waitsfield (7-26-1968 to 8-23-1972). He also served as Pastor at St. Theresa Parish, Orleans (8-23-1972 to 6-29-1977) followed by St. Luke Parish, Fairfax (6-29-1977 to 6-18-1986), St. John the Evangelist Parish, Northfield (6-18-1986 to 6-20-1990), and Blessed Sacrament Parish, Stowe (6-20-1990 to 6-30-1999).

On June 30, 1999, Fr. Morgan was granted Senior Priest status. He came out of retirement to serve as Pastor at St. Dominic Parish, Proctor (6-19-2002 to 5-14-2003) and St. James Parish, Island Pond (5-14-2003 to 7-1-2008). He again was granted Senior Priest status on July 1, 2008.

Fr. Bill is survived by a sister: Dr. Linda Morgan of Lynn, Mass.; a sister-in-law: Jacquelyn, of Weaverville, N.C., and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents: Francis A. and Jennie G. Morgan; two sisters: Kathleen Rubman and Teresa Royle, and a brother: Dr. Donald R. Morgan.

Visiting hours will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday evening June 1, 2018, at St. John the Evangelist Church on the corner of Winter and Main Streets in St. Johnsbury.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Church on Hill Street in Lyndonville at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2018, with Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne, Bishop of Burlington, as principal celebrant. Homilist will be Monsignor John J. McDermott.

Burial will take place at a later date at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Lynn, Mass.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.saylesfh.com.

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Robin E. Merchant

Robin Elizabeth (Acker) Merchant passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her sister’s home in East Durham, NY on May 25, 2018, at the age of 58. Robin was born on July 19, 1959, in Albany, NY to the late Leon E. Acker and Betty Ann Armstrong. She settled in Springfield, Vermont with her 3 children, where she eventually met and married the love of her life Donald R. Merchant. They were married on June 27, 1992 and made their home in Weathersfield, VT where she enjoyed her flowers and gardening, reading, listening to music, laughing and dancing, riding with Don on his motorcycle, and especially her grandchildren.

Robin had been currently living close to family and friends in Springfield, VT with her little dog Lilly prior to her passing. She was a beloved mother, Nana, sister, aunt and loving friend to many. She loved staying in touch with all her friends and family and would light up a room with her joy, laughter and carefree spirit. She cared deeply and knew how to make each person feel valued and needed. She is remembered for many things, but two of her greatest gifts she gave the world were her ability to love and her faith in God.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Jean M. Willard and her husband Steve of Springfield, VT, Steven M. Towsley and his wife Carolyn of Highgate, VT, and Roy M. Towsley, of Springfield, VT. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren who meant the world to her, brothers Michael Acker, Timothy Acker, and James Acker, her sisters Lynn Mauriello, and Laura Ferrara, their families and several nieces and nephews.

Robin was predeceased by her loving husband Don, her parents, and her brothers Eric Acker and Patrick Acker.

A celebration of Robin’s life will be held on Saturday, June 23rd, at 3 p.m., at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, VT, followed by a short graveside ceremony at Oakland Cemetery in Springfield, VT where Robin and her beloved Don will rest together forever.

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Ralph J. Flick

Ralph J. Flick, 63, of Springfield, died Friday, May 25, 2018, in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

He was born Sept. 26, 1954, in Bronx, New York, the son of John and May (Kinzer) Flick.

He attended schools in New York.

Mr. Flick was employed in building maintenance in New York for many years, and at the LaFrance Block in Springfield for many years, as well.

Survivors include his companion of many years, Gail Burney; nine children Ralph Jr., James, Harley, Luke, Anthony, Theresa, Bernadette, Agiva and Asheley; a sister, Jeanette; and several grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a sister, Margaret, in 1992.

The graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, in St. Mary's Cemetery in Springfield, with the Rev. Peter Williams officiating.

Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Earl D. Grennan

Earl D. Grennan 22, of Springfield, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday May 23, 2018 in Cavendish, Vt. He was born May 1, 1996 in Springfield, Vermont the son of Garth and MaryJo (Levesque) Grennan. He attended Springfield Schools, graduating from Springfield High School class of 2014, He later attended Johnson State College for Theatre.

He was a member of the Theatre Union, and worked as a Stage Hand, He also worked as a Park Attendant with the Vermont State Parks Dept., worked at Mt. Norris Scout Camp, and volunteered extensively with many organizations, including the Leap Program in Springfield while he was in High School.

Earl was an avid outdoorsman, an Eagle Scout and member of Boy Scout Troop 206. He enjoyed hunting , 4 wheeling, and sewing, making some of his own clothing, and enjoyed fixing things. He was a good friend.

He is survived by his mother MJ Trask and her husband Ben of Springfield, father Garth D. Grennan of Brattleboro, brother Michael Grennan of Albuquerque, New Mexico, ½ brother E.J. Bromley of Springfield, Aunt Jeanie Levesque and her husband Bill Lockwood, Uncle Jeff Levesque, Aunt and Uncle Tracie and Scott Cogdon, and many cousins.

He was predeceased by his grandmother June Levesque.

Friends may call at the Davis Memorial Chapel on Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.

A Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday May 26, 2018 at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Reverend Thomas Charlton will officiate.

A private burial will be held at a later date when Earl will be interred with his grandma June.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to Boy Scout Troop 206, c/o Tom Charlton 2141 Matteson Road Chester, Vt. 05143.

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William G. Swenson

William G. Swenson, 74, passed away on Wednesday evening at the Springfield Health & Rehab Center in Springfield, Vermont, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Nov. 17, 1943, in Evanston, Illinois, the son of Wesley and Gretchen (Graham) Swenson. He graduated from Radnor High School in Radnor, Pennsylvania, and attended Parks College in St. Louis, Missouri.

He served in the United States Army in Vietnam.

He was employed as an engineer at Jones & Lamson Machine Tool Co., Woodland Tool Co. and the Love-Joy Tool Co. He was a licensed pilot and had worked as a flight instructor at the Hartness State Airport in Springfield, Vermont.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, walking at Spring Weather, reading, hiking and camping. He also enjoyed building model airplanes and restored and raced motorcycles. Motorcycles were his passion and he especially liked Ducati, BMW, Triumph and Norton motorcycles.

He also loved animals and rescued senior dogs.

He is survived by his son, Matt Swenson, daughter Jennifer Swenson, sister Julie Schwartz, and was granddad to Brayden. He is also survived by one nephew, two nieces and many cousins and grand-nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The ALS Association Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 37022, Boone, IA 50037-0022, or to the New England Springer Spaniel Rescue at NEESSR, Inc., P.O. Box 407, Ashland, MA 01721.

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

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Charles K. Steele

Charles Kenneth "Chuck" Steele, 91, of Springfield, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 21, 2018, after a long illness, at his home surrounded by family and friends. He is predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Nada (Jacobs) of Springfield and son William Steele, and is survived by his son Robert Steele and daughter Natalee Roberts; grandson Charles Steele and granddaughter Jennifer Roberts-Keating; and great-granddaughters Kiera and Avery.

Chuck was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII and the Berlin Airlift, serving as a gunner and later as a flight engineer on various Naval aircraft, he attained the rank of Petty Officer Second Class and later served in the U. S. Air Force Reserve. advertisement

Chuck came to Springfield from his birthplace of Detroit, Michigan in 1958 to work as an aircraft mechanic at Springfield Airport for Buker Aviation. Chuck later worked at Bryant Grinder Corporation, where he retired, as Second Shift Production Manager. He was an avid pilot and aviation enthusiast as well as an aircraft mechanic working part time at Springfield Airport. He also worked on his own aircraft there. Chuck and Nada enjoyed raising and showing West Highland White Terriers and Cocker Spaniels. He also served as president of the Woodstock Dog Club for many years. He enjoyed watching his daughter and granddaughter showing horses, working on and flying airplanes with his son, and woodworking and carving model airplanes with his grandson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Honor Flight New England in Chuck's name. Based on his wishes, there will be no funeral arrangements.

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Ruth A. Robinson

Ruth Ann (Nichols) Robinson, 87, died peacefully in her home in Swanville, Maine, Tuesday, May 15, 2018.

Ruth was born March 20, 1931, in Belfast, Maine to Albert Nichols and Frances (Rogers) Nichols-Blanchard.

Ruth graduated from Searsport High School in 1948. She served as a preschool teacher at both the Searsport and Springfield, Vt., Methodist churches. Additionally, she worked for Youngs Community TV in Springfield, Vt., for 15 years before returning to Swanville.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents; her husband of 47 years, Edward Robinson Jr.; and sons Michael Edward and Kelley Albert Robinson.

She is survived by sons, Patrick Robinson of Maine and Kevin Robinson and fiance Theresa Shonio of Vermont; daughters Darlene (Robinson) Pawulak of Vermont and Doreen Robinson and husband Leslie Davio of Maine. She also leaves one granddaughter, Kristina (Merrill) McKeighan of Vermont; grandsons, Keith Merrill of Florida; Patrick Robinson II of Vermont, Bertram Robinson of New Hampshire, and Lander Smith-Robinson of North Carolina. Ruth is survived by sisters Alberta Ames of Maine; Ina Trundy of Arizona; and Helen West of Vermont. She leaves several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Burial services to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery in Swanville, on Monday, May 21, at 1 p.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home Belfast, Me.Memories and condolences may be offered to the family at ripostafh.com.

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Troy J. Bertrand

Troy James Bertrand, 23, died Saturday, May 19, 2018, at his home in Chester.

He was born Oct. 14, 1994, in Springfield, the son of Steve Dunn and Anita R. Bertrand.

He graduated from Green Mountain Union High School and attended Community College of Vermont.

Most recently, Mr. Bertrand was employed at Jeld-Wen window and door manufacturing in North Springfield.

He enjoyed music and playing guitar, computers and Xbox gaming.

Survivors include his mother and stepfather Chad Hayes; his father; two sisters Taylor and Rachel Hayes; maternal grandparents Bob Bertrand and Linda Legg, step-grandparents Bob and Susan Dickie and great-grandfather John O'Neil; and an uncle.

He was predeceased by his great-grandmother, Barbara O'Neil, and an uncle.

The memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 26, at St. Luke's Church in Chester.

Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Stephen R. Sanderson

Stephen R. Sanderson, 69, passed away at his home in Chester on Friday Morning May 11, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 15, 1948 in Randolph, Vermont the son of Calvin Sanderson and Eleanor Wells and raised by his mother Eleanor and Step-father Earl VanAlstyne.

He graduated from Springfield High School class of 1966.

On August 31, 1969 He married Bonnie K. Hakey in Chester, Vermont.

He was employed in Assembly and as a Machinist with Jones & Lamson Machine Tool Co. in Springfield for over 20 years. He was later employed as Custodian at the Chester – Andover Elementary School for 25 years, retiring in 2012.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, enjoyed cars, and watching stock car racing, He also enjoyed tinkering and fixing things.

He is survived by his Wife Bonnie of Chester, his mother Eleanor of Chester, his children – Scott R. Sanderson of Essex Jct., Vt. , Kelly Sinclair and Stacey L. Sanderson both of Chester, 7 grandchildren, 3 brothers – Dennis VanAlstyne, David VanAlstyne, and Mark VanAlstyne, 2 sisters – Melanie Robinson, and Holly Farnsworth. Also by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by a daughter Laurie Ann Sanderson and by his step-father Earl VanAlstyne.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495.

There will be no services.

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield is assisting with arrangements.

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Eda F. Estey

Eda F. (Bickford) Estey, 89, passed away on Friday, May 11, after a hard-fought, decade-long battle against dementia. A private memorial and funeral service is planned.

“Dunky," as she was called by her family and close friends, was born on May 24, 1928 in Randolph, Vermont, the daughter of Pearl Drake and Emma (Bryant) Bickford. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1946.

She married Alva “Bill” P. Estey Jr. on June 14, 1947. Eda and Bill were married 67 years, only separated by his death in 2014. Her profession and career was devoted to her family and home in Springfield, Vermont and later Weathersfield, Vermont. She was an avid reader and news buff. She also enjoyed word puzzles and was a great lover of all animals.

She is survived by her son, Jon Estey and his husband, Lou Waryncia, of West Claremont, New Hampshire; one grandson, Gavin D. Estey and his fiancée, Holly Corbett, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island; her daughter-in-law, Lori Estey of Meriden, New Hampshire; and a brother, Lyman D. Bickford of Lancaster, South Carolina, along with several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband; a son, Gregory D. Estey; and three sisters, Pearl “Peg” Young, Idamae “Tiny” Laitinen and Lois Martin; also her beloved cats, Kaiser and Tootsie.

Eda spent the last few years living in Stoughton House at Historic Homes of Runnemede in Windsor, Vermont. Her family is very grateful for the dedicated and loving care she received there.

The Stringer Funeral Home in Claremont is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions in her memory may be sent to the Springfield Humane Society.

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Ida A. MacKenzie

Ida A. (Michniewich) MacKenzie died Thursday, May 10, 2018, in Springfield, Vt. She was born Sept. 20, 1920, in Springfield, the daughter of Amelia (Jwaszkiewicz) and Stanislaw Michniewich. She graduated from Springfield High School and as a registered nurse from the Fanny Allen School of Nursing. She worked as an industrial nurse at J&L in Springfield in the 1940s and later as a private duty nurse.

She married Neil F. MacKenzie in Springfield April 12, 1947. They worked, loved and laughed together for 63 years. Together they owned and operated MacKenzie Construction in Chester. He predeceased her in 2010.

She is survived by three daughters, Dawn-Marie MacKenzie of Myanmar; Pam (MacKenzie) and her husband Peter Durda of Hinesburg, Vt.; and Jo-Anne MacKenzie of Salisbury, Mass. She was an amazing role model and, with her husband, raised three strong women.

She is also survived by three grandchildren, Kate Durda and her husband Shawn Sato of Iowa City, Iowa; Amelia Paini and her partner Joseph DeMarco of Salem, Mass.; and Neil Durda and his wife Shannon of Georgia, Vt. She was predeceased by her grandson Clay Paini in 2015.

Survivors also include three beloved great-grandchildren, Luca DeMarco, Hailey Durda and Josephine Sato.

She was predeceased by her brothers Anthony and John, and sisters Mary, Sophie, Victoria and Stella.

Her faith was very important to her; she was a longtime and active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Chester.

She was an avid reader, gardener, volunteer, game player and practitioner of tai chi. She loved her family most of all. She leaves a big hole.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, May 14, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Chester. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Chester.

Memorial contributions may be made to Whiting Library, 117 Main St., Chester, Vt.

Davis Memorial Chapel of Springfield is handling the arrangements.

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Thomas Merritt

Thomas Merritt, 91, passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at the Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center in Springfield, Vermont. He was born on May 6, 1927 in Springfield, the son of Charles and Thelma (Balch) Merritt. He attended Chester Schools, and graduated from Chester High School. He served in the United States Navy during WW II.

On Oct. 19, 1957 he married Elizabeth Pignato in Springfield. She predeceased him on Feb. 8, 2016.

He worked for many years as a truck driver, first working for his grandfather with Balch Trucking and later for more than 30 years with St. Johnsbury Trucking. He also worked in the machine tool industry.

He was a member of the Chester Congregational Church, the Springfield V.F.W. Post 771, the American Legion Post No. 67 in Chester, the Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge No. 96 F. & A.M. in East Wallingford, and was a member of the Shriners. He had also been a member of the Windham Volunteer Fire Department.

He is survived by three sons, Robert Merritt of Springfield, Richard Merritt of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and James Merritt of Charlestown, New Hampshire; one daughter, Carol Batchelder of Saxtons River; two brothers, Cunred Merritt of Londonderry, and Arthur Merritt of San Diego, California; one sister, Nancy Adams of North Adams, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by an infant son Alden, his wife Betty and his parents.

Friends may call at the Davis Memorial Chapel from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening, May 16. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday May 17 at the Simonsville Cemetery in Andover, Vermont. Rev. Gail Kindberg will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bayada Hospice, 1222 Putney Road, Suite 203, Brattleboro, VT 05301.

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

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Edward W. Fitzgibbons Jr.

Edward W. Fitzgibbons Jr., 97, passed away on Monday afternoon, May 7, 2018, at the Gill Odd Fellows Home in Ludlow, Vermont. He was born in Worcester City Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts, on July 6, 1920, the son of Edward W. Sr. and Etta (Johnson) Fitzgibbons. When Eddie was a few months old, he and his parents moved to Cavendish, Vermont. He attended school in Cavendish.

He worked for Don Belknap cutting wood and logs, driving truck and then became a sawyer. Eddie worked for Kenwood Mills in Cavendish and later worked as a machinist at the Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield, retiring after 25 years of service. During World War II, Eddie, with others, volunteered at a look-out tower to report plane sightings.

He married Mildred Gleason on April 13, 1948. Eddie and his wife had a ministry of sending cards, visiting people, transporting people to doctor's appointments, etc., giving food to those in need and weekly shopping for the elderly.

He belonged to the Cavendish Baptist Church where he was, for many years, an usher, janitor, Sunday school teacher and bell ringer. He was also a member of the church prayer group.

With his brother, Russell, they cut wood for their winter fuel. Eddie mowed the fields at the Sanders-Gleason Farm, which he and his wife later owned.

His sister, Mary, died in 2000 and his brother, Russell, in 2014.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mildred, and nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 11, 2018, in the Cavendish Village Cemetery in Cavendish. Reverend Abraham Gross will officiate. A time of fellowship will follow at the Cavendish Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cavendish Baptist Church, P.O. Box 425, Cavendish, VT 05142.

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

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Bernard Kasparovich

Bernard “Peanut” Kasparovich passed away at 95 on May 6, 2018.

He was born on Jan. 21, 1923 to Vincent and Helen (Bahdan) Kasparovich in Springfield, Vermont. An older sister, Helen, and her husband Ray, were early influences on and supporters of young Bernard.

A graduate of Springfield High School, Peanut was a star athlete for legendary Cosmos coach Curt Dressel, who was a mentor and father figure to young Peanut. After high school he joined the United States Navy, where he served on the U.S.S. Patrol Craft Escort 874 in the Pacific during World War II. Though he never saw the Pacific Ocean again after his service concluded, he retained a life-long love of the sea.

Peanut returned to Vermont after the war, and thanks to the G.I. Bill, pursued and received a bachelor’s degree from St. Michael’s College. Around the time of his graduation from college he also acquired his prized Studebaker convertible.

Living in Springfield and working at Bryant Grinder, where he would stay until his retirement, Peanut met and married the love of his life, Margaret Sharkey. “Peg” and Peanut raised four beautiful daughters at the home he built on Canary Court. Those daughters, in turn, gave “Papa” the eight grandchildren he and Peg spent considerable time doting upon. Peanut was fortunate enough to see the family tree expand even farther, with those grandchildren providing an additional nine great-grandchildren. Margaret predeceased Peanut in 2005; as she passed away he was by her side.

Peanut was the living embodiment of the words of his favorite author, Louis L’Amour: “A great book begins with an idea; a great life, with a determination.” He lived a great life, he will always be loved, and he is dearly missed.

Peanut is survived by his daughter Michele “Micky” Blair and her husband Cliff of Claremont, New Hampshire; Kathy Bolaski and her husband David of Springfield; Lynn Lashua and her husband Gary of Springfield; and Sherry Kasparowicz of Springfield.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center for their kindness, empathy, and patience. There will be a small graveside service for family at a later date, when Peanut and Peg will be laid to rest the same way they lived – together.

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Charles R. Brent

Charles Robert “Bob” Brent, age 97, passed away on May 2, 2018 at the Gill Odd Fellows Home in Ludlow, Vermont surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in East Weare, New Hampshire on Jan. 12, 1921 to Alice (Murphy) Brent and Nathanial C. Brent. He was raised in Manchester, New Hampshire and graduated from Manchester Central High School in the Class of 1938. He moved to Springfield, Vt. in 1938 to work in North Springfield for his uncle William Murphy. Eventually he went to work at Fellows Gear Shaper where he worked in the Export Department for 44 years, retiring in 1984.

Suddenly, World War II came along and in June 1943 he enlisted in the United States Navy as a naval aviator. He was assigned to the VB -108 B-24 squadron and was stationed in the South Pacific where he was a flight engineer and tail gunner for which he received the Bronze Star. He was an extremely proud veteran and received his honorable discharge in October 1945.

While in Springfield, he met a young lady named Marion H. Williamson who was sister to his uncle’s wife. Marion would eventually become his wife getting married in San Diego, California on June 15, 1945 just prior to his discharge from the Navy. After returning from his military service they would make their home and raise their family in Springfield and return to work at Fellows.

Bob loved to golf and was a founding member and board member of Crown Point Country Club. He was also a founding partner of Great Eastern Manufacturing Company in Springfield. He enjoyed spending his summer vacations at the family summer cottages in Island Pond, Vermont. He was a member of BPOE Springfield Lodge 1560 where he was recently recognized for 72 years of membership. He was also a 77-year member of the Odd Fellows, as well as a member of the Masons and Eastern Star. He was also a longtime member of the Springfield United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his daughter Patricia Brent-Sorenson of Meriden, New Hampshire and his son Douglas Brent and wife Renee of South Burlington, Vermont, their children and their families. He is also survived by his niece Beverly Green of Las Vegas, Nevada, three grand-nieces and one grand-nephew and their families. He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Marion Brent; his parents, his in-laws, and his son-in-law George D. Sorenson.

Services were held on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at the United Methodist Church, with calling hours from 1 to 2 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 2 p.m.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Gill Odd Fellows Home in Ludlow, Vermont or to the Springfield United Methodist Church.

Davis Memorial Chapel is assisting with arrangements.

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