James Franklin Tarbell Sr.

James “Frank” Franklin Tarbell Sr., 83, passed away on Wednesday Dec. 5, 2018 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in White River Junction, Vermont. He was born Aug. 13, 1935 in Saxtons River, Vermont the son of Sidney and Nellie (Kinney) Tarbell. He attended schools in Saxtons River and Springfield, Vermont.

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

On June 21, 1959 he married Marlene Chandler in Springfield, Vermont.

He was employed as an assemblyman with the Fellows Gear Shaper for 25 years. He also had worked at Taggart Motors and Soucy Motors in Springfield.

He was a lifetime member of the Robert L. Johnson V.F.W. Post 771 in Springfield, Vermont, and an avid race fan for many years. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and tinkering.He was a master putterer.

He is survived by his wife Marlene of Springfield, Vermont, one son James F. Tarbell Jr. of Springfield,Vermont, two daughters Paula Clayton of Townshend, Vermont, and Julie Curtis of North Springfield, Vermont. One sister Shirley Rockwell of Peru, Vermont, two brothers John Tarbell and Roderick Tarbell of Springfield, Vermont also survive him, as well as six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, one sister Stella Penn, and by two brothers Walter Tarbell and Herbert Tarbell.

Friends may call at the Davis Memorial Chapel on Sunday Dec. 9, 2018 from 4 to 6 p.m.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday Dec. 10, 2018 at the Oakland Cemetery in Springfield, Vt. Reverend Gerry Piper will officiate.

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Donald J. Breslend

Donald Joseph Breslend, 92, died Monday, July 23, 2018, at Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by family.

He was born Jan. 21, 1926, in North Walpole, New Hampshire, the son of Harry and Bridget (Gallager) Breslend.

He graduated from Bellows Falls High School and served in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in the Battle of the Bulge in the 35th Infantry. He was awarded a Purple Heart, and a Medal of Honor from the French Foreign Legion.

On Feb. 19, 1955, Mr. Breslend married Stacia Balous in Springfield.

He was employed with the U.S. Postal Service for the Railway Mail and later, as a supervisor at Springfield Post Office.

He was a member of Robert L. Johnson VFW Post 771 and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #679, both in Springfield.

Mr. Breslend enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his wife and a son, Michael Breslend, both of Springfield; two grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers John and William Breslend.

The graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 31, in Oakland Cemetery in Springfield, with the Rev. Gerry Piper officiating.

Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Howard D. Hill

Howard D. Hill, 86, died Sunday, July 8, 2018, at the Gill Odd Fellows Home in Ludlow.

He was born May 28, 1932, the son of Harry E. and Eva (Washburn) Hill, in Andover, where he attended local schools.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era.

On April 7, 1956, he married Marlene L. Liberty in North Springfield.

Mr. Hill was employed as a machinist with Lovejoy Tool Co. for 38 years.

He was a member of Robert L. Johnson VFW Post 771 in Springfield.

He enjoyed snowmobiling, riding motorcycles, camping, and was a member of Hawk's Mountain Ridge Riders.

Survivors include his wife, of Ludlow; five children Howard Hill II, of Northwood, New Hampshire, Daniel and Lorrie Hill, both of North Springfield, Nancy Barror, of Springfield, Stephanie Lewis, of Woodstock; seven siblings Patricia Gannaway, Barry, Roy, Harry, Ruby, Doris and Darlene Hill; 13 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins.

Mr. Hill was predeceased by four siblings Vivian Currier, Mabel King, George and Darl Hill.

The memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 15, at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, where a calling hour will begin at 1 p.m. prior to the service officiating by the Rev. George Keeler.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gill Odd Fellows Home, 8 Gill Terrace, Ludlow, VT 05149.

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Ralph E. Coolidge

Ralph Emerson "Bud" Coolidge, 73, died April 30, 2017, at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, WA. Bud struggled for 21 days in the ICU before he went to be with the Lord.

He was born on Nov. 15, 1943, in Springfield, VT. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1961 and attended Castleton State College. He left after one year when he joined the United States Army to volunteer for Viet Nam. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion.

He married Mary Jane Callahan on Nov. 27, 1965. After leaving the Army, Bud worked for the National Security Agency. The pull of family and of Vermont became too great and he returned home.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Mary Jane, and eight children, Betsy Curry (Tom), Steven Coolidge, Jennifer Rickey (Brad), Katherine Coolidge, Dawn Clarke (Gerry), Sabrina Coolidge, Julie Coolidge and Tina Estes. He is also survived by two sisters, Beatrice Degrasse and Sylvia Forbes, and one brother, Wayne Coolidge. They all reside in North Carolina. He will also be greatly missed by his 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Coolidge Sr. and Madeline (Howard) Coolidge; one sister, Arlene Forbes; and two brothers, Donald and Wendall.

Family and friends will gather for a celebration of his life at the Andover Community Church on Saturday, May 13, at 11 a.m. A military burial will take place at 2 p.m. in the Andover Cemetery. -

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Franklin A. Poole

Franklin A. Poole, 83, died Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, at Springfield Hospital.

He was born June 2, 1933, in Portland, Maine, the son of Atwood and Sheila (Barney) Poole. He graduated from Springfield High School.

Mr. Poole served in the Army during the Korean War.

He was employed as a salesman for Jones & Lamson Machine Tool Co. for many years, and Textron Co., working in Iowa as a regional sales manager. He was later employed as a machinist and inspector with Sonnax in Rockingham.

He was a life member, chaplain and past commander of VFW Post 771 in Springfield. A member of Lodge 41 F&AM in Springfield, a member of the Lions Club and a member of First Congregational Church in Springfield. He was also a justice of the peace in Springfield for many years.

Mr. Poole loved hunting and fishing and spending time outdoors.

He is survived by a son, Daniel Poole of Springfield; a sister, Catherine Poole of Lebanon, N.H.; two grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; one daughter, Tracey Poole Zell; one brother, Richard Poole; and one sister, Sheila Poole.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. A reception will follow at VFW Post 771 in Springfield.

Burial will be in Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph at a later date. Contributions may be made in his memory to VFW Post 771, P.O. Box 568, Springfield, VT 05156. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Kathryn M. Kesek, 86

Kathryn M. Kesek, 86, of Atkinson Street in Bellows Falls, died Thursday, April 7, 2016, at the Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehab Center in Middlebury, Vermont.

Kay was born Nov. 26, 1929, in Weathersfield, the daughter of Elwin J. and Nellie V. (Heald) Spaulding. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1947. Following her marriage to Robert Sherwood in 1953, she moved to Bellows Falls, where she lived the rest of her life. Kay was active in many local organizations such as the Bellows Falls Moose Club, the American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary. She was honored in 2011 with the Governor's Award for Outstanding Community Service for her work with groups such as RSVP, Women of the Moose, Red Cross Blood Drive and the Bellows Falls Community kitchen. The award was personally presented to her by Gov. Peter Shumlin at the Vermont Statehouse.

Kay married Walter A. Kesek on Dec. 27, 1971. They lived a full and active life together until his death in 1999.

Kay is survived by four sons, Richard Sherwood and wife Harriette of Chester, Walter J. Kesek of Bellows Falls, Mark Kesek of West Swanzey, New Hampshire and David Kesek of Warren, New Hampshire; three daughters, Jean Kuhn and husband, Bryant of Westminster, Lorraine Dotson and husband Stephen of Center Rutland, Vermont and Mary Davis and husband Kenneth of Athens, Vermont; along with 13 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her grandson, Avery Sherwood; her brother, Irwin Spaulding; her sister, Carrie Guild; and her son, George Kesek.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at Fenton and Hennessy Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. Officiating will be Rev. Hannah K. Rogers. Calling hours will be held from 12 to 2 p.m., with a short prayer service at 1 p.m. by the Women of the Moose. A private burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Kay’s memory to Mooseheart International, 155 S. International Dr., Mooseheart, IL 60539-1118; or to the Alzheimers Association, Vermont and New Hampshire Chapter, 172 N. Main St., Barre, VT 05641-4124.

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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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John J. Oliver Jr., 83

John J. Oliver Jr., 83, passed away Thursday morning, Feb. 4, 2016, at Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center. He was born June 5, 1932, in Perkinsville, the son of John J. Sr. and Margaret (Gallagher) Oliver. He attended Perkinsville schools and graduated from Springfield High School Class of 1950. He was also a graduate of Tractor Trailer and Heavy Equipment Schools.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, and then served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. On May 8, 1965, he married Nylene Wheeler in Chester. She predeceased him Feb. 16, 2013. A native of Perkinsville, he moved to Ocala, Florida in 1988, where he made his home until returning to Vermont in 2013. He was employed as a truck driver in the area for many years. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, a member of the VFW, the Marine Corps League and the American Legion.

He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Nylene; three brothers, Lawrence, Christopher and Alfred; and by one sister, Irene Durland.

A funeral mass will be celebrated in the spring at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Springfield, with burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the 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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Victor P. Jarvis, 91

Victor P. Jarvis, 91, a longtime resident of Ascutney, passed away Monday evening, Feb. 1, 2016, at Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center in Windsor surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 30, 1924, in Claremont, the son of Philip and Eva (Greenwood) Jarvis. He received his schooling in Claremont. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Vermont. He married Virginia Dubuque in Newport on April 13, 1946. Mr. Jarvis was employed at the former Cone Blanchard in Windsor. He started Jarvis and Sons Construction in Ascutney in 1951, which he owned and operated for many years.Victor was a member of the VFW in Springfield. He truly enjoyed working and spending time on projects in his garage, visiting with many friends and family, sharing stories. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Raymond and Richard Jarvis; and one granddaughter. Survivors include his loving wife of 70 years, Virginia Jarvis; two daughters, Phyllis Jarvis and her husband, Patrick Howe, of Claremont and Brenda Bulluss and her husband, Donald, of Ascutney; four sons, Donald Jarvis and his wife, Gloria, of Claremont, Victor Jarvis and his wife, JoAnn, of Springfield, Dwight Jarvis and his wife, Bonnie, and Peter Jarvis and his wife, Judy, all of Ascutney; one brother, Gordon Jarvis of Corona, California; 13 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and one special family caregiver, Angel Kamandua of Ascutney.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at with Pastor Will Hunter officiating. Committal services with military honors will be held in the spring at Ascutneyville Cemetery in Ascutney. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ascutney Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 91, Ascutney, VT 05030. The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor is entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family in an online guest book at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.

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Ian Bernard McGrath, 52

Ian Bernard McGrath, 52, of Potash Brook Road in Chester, Vermont, died suddenly Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, at his home,

Ian was born Sept. 1, 1963, in Edinburgh, Scotland, the son of Bernard and Mary Donaldson McGrath. He was a 1981 graduate of Bellows Falls Union High School and worked for the Vermont Country Store. He served for six years in the United States Marines during the first Gulf War. Ian was a member of the American Legion in Chester and the VFW in Chester.

Ian is survived by three sons, Callum, Ewan and Graeme McGrath all of Chester; one daughter, Caitlyn McGrath of Chester; his mother, Mary McGrath of Ludlow, Vermont; his brother, Barton McGrath of Saxtons River; and his girlfriend, Holly Clayton. Ian was predeceased by his father in 2015.

Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at the Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

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Howard L. Batchelder, 88

Howard L. Batchelder, 88, died at his home in Springfield on Jan. 3, 2016.

He was born Sept. 10, 1927, in Peru, son of Earl M. and Rachel (Abbot) Batchelder. He attended schools in Peru and Chittenden before serving in the Marines during World War II.

After returning home from the war, he operated Howard's Texaco in Londonderry, and later the Gulf Station on River Street for many years before going to work for Jones & Lamson for 27 years in the assembly and services departments.

In 1947 Mr. Batchelder was married to Beverly Bayliss, who predeceased him in 1962. Mr. Batchelder was a member of both the American Legion & VFW in Manchester.

Mr. Batchelder is survived by four daughters, Linda Batchelder of North Springfield, Diane Ingalls of Perkinsville, Jan Wright of Weathersfield and Shirley Jasinski of Burlington; two sons, Bruce Batchelder of Springfield and Michael Batchelder of Taylorsville, N.C.; grandchildren; great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and longtime companion Susan Barrett.

He was predeceased by his son Lyle Batchelder, his daughter Patricia Cahill, his brother Herbert "Buddy" Batchelder and his sister Christine O'Brien.

A Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 11, 2016, at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. A graveside service will be held in the Village Cemetery in Peru in the spring. The Rev. Thomas Charlton, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Chester, will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to VNA & Hospice of Southern Vt. and N.H., P.O. Box 976 White River Junction, VT 05001. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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