System Mechanic - Clean, repair, protect, and speed up your PC!Richard A. Whitcomb, Sr.
Death: April 14, 2015
Richard Allen Whitcomb, Sr, 73, of Derby, VT, passed away on April 14, 2015 in Newport, VT. He was born on December 28, 1941 in St. Johnsbury, VT to Myrle Davis Woodmansee and the late Urban Whitcomb. He received his GED in June of 1988.
He married Barbara Jean (Villeneuve) Whitcomb who predeceased him on October 7, 2007.
Richard was a Block Guard for the Orleans County Sherriff’s Department. He retired from the Vermont Army National Guard and obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He also was employed at one time at American Maple, Hoods Creamery, farming, Moss Trucking, and he was a truck and long time bus driver. Among his hobbies, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and bowling where he held the league high score of 297, (a near perfect game!) He also enjoyed boating, working on cars, and enjoyed the company of his dog “Crystal”. He was a practical joker, an avid bowler and softball champion, his CB radio handle was “Candyman” and he also loved to snowmobile, play horseshoes, fishing, attending his son’s Mark Shelton’s concerts, going on cruise vacations with Theresa and his favorite NASCAR driver is Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and Jr. He loved he many dogs he had in his life. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his children: Richard Whitcomb, Jr. of Salem, CT, Karen Whitcomb and James Trent of NC, and David Whitcomb and his girlfriend Lisa Hastings of Norwich, CT. He is also survived by many grandchildren including, Barry, Johna, Mykhaila, Brandon, Adam, Vanessa, Meagan, Miranda, David, Jr, Dyllan, and great grandchildren, his mother Myrle Leithead of Lyndonville, VT; by his step son: Mark Shelton and his wife Lisa of Derby, VT, by his fiancé Theresa Bowen of Derby, VT; and by her children: John Roy and his wife Diane of Holland, VT, Debbie Grow and her husband Dan of Enosburg, VT, Robin Nolan and his wife Christina of Derby, VT, and Angel Girard and her husband Eric of Derby, VT. He is also survived by his brother Bernard Whitcomb of CA, his sisters Janet Fenoff and Jean Peck both of FL, and his half brothers and sister: Gary Fenoff of ST. Johnsbury, VT, Billy Whitcomb of Jay, VT, and Judy Lamont of FL, and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his baby girl Villeneuve in 1961, Baby Boy Whitcomb in 1965 and Barbara Jean Marie Whitcomb in 1978. He was also predeceased by his brother Walter Whitcomb.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday April 17, 2015 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport with the Rev. John Genco officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday April 17, 2015 from 1:00 P.M. until the hour of the funeral. Military honors will be held following the service at the funeral home. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Frontier Memorial Animal Society, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, VT 05855 or to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, Inc, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated.
Francis R. Valley
August 13, 1945 - December 19, 2013
Francis R. Valley, 68, of Barton, VT, passed away suddenly on December 19, 2013 in Eden, VT. He was born August 13, 1945 in Barton, VT to Leon and Geneva (Sheltra) Valley. On September 28, 1974 he married Nancy Fleury who survives him. Francis was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a flagger for the North Vermont Traffic Control. Francis enjoyed fishing, working and spending time with all this grandchildren especially Alexis.
He is survived by his wife Nancy Valley of Barton, VT, by his children: Joey Valley and his wife Katrina of Barton, VT, Barbara Young and her husband Milo of Albany, VT, and Tom Valley of Barton, VT. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Alexis, Jasmin, Joey, Jr, Jenna, Maria, Ashley, and Naomi. He is also survived by his siblings: Eddie Valley and his wife Sandy of Barton, VT, Richard Valley of Barton, VT and David Valley of Irasburg, VT, Priscilla Parsons and her husband Gerard of Athol, MA, Rachel Solomon of Barton, VT, and Madeline Krohn of FL. And by the extended Valley Family. He was predeceased by one sister and two brothers.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to Nancy Valley, 574 LeBlanc Road, Barton, VT 05822. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated.
Aline Yvonne Raboin
January 24, 1962 - December 23, 2013
Aline Yvonne Raboin, 51, of Newport, beloved wife of Maurice Raboin, died peacefully with her family by her side after a long illness on December 23, 2013 in Newport. She was born on January 24, 1962 in Newport, a daughter of Rejean and Rita (Desrochers) LeBlanc. On October 9, 1982, she married Maurice Raboin who survives her. Aline was a comptroller for Mulkin Automotive, and later Northpoint, for over 30 years.
Aline enjoyed camping with Maurice, the children, extended family, and friends for over 16 years at Barrewood Campground. Much to the delight of her family and coworkers, Aline enjoyed baking, especially desserts and buckeyes, and crafting. She was the captain of several Relay For Life teams.
She is survived by her husband Maurice of Newport, her children: Matthew Raboin of Newport, and Alissa Raboin and her husband Ryan Heuser of Morrisville, her parents Rejean and Rita LeBlanc of Lowell, her twin brother Alain LeBlanc and his wife Laurie of Lowell, her sister Joanne Bathalon and her husband Robert of Westfield, father and mother-in-law Robert and Rita (Choquette) Raboin of Lowell, brothers-in-law: Dennis Raboin of Lowell, Michael Raboin and his wife Carla of Lowell, and sisters-in-law: Claire Waterman and her husband Mark of Rutland, and Joanne Cyr and her husband Mark of Richmond, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 4-7 PM on Thursday December 26, 2013 at the Curtis-Brtich-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday December 27, 2013 at the St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport. A spring interment will be held at the St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Oncology Department at North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, VT 05855. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home.
Joan Witzmann-Graul
March 2, 1937 - December 21, 2013
Joan Witzmann-Graul, age 76, of East Charleston, VT, passed away at North Country Hospital in Newport on December 21st, 2013. Joan was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, March 2nd 1937, to parents Bee Bryan Howard and Fufil Carter. Joan spent her first six years on a farm, where she developed a deep love of the earth. At the age of six, she moved to San Diego, where within months she
became a famous violin prodigy. In her youth she performed many concerts as a violinist and organist. She attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where she studied violin with Louis Persinger, who would later become her husband. Joan and Louis were married in 1956. They lived in Manhattan. Their union brought four children, named Lendanya, Lionel, Lemont and Lestra, nicknamed the “Four LP’s.” In 1966, Louis passed away due to cancer at the age of 79. In 1969, Joan married saxophonist Frank Witzmann, and welcomed three step-sons into her life. Joan and Frank moved to Vermont in 1978, where they established their home in Winape Hills, East Charleston. Frank passed away in 1997 due to Parkinson’s disease. In September of 2006, Joan married Russell Graul, also a talented musician. Russ passed away in November of 2007. Joan continued to live at her home in Winape Hills till her passing. When she moved to Vermont, Joan quickly became involved in many local organizations. She was President of the following; North Country Concert Association Vermont Symphony Orchestra Regional Board North Country Hospital Auxilliary Four Seasons Garden Club Charleston Historical Society Orleans County Historical Society Seymour Lake Homemakers Seymour Lake Association Vice President of; Four Seasons Garden Club Public Policy for the Orleans County Extension Homemakers Council Volunteer at North Country Hospital Art Coordinator, North Country Hospital Publicity for Four Seasons Garden Club Trustee for The Orleans County Historical Society Volunteer Coordinator for The Orleans County Historical Society Public Information, Orleans County Extension Homemakers; Board Member Freelance writer for the Newport Daily Express Volunteer gardener at North Country Hospital and The Old Stone House of Brownington
Northern District Director, Federated Garden Clubs of VT State Publicity Chairman, Federated Garden Clubs of VT Board Member, Federated Garden Clubs of Vermont In addition to the numerous organizations Joan participated in, she also ran a garden therapy program for approximately ten years at Maple Lane Nursing Home. Joan was an editor for the Vermont Leaf, a state publication of the Federated Garden Clubs of Vermont, sent nationwide Joan was also the recipient of many awards, including; The Home Economics Award, from UVM Extension Service The VT Long Term Care Ombudsman Quality of Life Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to the quality of life of long term care facility residents Community Service Award, from Community Bank
The Diamond Award for Outstanding Service toward the betterment of our country Joan is survived by three of her children. Lendanya Poetz and husband Mike of Arizona. Lionel Persinger and his wife Sue of Burlington, Vermont, and Lestra Seguin of Newport, Vermont. She was predeceased by her son Lemont in 1993. She is also survived by her three step-sons Alan, Chris, Terry and their families. Joan is also survived by her sister Eloise Duckworth of Hayti, Missouri. She is predeceased
by brother Bryan Gale Howard. Joan is survived by numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Also, several nieces and nephews. And, many, many dear friends. Joan also leaves her precious dog, Ollie and her cat, Marbles. Also, her “other” pets, Dolly, Tommy, and Oreo. Joan was a wonderful influence on many lives, was truly loved and will be greatly missed
by all.
Mayland Israel Mason
May 12, 1923 - December 19, 2013
Mr. Mayland Israel Mason, 90, of Newport, died after a short illness on December 19, 2013.
He was born May 12, 1923 in Lowell a son of Adolphus Benjamin Mason and Virginia Mae (Gonyer) Mason. On August 4, 1947 he married Madeleine Carmen Camirand who predeceased him on March 13, 1996.
In his early years Mayland lived and worked on farms in Lowell, Irasburg and Albany, Vermont. In the late 1940s he met, fell in love with, and married Madeleine in Newport, Vermont. After a few jobs as a bus driver, he settled on a job in auto repair, first working for his father-in-law, Leo Camirand, learning the auto body repair trade, and a few years later becoming manager of Camirand’s Auto Body. In 1962 the team, as he would call them, of Mayland and Madeleine opened their own auto repair shop, Mason’s Auto Body, which they ran together until 1987 when they sold the family business.
Beginning in 1963 the team owned and operated rental units. This was a business that Mayland found occupied his time and led to many good friendships over the years. The team would also buy, trade and sell cars and trucks under the name M&M; Auto Sales during to years from 1962 to 1987. This was an activity in which Mayland took especially great satisfaction, again for the friendships that developed from the enterprise.
Mayland is survived by his son Steven and daughter-in-law Patricia Sears of Lowell, Vermont, and his grandson Justin Mason, and Justin’s mother Susan Reddan Westbrook, and his very special great-granddaughter, Kyla Ruth Mason all of Marietta, Georgia.
Mayland is also survived by his sister-in-law Dorothy Mason of Albany, and brother-in-law, Bruce Farnham of Richmond, and many nephews and nieces also survive him.
Mayland was predeceased by three sisters, Nellie Buzzell, Mildred Mountain, and Elizabeth Peters and four brothers, Harley, Ira, Maynard and Lawrence.
Of special note, he was also predeceased by his great horse Conga, and his loving dogs Rex, Tippy, Cookie, and Magnum and his beloved dog friends Jersey, Snoopy, Blizzard, Tramp and Daisy - and all the Crows he fostered over the many years. Jeepers, if you knew him, you know how much they all meant to him.
Mayland was a proud member of the Gibbons Council Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree, a member of Elks Lodge #2155. Mayland was appointed to and served on the local board of Area Office 001, Local Board 003 representing Orleans County, Vermont for the Selective Service for approximately ten years until August 2003.
Spring internment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newport, Vermont for which there will be a public notice.
Should friends desire; contributions in his memory may be made to the Goodrich Memorial Library, 202 Main Street, Newport, VT 05855-5000, or to the Frontier Animal Society, 4473 Barton-Orleans Road, Orleans, VT 05860-9028. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated.
Ethel M. Rivers
June 27, 1917 - December 16, 2013
Ethel M. Rivers, 96, of Island Pond, VT, passed away on December 16, 2013 in Derby, VT. She was born on June 27, 1917 in Windsor Mills, Quebec a twin daughter of Archie and Gertrude (Paterson) Samson. The family moved to Island Pond on November 22, 1919 where she spent most of the rest of her life. She married Edward Rivers on October 21, 1947 who predeceased her in 2010 and also by her twin sister Elsie Bumps, sons Bruce and Steve Rivers and granddaughter Tracy Glasson.
She was a telephone operator for more than five years during the 1940’s at which time she stopped working when dial systems became popular.
Ethel enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and doing crossword puzzles until she lost her sight. Betsy Bumps who was like a daughter to her took her for rides and was a frequent companion. She was a past Noble Grand of the Clyde River Rebekah Lodge, past president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 80, and a life member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary. She had the distinction of having a twin sister, triplet sons, and twin granddaughters.
She is survived by her children: Lorraine Glasson of Island Pond, VT, Maynard Rivers and his wife Pamela of Island Pond, VT, Gary Rivers and his wife Sheryl of Madison, NH, and Robert Rivers and his wife Rita of Island Pond, VT. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Gordon Sampson and his wife Thora of Newport, VT and by several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond, VT. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Derby Green Activities Fund, 2853 US 5, Derby, VT 05829. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated.
Francis M. Martin, Jr
August 5, 1929 - December 16, 2013
Francis M. Martin, Jr, 84, of Barton, VT, passed away on December 16, 2013 in Newport, VT. He was born in Burlington, VT on August 5, 1929 the son of Francis M. Martin, Sr and Helen E. (Sullivan) Martin. He attended Cathedral schools in Burlington, VT and was in the class of 1947.
He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in September of 1949. He served in Japan and Korea during the Korean war as an aircraft mechanic, crew chief, and flight test engineer. His final assignment was with the 10th Aerospace Defense Group/Squadron as a maintenance technician on nuclear-equipped Thor missiles at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA and Johnston Island Air Force Base. He retired from the Air Force in October 1971 as a Master Sergeant.
He later worked for many years in the Engineering Department at the Veterans Administration Hospital in White River Junction, VT, from where he retired again in 1989.
In his retirement he did volunteer work at the V.A. Hospital, the Barton Library, and at North Country Hospital in Newport, VT. He was also a volunteer member of the Hartford, VT fire department for several years. He was a parishioner at St. Paul’s Church in Barton. He was a member of the American Legion Post 76 in Barton and also Post 2571 and D.A.V. Chapter 3 both of White River Junction.
He enjoyed all sports and played many in his youth. He loved to fish, especially in the small rivers and brooks of his native Vermont. He also enjoyed reading, traveling, camping, and visiting other parts of the United States. He had a great interest in military history, particularly aircraft of World War II and the American Civil War battlefields, cemeteries, and other historic civil war sites. He enjoyed the stories and history of both Confederate and Union Soldiers, with a special interest in the stories and fate of the Vermont Soldiers of that time.
He leaves four daughters: Corinne A. Martin of Burlington, VT, Mary C. Martin of Lakewood, Co, Jacqueline G. Hanley and husband Phillip of West End, North Carolina, Kathryn R. Higgins and husband Paul of Raleigh, NC, two sons: Francis “Matt” Martin III and his wife Karen of Sanford, NC, and Thomas P. Martin and his wife Rita of Charlestown, NH. He is survived by three brothers: Charles V. Martin of Ripton, VT, John P. Martin and his wife Sue of Bakersfield, VT, James F. Martin of Georgia, VT, and by three sisters: Mary Usher of Twentynine Palms, CA, Patricia Laskowski of Milton, VT, and Colleen Steen of Fairfax, VT, 5 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Christopher J. Martin in 1988 and by his brother Robert J. Martin in 2013
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday December 20, 2013 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 12 Elm Street, Barton, VT. Military honors will be held immediately following the service. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday December 20, 2013 from 1:00 P.M. until the hour of the funeral. Spring interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, White River Junction, VT. Should friends desire, contributions, in the memory of his son, Christopher J. Martin may be made to St. Paul’s School, 54 Eastern Ave, Barton, VT 05822. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated.
