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Allen Martin, age 81, died peacefully surrounded by the enduring love of his wife, Bonnie, on June 19, 2019, in Windsor, Vt., after a long, distinguished and productive life. Allen was born in Manchester, Conn., on August 12, 1937, the eldest child of Richard Martin and Ruth Palmer Smith Martin, both of whom predeceased him. Allen’s ancestors moved to Williamstown, Vt., in the late 18th century, at about the time that Vermont was admitted to the Union, and his great-great grandfather, also named Allen Martin, was born in Williamstown in 1798. Allen’s grandfather, also named Allen Martin, was born in Williamstown in 1875 and practiced law for many years in Essex Junction, Vt. Allen graduated from Mount Hermon School in 1956, and he received a BA degree, cum laude, from Williams College in 1960. At Williams, Allen lettered in both football and lacrosse and was president of the College Council during his senior year. Upon graduating from Williams, Allen received a scholarship to attend Oxford University in Oxford, England. He graduated from Oxford in 1962 with a first-class honors degree in philosophy, politics and economics. While at Oxford, Allen played on the Oxford University lacrosse team that beat Cambridge 8-4 in 1961. After graduating from Oxford, Allen entered Harvard Law School, earning an LL.B, cum laude, in 1965. While at Harvard Law School, Allen served on the Harvard Law Review for two years and was the articles editor of the Review during his final year. Upon graduating, Allen moved to St. Johnsbury, Vt., and began a yearlong clerkship with the Honorable Sterry R. Waterman, then a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, located in New York City. Allen then practiced law at Foley Hoag and Eliot in Boston for several years. Allen returned to St. Johnsbury in 1969 to join a small, two-person St. Johnsbury law firm, which eventually became DownsRachlinMartin, now the largest law firm in Vermont with more than 70 attorneys and legal professionals, with offices in Burlington, Montpelier, Brattleboro and St. Johnsbury, as well as Lebanon, N.H. Allen moved his law practice to the firm’s Burlington office in 1980 and practiced law with DownsRachlinMartin for 33 years before retiring at the end of 2002. During that time, he specialized in public utility law, mergers and acquisitions law and, eventually, health care law. Upon his retirement, Allen moved to Six Chimneys…
On June 18, 2019, at Porter Medical Center, Alison Lussier and Matthew Portzer welcomed a girl, Adalyn Grayce Portzer.…
Susan Brody Hasazi, 72, of South Burlington and Duxbury, Vt., passed away on May 14, 2019. A memorial service to honor and remember Susan will be held June 30 at 3 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Society on Pearl Street in Burlington.…
On June 23, 2019, Furman "Chip" Crawford Horton III passed away suddenly. Chip was born on January 19, 1957, to Helen (Muth) and Furman Crawford Horton Jr. in Fredericksburg, Va., and grew up in Dix Hills, Long Island, N.Y. He attended Farmingdale Community College, where he received his associate’s degree in horticulture, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Johnson State College. He then went on to earn his master’s degree in urban forestry from Union Institute & University. Chip was an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist for more than 40 years and was the tree care coordinator for Central Park in New York City from 1987 to 1994. He also managed the campus landscapes at Temple University and James Madison University. Several years after moving to Vermont, Chip took on a new role working with individuals with mental health challenges. More recently, he began teaching adult education courses in northern Vermont, while maintaining his freelance business in arboriculture and horticulture. Chip was a natural skier and avid outdoorsman. He had a love for basketball and tennis, and he consistently won nearly every game with his kids. Dedicated to family, he was a loving father to Elijah and Olivia, a dear brother to Deborah, and very close to his aunt, Elizabeth Ispaics, whom he called every Sunday. He is survived by his son, Elijah F. Horton; his daughter, Olivia P. Horton; his grandson, Nicolas Gabriel; his sister, Deborah (Richard); his aunt, Elizabeth (Steve); and his cousins Madelaine, Robert (Kim) and Ben Horton (Ann). He was deeply loved by all. Chip will always be remembered for his wonderful smile, his hearty laugh, his good and generous heart, and his quirky sense of humor. Most of all, he loved and was proud of his two children, Olivia and Elijah, and never had a conversation without mentioning his joy in being their father. A memorial service will be held at the Jewish Community of Greater Stowe on Thursday, June 27 at noon.…
Allen Martin, age 81, died peacefully surrounded by the enduring love of his wife, Bonnie, on June 19, 2019, in Windsor, Vt., after a long, distinguished and productive life. Allen was born in Manchester, Conn., on August 12, 1937, the eldest child of Richard Martin and Ruth Palmer Smith Martin, both of whom predeceased him. Allen’s ancestors moved to Williamstown, Vt., in the late 18th century, at about the time that Vermont was admitted to the Union, and his great-great grandfather, also named Allen Martin, was born in Williamstown in 1798. Allen’s grandfather, also named Allen Martin, was born in Williamstown in 1875 and practiced law for many years in Essex Junction, Vt. Allen graduated from Mount Hermon School in 1956, and he received a BA degree, cum laude, from Williams College in 1960. At Williams, Allen lettered in both football and lacrosse and was president of the College Council during his senior year. Upon graduating from Williams, Allen received a scholarship to attend Oxford University in Oxford, England. He graduated from Oxford in 1962 with a first-class honors degree in philosophy, politics and economics. While at Oxford, Allen played on the Oxford University lacrosse team that beat Cambridge 8-4 in 1961. After graduating from Oxford, Allen entered Harvard Law School, earning an LL.B, cum laude, in 1965. While at Harvard Law School, Allen served on the Harvard Law Review for two years and was the articles editor of the Review during his final year. Upon graduating, Allen moved to St. Johnsbury, Vt., and began a yearlong clerkship with the Honorable Sterry R. Waterman, then a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, located in New York City. Allen then practiced law at Foley Hoag and Eliot in Boston for several years. Allen returned to St. Johnsbury in 1969 to join a small, two-person St. Johnsbury law firm, which eventually became DownsRachlinMartin, now the largest law firm in Vermont with more than 70 attorneys and legal professionals, with offices in Burlington, Montpelier, Brattleboro and St. Johnsbury, as well as Lebanon, N.H. Allen moved his law practice to the firm’s Burlington office in 1980 and practiced law with DownsRachlinMartin for 33 years before retiring at the end of 2002. During that time, he specialized in public utility law, mergers and acquisitions law and, eventually, health care law. Upon his retirement, Allen moved to Six Chimneys…
Samuel J. Dube, 27, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Father’s Day, June 16, 2019, at the home of his loving caregiver Nadia Marin. Sam was born in Berlin, Vt., on October 11, 1991. He was the son of Elden Dube of Montpelier, Vt., and Rebecca Johnston of Essex Junction, Vt. Sam is survived by his sister, Mattie; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Stephanie Johnston, of Strafford, Vt.; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Sam was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Simeon and Mattie Dube, of Madawaska, Maine; and his brother, Eren Dube. Sam was born with developmental disabilities, and although his life was a short and challenged one, he was full of love, smiles and happiness. Sam had an endearing interest in machinery and musical instruments of all kinds, especially those that were loud! Many people crossed Sam’s path, deeply enriching his life, as he enriched theirs. Sam’s family would like to thank everyone for accepting and assimilating him into their lives with the respect and dignity that all individuals, no matter their circumstances, deserve. Our thanks go out to the staffs of the Family Center of Washington County and Washington County Mental Health Services; teachers and staff in the Montpelier School System (UES, MSMS, MHS); coaches and partners involved with Unified Sports and Vermont Special Olympics; and the extremely dedicated, caring and loving personal care assistants who worked with Sam throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make a donation to the Samuel and Eren Dube Scholarship Fund that has been established to help children in need to access preschool programs offered at the Family Center of Washington County, 383 Sherwood Dr., Montpelier, VT 05602 and/or to the Samuel and Eren Dube Scholarship Fund that is being established to help fund programs and activities of the Unified Sports Program within the Montpelier Public Schools, 5 High School Dr., Montpelier, VT 05602. A memorial service to celebrate Sam’s life will be held on October 11, 2019, in Montpelier, Vt.…
On May 13, 2019, at Porter Medical Center, Danielle Bruce & Travon Trail welcomed a daughter, Amani Rose Trail.…
Holly Sorenson Buck walked into Rich Wollensak's Waterbury, Vt., dental office, told him of her hygienist experience, noted that they had 5-year olds in school together and basically said: "I want to work here, and you need to hire me." That was 1995, and so blossomed a wonderful relationship, both professionally and as families, which sadly ended June 24, when Holly died of ocular cancer at her Waterbury Center home. She was 63. Born in Forest City, Iowa, on December 21, 1955, she was the fourth of five children from Morris and Wilma (Houston) Sorenson. Upon moving to Maine, they reestablished farming in Newport, then Norridgewock. As a smiling little blond youngster, Holly sold vegetables from a roadside wagon her father built, and she loved animals, especially horses. She learned to leap onto the back of her horse, Inky, then race bareback through the fields! Her father said she became his best farmhand, taking charge of their 45,000 chickens. She graduated from Skowhegan High School in 1974, the Maine School of Practical Nursing as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in 1977 and the University of Vermont as a dental hygienist in 1990, this time as a single mother of three. A week before graduation, Holly married Rob Buck, and that fall their son Christian was born. They settled into South Hero, Vt., then in 1994 moved to Waterbury Center, to their house on the hill she loved and honed, making stone walks and walls, and helping their family friend Cal, who could build anything. Flowers adorned the property, as did a garden that would feed them throughout a winter. She raised sheep, pigs and chickens, and it was a real sport watching Holly wrestle a lamb back behind the fence! She even leashed her sheep, taking them for walks. Holly enjoyed outdoor sports and the violin, and she volunteered for the Waterbury Ambulance and the Tooth Tutor program. She loved traveling the world but cherished returning to Maine's wild coast. She said in her high school yearbook: "There are many philosophies of Life … has anyone thought of just Living it." She did. Her modest demeanor did not seek the grandiose, but instead a job well done, and along the way she gave so much to so many. Holly was straightforward and told it like it was; she shared sage advice, kindness, grace and humor, and she exuded confidence.…
Bill Murphy grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and served in the Peace Corps in Chile, where he met the love of his life and soul mate, Lita. After living in Brazil and Oregon, they moved to Colchester, Vt., in 1979, with their daughters Michelle and Nicole. Bill taught a wide variety of courses in the Department of Plant and Soil Science at the University of Vermont and helped with UVM's Vermont Grass Farmers Association outreach program. He retired from UVM after 25 years in 2004. He is also the author of Greener Pastures on Your Side of the Fence. Bill is survived by his wife, Lita; their daughters Michelle Murphy-Ertle and Nicole Murphy; their son-in-law Steve Ertle; and their grandchildren Ciara and Nathan Ertle and Tristin Houston. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Whitcomb Barn, 199 Jericho Rd. (Route 15), Essex, VT. The Murphy family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the UVM Medical Center oncology doctors, nurses and staff who went above and beyond in providing such personal, thoughtful and professional care. Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society or by sending a check in Bill’s name payable to the Vermont Grass Farmers Association, 327 U.S. Route 302, Suite 1, Berlin, VT 05641.…
It is with great sadness that the family of Marie (Gaudreault) Lorenzini of Essex Junction, Vt., announces her passing, at age 54, on July 4, 2019, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Mass. Marie was born on September 1, 1964, in Montréal, Canada. Her family moved to the United States in 1969, settling in Barre, Vt., and establishing what would become lifelong roots in the community. Marie attended Saint Monica’s Catholic School and then graduated from Spaulding High School in 1982. Highly dedicated, Marie earned a diploma in social music from the National Guild of Piano Teachers. She also was dutifully employed in delivering newspapers and convalescent home care, and at the Country House. Upon moving to the Chittenden County, Vt., area in early adulthood, her energy flourished. She established her professional goals and formed many great experiences and relationships throughout her career. Some of her greatest passions included playing the piano, golfing, cooking, gardening and spending time with her loved ones. Marie cared deeply for others in every facet of her life. Marie was a cherished friend to all who knew her and found great importance in supporting those she loved through good times, bad, and everything in between. She held strong values about treating all people with kindness, respect and love. Marie was truly an inspiration to all and manifested her joy by sharing it with the world. Marie is survived by her husband, Thomas; parents, Alain and Danielle; daughter Laura (and her partner, Justin); siblings Michael (and his wife, Lisa), Manon (and her partner, Jason) and Patrick (and his wife, Lora); grandchildren Addyson, Braydon and Eleanor; niece Monique (and her husband Wayne); nephew Kyle; stepchildren Mindy and Michael; the Lorenzini family; the Wetzel family; and many more loving friends and family than can be listed. Marie is predeceased by her grandparents, Donat and Jeanette Gaudreault, and Gertrude and Raoul DeRoy; and her beloved furry friend, Harley. A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, August 11, 2019, at 2 p.m. at Hope Davey Park, 116 Maple St., Waterbury Center, VT. Please feel free to bring photos, mementos and memories to share. In lieu of flowers or donations, please hug someone you love and let them know how special they are to you.…
H.P. “Hank” Albarelli Jr., author and Burlington native, died on June 18 from complications of a stroke. The eldest son of Nancy O’Neill Albarelli and the late Henry P. Albarelli Sr., he was 72. In recent decades, Hank and his wife, Kathleen McDonald, made their home in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, where he passed away surrounded by family. From a young age, Hank was a passionate and knowledgeable student of contemporary music, especially blues and rock. In the 1970s, he produced Burlington’s first annual Blues Festivals, as well as the first Vermont concerts of Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Judy Collins. After leaving Burlington for Washington, D.C., in 1978, Hank worked in the Carter White House and, later, as a field director for the Service Employees International Union. During the '90s, he returned to an early interest in writing for the theater. His play The Whole Shebang was winner of the 1994 Baltimore Playwrights’ Festival. In recent decades, Hank wrote exclusively investigative journalism, pursuing such topics as the CIA’s role in the suspicious death of a government scientist (A Terrible Mistake), and the assassination of JFK (A Secret Order). He recently completed a forthcoming book titled Coup in Dallas. Living just a stone’s throw from a Gulf of Mexico beach, Hank delighted in the fact that his two sons from a previous marriage, Damien and David, and David’s wife, Vicki, had all settled within a few miles of him. He was also a proud and doting grandfather and traveled frequently to the London home of his daughter, Nicole, a filmmaker; her partner, Paul Centellas; and their two sons, Dylan and Ashton. Hank is also survived by Ms. McDonald; his mother; four siblings, Nancy (Gardner), Michael, Dean and Beth (Lane); and many fond nieces and nephews.…
Eric Zencey, professor, writer and social critic, died on July 1 at his home in Montpelier. His wife, Kathryn Davis; daughter, Daphne Zencey; and sister-in-law Anne Davis were at his side. He was 65. Eric arrived in Vermont in 1980 to teach at Goddard College, quickly developing a deep love for his adopted state. It was at Goddard where he met Kathryn and where they were married, building a life together and raising their daughter, Daphne. Eric adored hiking Camel's Hump, swimming in #10 Pond, walking with Kathryn and their dog in Hubbard Park, and kayaking with Daphne at Wrightsville. Eric spent his career teaching courses that explored crosscurrents among economics, philosophy, political science, history and ecology. In addition to Goddard, he taught in Empire State College’s International Program, was a visiting lecturer in the Sam Fox School of Architecture at Washington University, and taught in the Honors Program at the University of Vermont, where he was a fellow at the Gund Institute. Most of his writing focused on the subject of ecological sustainability, publishing Virgin Forest: Meditations on History, Ecology and Culture; The Other Road to Serfdom and the Path to Sustainable Democracy; and Greening Vermont: The Search for a Sustainable State. In addition, his novel Panama became a national best seller in 1995. These works had been supported by fellowships from the Guggenheim, Bellagio-Rockefeller and Bogliasco foundations. Over the years, his commentaries appeared in several publications, including the New York Times, and he was quoted on both NPR and in the Harvard Business Review. Eric is survived by his wife, Kathryn, and his daughter, Daphne, as well his brothers Carl and Matthew Zencey. He was predeceased by his parents, Ruth and Charles Zencey, and half-brother C. Frank Shaw. In the months before his death, he raised more than $100,000 to endow the Eric Zencey Prize in Ecological Economics. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Eric Zencey Prize through the UVM Foundation, 411 Main St., Burlington, VT 05401. A memorial service is planned for September 29 in VCFA’s Chapel.…
On July 16, 2019, at Porter Medical Center, Katherine Clear and Rolf Humburg welcomed a girl, Dahlia Rue Agnes Clear.…
Matthew J. de Wolf of Colchester, Vt., passed away on July 3 at the age of 89 of a brief illness, surrounded by his closest friends. He was born October 8, 1929, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to Elizabeth (Dietz) de Wolf and Peter de Wolf. He spent his youth living in Nazi-occupied territory and often shared harrowing tales of those years. Matthew emigrated to Canada in his early twenties, where he earned a degree in horticulture from Guelph University. He spent several years in Ottawa, Canada, working for the Experimental Farm and then in the gardens of the governor general of Canada. He was also a private gardener for many homes in and around Ottawa. In 1966, he moved to the United States with his wife, Ginger, the love of his life, and became a U.S. citizen in the 1970s. Matthew found his true calling within the garden center business selling bulbs (Dutch, of course!) and became known as a perennial "guru" at garden centers in Arizona and several stretching from southern Connecticut to northern Vermont. Along the way, he garnered many state and local awards in recognition of his vast expertise, and he became widely known as “the Dutchman.” As a Vermont certified horticulturist, his knowledge, charisma and genuine passion for his work were unsurpassed. With his infectious smile and an infamous twinkle in his blue eyes, Matthew turned many of his faithful customers into expert perennial gardeners. He worked tirelessly until the age of 89 and retired earlier this year from the Gardener’s Supply Company in Williston. Those who knew him best fondly recall his flawless proficiency of botanical Latin and his insatiable penchants for reading, keeping up with current events (and always sharing his opinion), and completing intricate jigsaw puzzles. He is predeceased by his loving wife, Ginger de Wolf; his parents; and all three of his brothers. Matthew leaves behind his stepdaughter Sharon Perkins and her husband, Gary, of Glen, N.H.; and his son Dr. Christopher de Wolf and his wife, Maria, and grandson Oliver of Geneva, Switzerland, and granddaughter Kaya of Vancouver, B.C. He will also be deeply missed by his many friends, fellow employees and clients who exclusively sought his horticultural guidance. Donations to the Friends of Matthew de Wolf Scholarship are encouraged (c/o 476-B Ellsworth Rd., East Fairfield, VT 05448) and will assist deserving candidates who are pursuing a horticultural certification. A…
On July 19, 2019, at Porter Medical Center, Emily Yahr Richards and Ryan Richards welcomed a girl, Elise Olivia Richards.…
Norma Troup Sassorossi, 94, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2019, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt. Born on June 24, 1925, in Barre, Vt., she was the daughter of William Pratt and Margaret (Galli) Troup. Barre became her geographical anchor throughout her life. Norma graduated from Spaulding High School (SHS) in 1943, where she formed lifelong friendships and was active in many activities, including serving as a majorette, a talent she later reprised at several class reunions. After high school, Norma attended Simmons College, where she graduated as a registered nurse. Norma and Elmo Sassorossi, a 1942 SHS graduate who had returned to Harvard College following his World War II service in the Army, began dating while both lived in Boston. On April 9, 1949, Norma and Elmo were married, a date — 4/9/49 — that Elmo often reminded his family made it easy to remember anniversaries. Returning to Barre, the couple started a family in 1951 with the birth of Kenn, followed by a second son, Jeff, two years later. Norma never seemed to stand still for more than a few minutes. She enjoyed golfing with Elmo and friends at the Barre Country Club, where she won a Ladies’ Club Championship and recorded two holes in one. Other recreational interests included playing bridge, painting and bowling. Norma’s family particularly appreciated her culinary talents, never more apparent than at Christmas, when platters of holiday confections, pasta frollas, ossi dei Morti cookies and a parade of pies appeared. Kenn and Jeff fondly remember the food packages they gleefully received at college, which included sweet treats and “marijuana toast”— slices of toast seasoned with dill, garlic and other spices. Remaining at their Abbott Avenue home in Barre until 2016, Norma and Elmo then moved to the Gazebo Apartments assisted living in South Burlington. Norma is survived by her loving and dedicated husband of 70 years and her two sons, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The family includes Kenn Sassorossi and his wife Judy (Bickford) Sassorossi, their daughter Kathryn Aisenberg and her husband Jonathan and their children Lucia and Dario; their daughter Martha Sassorossi and her husband Rafael Ferrer and their newborn daughter Vera Adelina; and Jeff Sassorossi and his wife Beverly (Darling) Sassorossi, their son William Sassorossi and his wife Margaret (Newton) Sassorossi and their children Eleanor and Samuel; and their daughter Kristine Sassorossi. She is…
A new bright star shines above; Dr. Kim Thabault left us on June 21, 2019, in her home in Costa Rica after her 19-month courageous battle with brain cancer. Fierce as Kim was, this foe was not to be beaten. But she did not surrender easily; she remained her normal feisty, passionate, argumentative self. Just ask the nurses and doctors who worked with her at the Duke Cancer Center, where she participated in two clinical trials. Just ask the owners of the horses she tended even while she was dealing with the effects of chemo and radiation and then the drugs of the clinical trials. Kimberly Ann Thabault was born in Burlington, Vt., on June 7, 1973. She graduated from Princess Ann High School in Virginia Beach, Va., in 1991 and from the University of Vermont in 1995. She leaves her husband, Eduardo Villa, and his parents, Oswaldo and Ana Maria, of Buenos Aires, Argentina and his sister Marissa and her family of Barcelona, Spain; her mother and stepfather, Janice and Gary Sharp, of Virginia Beach, Va.; her father and stepmother, Paul Thabault and Nancy Money, of Stowe Vt.; her sister and brother-in-law Kate and Travis Apple and their three wonderful sons Morgan, Cailin and Kelly Apple of Morrisville, Vt.; her brother and sister-in-law Brennan Thabault and Jenn McLaughlin of Virginia Beach, Va.; and her step-siblings Jessica and Justin Sharp and their families of Virginia Beach and NYC. Also left behind are many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends from childhood and adulthood, and her large and loving extended family, of which there are too many to list, although they played such an important part in her robust life. After Kim graduated from UVM, she followed her heart to Costa Rica, where she met Eduardo, her future husband, who had followed his heart from Argentina to Costa Rica. Kim’s passion, since she was a young girl riding horses at Contentment Farm in South Hero, Vt., was to be with, care for and ride horses. She led horseback trail rides and waitressed in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, until she upped the ante and attended a nine-month massage course in Santa Fe, N.M., thus allowing her to return to her beloved adopted country with a more sustainable career. She was an excellent deep-tissue massage therapist but still she longed to work with horses. At age 31, she was accepted into vet school in…
Dan Cox and Casey Blanchard of Shelburne are pleased to announce the recent marriage of their daughter, Julia Luckett Cox, to Nicholas Pierce, son of Bridget Pierce and the late Donald Pierce of Hoosick Falls, N.Y., on June 22, 2019. The ceremony and subsequent celebration were held in South Hero, Vt. Sara Kassel of Shelburne stood as Julia’s best woman, and Dan Flynn and Kevin Casey of Boston served as Nick’s best men. Mark Cline Lucey officiated. A native Vermonter, Julia is a professional photographer, specializing in weddings. She is a graduate of Skidmore College and the Vermont Commons School. Nicholas is a librarian at the University of Vermont Dana Medical Library. Like Julia, he is also a graduate of Skidmore College, and he earned a master’s degree at the State University of New York at Albany in information science. Julia and Nicholas plan to reside in Burlington this fall with their beloved dog, Zhivago.…
Lewis Kings Wetzel, 88, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2019. Lew was born in Detroit, Mich., the only child of Eleanor Nixon Wetzel and Lewis Malcolm Wetzel. Lew was a proud graduate of Antioch College in Ohio, where he received his mechanical engineering degree. Lew fell in love with Vermont and Lake Champlain when he began his lifelong career at the General Electric Company. Lew married Ann Bradbury Wetzel in Burlington in 1953, and they remained together for 66 years. They raised their three children, Stephen, Mark and Jeannie, in South Burlington and moved to Colchester in 1980. Lew was an ardent sailor and an active member and frequent race winner at the Malletts Bay Boat Club on his sailboats The Blue Moon, The West Wind and The Shadow. After Ann purchased some property in Grand Isle, Lew built the family summer camp on the east shore of Grand Isle, where he enjoyed family gatherings, lake activities and vegetable gardening. Lew worked long hours on the initial creation of the Colchester Causeway Bike Path. Lew could build or fix practically anything; he totally restored his 1959 Triumph TR3 and maintained Ann’s 1959 Mercedes Benz sedan. Lew leaves behind his wife, Ann; son Stephen and his wife, Jan Wetzel; son Mark and his wife, Joan Wetzel; daughter Jeannie and her husband, Gary Hampel; four grandchildren, Mathew and Jeffrey Wetzel and Andrea and Carly Hampel; and, of course, his beloved terrier, Ozzie. Services will be private, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Cremation Society of Chittenden County, a division of the Ready Funeral Home, 261 Shelburne Rd., in Burlington. Please place online condolences at cremationsocietycc.com.…
Judith Ann Fiermonte of Santa Rosa, Calif., passed away on June 29 after a recent diagnosis of cancer. Her absence creates a void that has left so many struggling with the shock of this tremendous loss. Judy was born August 5, 1949, in Newport, Vt., to Dr. Frank and Lucille Fiermonte. She lived in Derby, Vt., until graduation from high school. She obtained her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Vermont and her master's degree in clinical psychology from Sonoma State University. Judy was a beloved Santa Rosa Marriage & Family Therapist for the past 40 years, as well as a treasured mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was an inspiration, resource, mentor and admired colleague to members of the Sonoma County therapeutic community. Judy specialized in working with children and families, holding them in the circle of her love, helping them heal through their darkest times. She championed traumatized and special needs children and fiercely advocated for healthy parent-child relationships. Judy loved babies, being a mom, dancing, gardening, reading, and spending time with friends and her dog Lily and her cat Mike. She leaves behind her daughter, Tanya Fiermonte, of whom she was so proud. In addition, Judy is survived by her father, Dr. Frank Fiermonte, of South Burlington, Vt.; her sister Paula Fiermonte and brother-in law William Hartman of San Rafael, Calif.; and her brother Philip and his wife, Irene Jednak, of Burlington, Vt., and Montréal, Canada. Judy’s celebration of life will be held in September. Please check legacy.com to leave tributes for Judy and for further information regarding the celebration of life. Donations may be made in her name to the LGBT National Help Center, 2261 Market St., Suite 296, San Francisco, CA 94114 (glbthotline.org).…
Julian Joseph Jaffe, a longtime resident of Burlington, passed away at the McClure Miller Respite House on July 31, 2019. He was born February 17, 1926, in Bronx, N.Y., to Paul and Frieda (Schall) Jaffe. The family moved to a farm in East Hampton, Conn., in 1935, at the height of the Great Depression. Times were very tough, and Julian developed a strength and resilience that would carry him through 93 years of life. Julian served in the Navy during World War II and graduated at the top of his class at the University of Connecticut in 1949. The GI Bill enabled him to earn his master’s and PhD at Harvard. His doctoral thesis described a landmark discovery in his scientific research that led to progress in the fight against many diseases, including cancer. Julian was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in 1953. He taught biology at Brown and Yale, and in 1961 became a professor of pharmacology at the University of Vermont, where he taught and did research in tropical medicine until his retirement in 1989. As Julian was a well-respected expert in his field, his lab was chosen by the World Health Organization as a training site for post-doctoral pharmacology students from developing countries in Africa and Asia, where parasitological diseases affected millions of people. He was honored by UVM as a University Scholar in 1985. After retirement, Julian was busier than ever, volunteering for the Red Cross and recording textbooks for visually impaired students. He was a talented artist, and his favorite medium for years was needlepoint and rug hooking. Rather than use a kit, he would design everything himself — wall art, pillows, and rugs of all shapes and sizes. Julian was proud of his Jewish heritage and had vast knowledge of Jewish history and the Yiddish language. He loved the natural world, gardening and birdwatching. He was an avid reader and loved doing crossword puzzles. He will be remembered for his keen intellect, his sense of humor and prowess in telling jokes and stories, and his love of pretzels and spicy food. He is survived by Joy (his wife of 66 years), four children and three grandchildren, whom he adored. There will be no visiting hours. The family is holding a private service. Donations in his memory could be sent to one of his favorite organizations, Doctors Without Borders, msf.org.…