College news
• Tyler Millerick, a general business major from Vernon, was recently welcomed into Chi Alpha Sigma National Honor Society at the Western New England University chapter's annual induction ceremony. It recognizes collegiate student-athletes who are significant contributors to their team and display leadership while maintaining a 3.4 or higher grade point average through their junior and/or senior years. Additionally, candidates must have an endorsement from their head coach and be of good moral character.
• William Frank of South Londonderry has received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the University of Hartford (Conn.) College of Arts and Sciences.
• The following local students were honored for academic excellence in the spring 2024 semester at Plymouth (N.H.) State University: Abbigale Hodge of Bellows Falls and Haley McAllister of Putney were named to the President's List, while Luke Missale of Brattleboro was named to the Dean's List.
• The following local students were honored for academic excellence in the spring 2024 semester at Champlain College in Burlington: Jordan Cable of Brattleboro, Zachary Condon of Whitingham, Janelle Fisher of Whitingham, Melissa French of Bellows Falls, Griffin Gooch-Breault of East Dummerston, and Sasha Tschernisch of Brattleboro were named to the President's List, while Jayden Crawford of Wilmington, Mark Hunnewell of South Londonderry, and Ritter Redfield of South Newfane were named to the Dean's List.
• Jamie Jarvis-Stores of Putney, Ella Korson of East Dummerston, and Carly Gallivan of West Dover were all named to the Dean's List for the spring 2024 semester at Emerson College in Boston.
• Annmarie Mulkey of Stratton was named to the spring 2024 Dean's List at Albany (N.Y.) College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Obituaries
• Bernardine "Deanie" Hoard, 69, died at home on June 12, 2024. Deanie was born in Townshend on June 15, 1953, to Bernard and Evelyn Hoard. Her childhood included normal Vermont things like trying to foster a deer, breaking her mom's home-canned food on rocks, and whatever else they did in the 1960s. She had different jobs throughout her life but finally decided that being a bus driver would be the most rewarding. After all, children are so grateful. She worked for West River Transportation, which became more like a family than an employer. She loved animals, especially possums, and her family and friends. She liked being a mom so much that she did two rounds. Daniel, born in 1975, and Sara, born 1977, were just getting on their feet when she decided to try again and Rodger was born in 1997. She loved her children and grandchildren with everything she was, and had that same love for her parents and siblings. And cousins, there are a lot of them because her mother was one of 10 children. Named after her father, she took the nickname Deanie because she also has a brother named Bernard Hoard Jr. She cared for her mother in her last years, and then began her battle with kidney cancer in early 2020. She had a kidney removed in July 2020 and was given the all clear in September 2020. Late that year, she was told the kidney cancer had moved into her lungs. She would not want everyone to remember the sad times, but the good ones. Deanie is survived by her sister, Patsy (Dave) Broesmer, her brother Bernard (Sue) Hoard, her son Daniel (Bernadette) Elliott, her daughter Sara (Kevin) Wiswall, her son Rodger Borgeson, and her grandchildren Chloe, Darren, Benjamen, Noah, Angel-Rose, Magdalena, Valentina, and Christopher. Memorial information: A celebration of Deanie's life was held June 22 at the NewBrook Fire Station in Newfane.
• Steven Douglas "Steve" Howard, 47, of West Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly June 13, 2024, at his home. Steve was born in Brattleboro on Jan. 30, 1977, the son of Maurice and Josephine (Camolli) Howard. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending Academy School, and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1995. Steve went on to attend Lyndon State College and, later, Burlington College where he earned two bachelor's degrees, one in English literature and one in psychology. For several years, Steve was employed as a data entry clerk at Fletcher Allen Healthcare Center in Burlington. Locally, he worked for the former Edge Company and at Leader Home Center. He retired early due to a health-related disability. Steve was a quiet, unassuming man, known for being brilliant and gifted. He was kind, caring, and sensitive, even though plagued by illness, some of which were very painful. An avid reader and follower of blogs, he enjoyed being around family and loved animals, especially cats. For several years, he was an active volunteer at the Windham County Humane Society. Survivors include his parents, of West Brattleboro, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Joseph and Dorothy Blair and Edward R. and Josephine Camolli. Memorial information: There are no formal funeral services scheduled. A service in celebration of his life will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles on Chickering Drive on Sunday, July 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. Donations to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Mark Edward Johnson, 66, of Port Charlotte, Florida, formerly of Brattleboro. Died May 21, 2024, at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, Florida, following a courageous battle with cancer. Mark was born in Brattleboro on May 6, 1958, the son of Norman and Roberta (Madden) Johnson. He grew up on Williams Street, attended Green Street School, and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1976. He went on to attend Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center. At the time of his death, Mark was employed as a manager with PGT Manufacturing, a window and door manufacturer in Fort Myers, Florida. Previously, he had worked at Omega Optical and OK Fairbanks supermarket as deli manager. While a resident of Brattleboro, Mark assisted his father as deli manager with the operation of the family's business, the former Putney Road Market and Deli. Mark enjoyed cooking and baking and was an accomplished bowler, active throughout the years with several area league team. He also enjoyed playing softball, of which Putney Road Market was a sponsor for several years. Mark was a member of Boy Scout Troop 405 in Brattleboro. Somewhat of an unassuming and humble man, Mark will be remembered as a kind, caring and generous person. He was dedicated to his family and was a man of deep faith. Survivors include his mother, Roberta "Bunny" Johnson of Brattleboro; two sons, Dennis Linnell (Ryan) of Ashuelot, New Hampshire, and Mark Joseph Johnson (Cassie) of Lisbon, Maine; three daughters, Heather Goodwin (Joseph) of Hinsdale, New Hamsphire, Alisha Beam (William Frank) of Greenville, South Carolina, and Darcy Bordeniuk (Michael) of Brunswick, Germany; one sister, Lisa Weatherhead (Paul) of Guilford; and two brothers, Andrew "Drew" Johnson (Marta Adams) of South Newfane and Matthew Johnson (Vickki) of Brattleboro. Additionally, he leaves eight grandchildren, his longtime companion, Victoria Richmond of Fort Myers, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Norman, and a sister, Leslee Kozyra. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted Friday, July 12, at 2 p.m., in the Johnson family lot in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. A celebration of Mark's life and reception will follow to be held at the F.O. Eagles on Chickering Drive. Donations to a shelter for the homeless or food shelf of one's choice. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Adam Charles Wetzel Jr., 86, of Saxtons River. Died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on June 14, 2024. Adam is survived by his wife of 56 years, Debbi Wetzel; daughter Tammy Wetzel and her husband, Ryan Maher of Buffalo, New York; son Daryl Wetzel and his wife, Carla Wetzel, of Paso Robles, California; and grandchildren Zac Baker and Hannah Wetzel, and daughter Amy Wetzel and her husband, Bradley Pajala, of Londonderry; and grandchild Oliver Wetzel and step-grandchildren Olavi and Jaakko Pajala. He was predeceased by his parents, Adam C. Wetzel Sr. and Louise Wetzel, and his sisters, Terry Pack and Nancy Harris. Adam was born in Buffalo on July 23, 1937. He married his wife, Deborah, in 1969, and together they built a life rich in love and shared interests. They moved to Vermont in 1974. Adam had a profound love for gardening, fly fishing, birds, carving, woodworking, and nature. His adventurous spirit led him to explore underwater worlds through scuba diving and snorkeling. He had the opportunity to travel, visiting many countries around the world throughout his life. Adam began his career as a banker at Marine Midland Bank before discovering woodworking and fine furniture making at Kittinger Furniture in Buffalo. After moving to Vermont, he worked at Cersosimo Lumber. Later, alongside his wife, Debbi, they started their own business, Woodzels by Wetzels, combining their talents of woodworking and painting. They spent many joyful years participating in craft shows and dedicated the rest of their working lives to their business. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace and his soul is flying with the birds and fireflies that surrounded him in his beloved back yard, in life, and during his passing. Adam's life will be celebrated and remembered by all who knew him. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed. His legacy of love, kindness, and creativity will live on in the hearts of those he touched. Memorial information: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rockingham Free Public Library in Bellows Falls. Adam found great enjoyment in all the books he read from the library. In lieu of a memorial service, honor Adam by planting lupine seeds in your garden and all around. Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls is in charge of arrangements.
Services
• The graveside service for Oliver Myron "Sam" Prentice III will be conducted Saturday, June 29, at 11 a.m., in Oakwood Cemetery in Townshend. A celebration of his life will follow at the Townshend Town Hall. Sam, 69, of Townshend, died at home with his family by his side on Thursday, April 18, 2024. To view his full obituary, visit atamaniuk.com.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.