, 54, of Albany died at the Vermont Respite House in Williston on March 9, 2010, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Nyack, New York, the son of Frank and Theresa (Dombrowski) Gordon. He attended Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York, where he studied art. In 1991 he married Lynn Roberts in Rock Tavern, New York. They moved to Albany in 1995. Mr. Gordon worked for Parkview Garage in Barton as an auto mechanic. His favorite thing was to spend time with his wife, son and dogs. He enjoyed working on projects with his son and was a lover of good food and automobiles. He was a hard worker, everyone's friend, and always willing to lend a hand. He leaves his wife, Lynn, of Albany; two sons, Travis Gordon of Albany and George Venevia of New York; two brothers, Rony Gordon and Stephen Gordon, both of New York; three sisters, Priscilla Gordon, Pauline Gordon and Ellie Gordon, all of New York. There will be no services. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Community National Bank in Morrisville where a fund is being set up for his son Travis; or to the Frontier Animal Society, 4473 Barton-Orleans Road, Orleans, Vermont 05860.

, 86, of Derby, died March 10, 2010, at his home. He was born January 8, 1924, in Holland, a son of Lee and Carrie (Tree) Hackett. On June 22, 1946, he married Jane E. Letourneau, who survives him. Mr. Hackett always worked locally. He worked for Geach Electric selling and servicing appliances until he founded his own TV and appliance store. After he sold his share of that business, he worked for Montgomery Ward and Newport Cable. He later worked for Seguin Music as a television technician. He enjoyed traveling, liked visiting historic places, and spent many years working on the family tree. He is survived by his wife, Jane Hackett, of Derby; his children: Linda Gibson and her husband, Thomas, of Isle LaMotte; David Hackett and his wife, Lise (Limoge), of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania; and Mary Anne Gratton and her husband, Daniel, of Essex Junction. He also leaves seven grandchildren: William Hackett and his wife,Tanya, of Bennington; Craig Hackett of Pownal; Jason Gibson of Isle LaMotte; Alex and Timothy Hackett of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania; Andrea and Allie Gratton of Essex Junction; and by two great-grandchildren: Crystal and Mayka Hackett of Bennington. He is also survived by a sister, Doris Haldorsen, and her husband, Hal, of Las Vegas, Nevada; and by his daughter-in-law, Irene Hackett, of Bennington. He was predeceased by his son Richard Lee Hackett; a sister, Evelyn Simmons; and by a brother, Warren Hackett. Funeral services were held March 15 at Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Memorial Chapel in Newport with Pastor Christine Moseley officiating. Spring interment will be held on May 28 at the Mead Hill Cemetery in Holland. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Derby Line Ambulance Service in care of Brian Fletcher, P.O. Box 105, Derby Line, Vermont 05830, or to the V.N.A. and Hospice, Inc., 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 93, of Derby, formerly of West Hartford, Connecticut, died March 6, 2010, at home in Newport. She was born September 7, 1916, in London, England, a daughter of William Cullum and Margaret (Muir) Enterkin. On December 5, 1942, she married Edward Earle Hunt, who survives her. Mrs. Hunt was an accomplished pianist, organist, and painter. She was active in the West Hartford Art League, and she was an author of the book, Caught In The Middle, A Portrait of Two Worlds. She and her husband moved to Derby in 2006 to live with their son. She is survived by her husband, Edward Hunt, of Derby; her son, Warren Hunt, and his wife, Helene Giroux, of Derby; her daughter, Deborah Hunt-Tolly, and her husband, James, of Austin, Texas; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery, in West Hartford, Connecticut.

, 79, of Berlin died March 12, 2010, at the Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center. His family was at his bedside. He was born April 26, 1930, in St. Johnsbury, the son of Oscar and Ruth (Wheeler) Washer. He graduated from Orleans High School in 1948 and received his bachelor of arts degree from Norwich University in Northfield in 1952. He had been married to Cynthia Emerson, and they made their home in Barton. They later divorced. Since 1978, he made his home in Montpelier and more recently in Berlin. For over 38 years, he worked for the Vermont Highway Department and then the Vermont Agency of Transportation. He was a civil engineer in the construction division. He also worked as a consultant to the agency. He retired in 1992. His memberships included the Brown-Johnson VFW Post 792 Men's Auxiliary and the Elks Lodge 924, both of Montpelier. He was also a Scottish Rite Mason, belonging to Orleans Masonic Lodge 55 of Barton, where he was a Past Master, and the Mount Sinai Shrine Temple 3 of Montpelier. He enjoyed antique cars, following the New York Giants football team, and the New York Yankees baseball team, and traveling to Florida. Trips to New York to watch his favorite teams were special times. Survivors include his son Johnny Washer of Barton; his two daughters, Tanya Bradley and her husband, David, of Barton and Anne Plourde and her husband, Raymond, of Amherst, New Hampshire; and two grandchildren, Thomas Bradley and Tara Bradley. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his son Terry Lee Washer; his sister Marie Washer; and his brother Newton Washer who was shot down over Italy during WWII. Funeral services were held on March 16 at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home in Barre. Interment will take place at a later date in the Irasburg Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, Vermont 05641.

, four months old, the beloved daughter of Annette Vallieres and Bradley Lawson, died suddenly on March 3, 2010, in Newport. She was born November 2, 2009, in Newport. She is survived by her parents, Annette Vallieres and Bradley Lawson, of Troy; by her sister, Taylor Lawson of Coventry, and by her little cousins, Jordan Carpenter of Newport Center, Corine Carpenter of Newport Center, and Alex Vallieres of Illinois. She is also survived by maternal grandmother Doris Gibney of Newport; maternal grandfathers Cory Carpenter Sr., and his wife, Colleen, of Morgan and Richard Vallieres of California; maternal grandmother Merle Lane Vallieres of Illinois; paternal grandmother Linda Lawson of Westfield; maternal great-grandmother Annette Vallieres of Derby, maternal great-grandfather Lucien Vallieres and his wife, Jeannine, of North Troy; special grandfather Todd Skinner of West Charleston; by her uncles and aunts: Cory Carpenter, Jr., of California, Daniel Carpenter of Newport, John Lawson and Diane Benway of Derby, Katie Carpenter of Morgan, Charles Carpenter of Morgan, Aaron Vallieres of Illinois; and by several great aunts and uncles. She was predeceased by maternal great-grandparents: Charlotte and Dale Gibney, and her paternal grandfather, David Lawson. A sister, Jordan Lawson, also predeceased her. Funeral services were held March 8, at the Church of God, Crawford Road, Derby, with the Reverend Laurence Wall officiating. Spring interment will be in Lake Road Cemetery in Newport Center. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the memorial trust in Ava's name, in care of Community National Bank, P.O. Box 127, Troy, Vermont 05868.

, 95, of Newport died peacefully March 5, 2010, in Newport. She was born November 17, 1914, in St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, a daughter of Henry and Malvina (Beauregard) Cordeau. On July 9, 1940, she married Adelard Riendeau who predeceased her in 1980. Mrs. Riendeau was a seamstress for the former Newport Plastics Company of Newport. She was a member of St. Mary's Church in Newport, the Daughters of Isabella, and Community Circle where she enjoyed traveling. She also enjoyed bowling, playing cards, gardening and cooking. She is survived by her children: Therese Auger and her husband, Normand, of Charlottesville, Virginia; Denise Desrochers and her husband, Real, of Newport Center; and Marc Riendeau of Newport. She is also survived by the following grandchildren: Diane Smith and her husband, Garrett, of Charlottesville, Virginia; Erik Auger and his wife, Laura, of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; Michael Auger of Franklin, Indiana; Robert Desrochers and his wife, Carol, of Newport; Rene Desrochers and his companion, Penny Dubois; Randy Desrochers and his wife, Jessica, of Newport Center; Chantal Riendeau and her companion, Nicholas Bourassa, of Jay; Paul Riendeau and his companion, Jackie, of Tilton, New Hampshire; Marc Riendeau and his wife, Amber, of Marysville, California; and Robert Riendeau of Tilton, New Hampshire; 13 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by five brothers and four sisters. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 9, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Newport. Spring interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Mary's Church, 191 Clermont Circle, Newport, Vermont 05855 or to the Orleans Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, Inc, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

of Greensboro died March 7, 2010, at the age of 91. Born August 9, 1918, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, to William Roberts Cameron and Narcissa Beal Cameron of Paoli, Pennsylvania, she married David B. Smith of Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1939, and they made their home in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they raised four children. They moved to Greensboro in 1954 to re-establish the Highland Lodge on Craftsbury Road as a summer resort. Mrs. Smith was the principal chef for many years and Carol's Cookbook is still a favorite of hungry Highland Lodgers. Winters, they ran the Darling Farmhouse in Burke, the Hub in Jeffersonville, and Andersen's in Stowe. They served as guardians ad litem for children in need of care and supervision. In 1980, Mr. and Mrs. Smith retired from the lodge. They traveled to every state in the Union and spent many years with their friends in Pahrump, Nevada. Mrs. Smith was a competitive diver and long-distance swimmer, golfer and tennis player, downhill and cross-country skier and loved walking the woods. She was a constant supporter of the Episcopal Church, where she worked as a volunteer and made strong friendships. She also loved being with, cooking for, and entertaining friends and family, singing the night away at bonfires on the beach, almost as much as dancing with her husband, Dave. He died August 8, 2005. She leaves their four children: David B. Smith Jr. and his wife, Wilhelmina; Roberts Cameron Smith and his wife, Aloha; John Otey Smith and his wife, Nancy; Barbara Smith Cedarfield and her husband, David; nieces: Narcissa Boyd Gomes; Judy Boyd Dales and her husband, Andy; Nancy Smith Smith and her husband, Jay; nephews: Robert Ragsdale Smith Jr. and his wife, Theresa; Alexander Duff Murray and his wife, Jill; Cameron Murray and his wife, Connie; seven grandchildren: Alexander, Samantha, Coeli, Finnegan, Lincoln, Jeffrey and Matthew; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sisters Barbara Cameron Murray of Bellevue, Washington, and Narcissa Cameron Boyd of Greensboro. There will be a memorial service honoring the life of Carol Smith at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Hardwick on Monday, March 29, for family only. A larger gathering of all her friends who wish to celebrate her life will be announced later on. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the food pantry at the church.

69, of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Derby, Vermont, died unexpectedly in Naples, Florida, on Saturday, March 6. He was born on January 1, 1941, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a son of Margaret S. Steele and Wolcott L. Steele, both from Iowa. He graduated from Frankford High School in June of 1959 and attended Temple University for two years in Philadelphia. He founded Frankford/Wayne Mastering Labs in Philadelphia in 1966 after various stints as a disc jockey at radio stations in the Philadelphia area. In 1974, he expanded the Frankford/Wayne operation into New York, New York, where he was the owner and chief Engineer until 1990 when he moved to Derby. The New York operation was taken over by his daughter Tracy Lynn Steele. In 1991 he built and founded WMOO-FM Radio in Derby, and was the radio station's owner, chief engineer, manager and morning show personality until 2001 when he sold the stations (WMOO-FM and WIKE-AM) and retired. He is survived by his wife, Carrie Ann Steele; his daughter, Tracy Lynn Steele-Mahoney; his grandson, Jackson Thomas Mahoney; his son-in-law, Paul Mahoney; his step-daughter, Chelsea Ann Pulver; his brother, Robert W. Steele; and his sister-in-law, Nancy Steele, as well as many close friends and extended family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Steele's memory may be made to the Frontier Animal Society, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855; or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, New York 10004

, 86, died on Monday, March 1, 2010, at his home with his family. Ken was born in Sheepshead Bay, New York, on February 7, 1924. In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army while attending The Citadel. He was seriously injured in combat on November 18, 1944, in Germany while a member of the 102nd Infantry Division. In 1946, he married Marjorie (Sister) Post, his wife of 63 years. Together they raised four daughters in Massapequa, New York. Ken operated the Charles E. Krohn Agency in Massapequa as an insurance agent for 40 years before retiring to Vermont in 1989. He was a longtime summer resident of Island Pond. He enjoyed motorcycles, his annual trips to Nassau, Bahamas since 1963, his Morgan horses, two dogs, (Zack and Matlock), and mowing his lawn! Ken's memory is cherished by his wife, Marjorie P. Toombs, and his three daughters: Leslie and James Bell of Saratoga Springs, New York, Patricia and Alan Cole of Westmore, and Joanne and Fred Doucette of Monkton; and his brother-in-law, W. Deane Post of Massapequa, New York. He also leaves 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his oldest daughter, Nancy Parke Vessalico, in 2006; his brother Girard S. Toombs; and most recently his sister, Viola Lottman-Radzow. Contributions in Ken's memory can be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice. P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, Vermont 05753.

, 74, of Newport died peacefully February 26, 2010, with his loving family by his side, at Bel-Aire Quality Care Nursing Center in Newport. Mr. Barry was born September 7, 1935, in Irasburg, a son of Maurice and Lois Magoon Barry. On June 27, 1959, he married Olive "Ollie" Marilyn Lapierre, who survives him. In 1955 he joined the United States Air Force. He served for four years, three of which were spent in France as a weapons mechanic. After returning from France he started working at Ethan Allen Manufacturing in Orleans. He worked in the cabinet and chair departments for 43 years before retiring. He was a firefighter for more than 40 years with the Newport City Fire Department. He loved being a member of the department and always could be found in the kitchen at the fire station helping prepare meals for events hosted by the department as well as for special awards banquets for firefighters. He was a member of the Newport City Ambulance crew for a number of years. He held membership with American Legion Post 23 of Orleans and St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church in Newport. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus. His hobbies included woodworking, fishing, cooking for his family, and having cookouts. He especially loved traveling with his wife, his sister Beverly, and his brother-in-law Bob on trips to Maine to visit his brother Bob and sister-in-law Dottie. He enjoyed attending the annual fire convention with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, the late Emile and Annette Lapierre. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Olive "Ollie" Marilyn Lapierre, of Newport; by three sons: James and his wife, Lori, of Derby, William and his wife, Puangpayom "Dee," of Newport, and Thomas and his fiance, Sheila Quinn, of Newport; by his daughter Suan Houghten and her husband, Todd, of Lowell; by 20 grandchildren and step-grandchildren; by four great-grandchildren; by several nieces and nephews; by his brother Robert Barry and his wife, Dottie, of Kittery, Maine; and by three sisters: Beverly Chapdelaine of Irasburg, Lillian "Tillie" Brown and her husband, Cliff, of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, and Jeanette "Tiny" Carr of West Burke. He was predeceased by his brother Dean Barry; by sisters Laura Little and Jacqueline as an infant; and by his special friend and brother-in-law Robert Chapdelaine. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 3, at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Derby Line where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Barry's memory may be made to Newport Fire Department, Rick Craft Scholarship Fund, in care of Shelia Quinn, P.O. Box 536, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 56, of Colchester died unexpectedly on Sunday, February 21, 2010, at home. Ms. Hazen was born in Westmore on May 4, 1953, a daughter of Harvey and Catherine (Bowen) Perkins. She was a 1971 graduate of Lake Region Union High School, where she loved to play softball with the girls. She was an avid hunter, usually outdoing the boys. One day during hunting season, she and all of the boys were walking out of the woods empty-handed when they saw a deer in the field. The boys wanted her to have a chance to shoot at something, so they told her to go ahead and take a shot. To their surprise, she dropped the deer with one shot. They were also surprised to find out it was a four-point buck. She showed them! In her later life she became an avid fisherman, something she thought she would never do. It's funny how someone can go from buying jewelry to buying fishing lures. She loved the game of golf and played on almost every course in the state. She started her retail experience in a small store in Westmore, The Millbrook Store, where she worked all through high school. After graduating, she went to work at the Grand Union in Newport. After making her home in Colchester, she worked at the Hallmark store in the University Mall. Twelve years ago, her dream of owning her own store came true when she became owner and operator of Merola's Market. She was a people person and loved a crowd. She was always there to offer a helping hand when someone in the community was in need. She was very active in the Burlington community, especially the New North End. She touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed. She was a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks 916 and was elected as its first female exalted ruler from 2007 to 2008. She was serving as lodge trustee and was very active with Silver Towers. She was a member of Eagles Club 793. One of her greatest joys in life was spending time with her six grandchildren, taking them shopping, and being a big part of their lives. She is survived by her companion, Mike Devin, of Burlington; by her two children, Jason H. Beaudoin of Champlain, New York, and Jennifer Louise Beaudoin of Burlington; by six grandchildren: Cody, Sean, Zachary, Isaac, Isabella, and Morgan; by her mother, Catherine Perkins, of Westmore; by siblings: Terry Perkins and his wife, Jeannette, of Coventry, Ronald Perkins and his wife, Valerie, of Westmore, Oscar Perkins and his wife, Cheryl, of East Burke, and Debbie Burkewitz and her husband, Timothy, of Irasburg; by many nieces and nephews; and by Amber the dog. She was predeceased by her father, Harvey Perkins, in 1997. A graveside service was held February 27 in New Mount Calvary Cemetery in Burlington. A celebration of her life followed at the Elk's Lodge. Donations in Ms. Hazen's memory may be made to Silver Towers Camp, in care of BPOE 916, 925 North Avenue, Burlington, Vermont 05408.

, 54, of Island Pond died after a year-long fight with cancer on February 26, 2010, in Newport. Mr. Marsh was born August 30, 1955, in Rochester, New Hampshire, a son of Fred Marsh Sr. and Wanita (Hussey) Marsh. He graduated from Farmington High School in Farmington, New Hampshire, in 1973. In his teens, he received his Federal Communications Commission radiotelephone with radar license. He attended Franklin Pierce College in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in its bachelor's program in computer information systems. He received certificates from the Sylvania Technical School in Waltham, Massachusetts, NRI Correspondence Schools, and the American Institute for Computer Science. He was self-taught through many hours of study and reading countless volumes of books and magazines on a variety of subjects. Yearly he attended educational seminars and evening courses pertinent to career advancement. He was employed by the following businesses: Corning Costar Corporation in Kennebunk, Maine, as an electronics and software engineer; Vermont Creative Software in Richford as the director of development; and the Goodrich Fuel and Utilities systems division in Vergennes as a systems software test engineer. From 2003 to 2007 he was the founder, president, and chief technology officer of Island Pond Wireless. He was director of northern operations for Great Auk Wireless in Brattleboro. He was a radio network engineer and technical director for Ridgeviewtel in Longmont, Colorado, and he worked briefly for FairPoint Communications and My Row International, Inc. He was a volunteer with the Brighton Rescue Squad and a groomer operator for the Brighton Snowmobile Club. He enjoyed fishing, camping, organic gardening, working on computers, and programming. He is survived by his partner in life and business and his best friend, Holly Bonville, of Island Pond; by two sons, Matthew Marsh of Farmington and Dylan Marsh of Saco, Maine; by two grandsons, Michael and Blake of Farmington; and by his siblings: Wanda Badger of Corning, Iowa, David Marsh of New Hampshire, Dennis Marsh of Coos Bay, Oregon, Fred Marsh of Rochester, and Arlene Baker of Afton, Oklahoma. He was predeceased by his daughter Krystina Marsh. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Marsh's memory may be made to the Burlington Hope Lodge.

, 80, of Newport died February 26, 2010, in Newport and is now at peace with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Mrs. McGuire was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a hard worker, and she loved people. She was best known for her quick wit and charming personality. She always had a cup of tea waiting for any guest who dropped by for a visit. She was born September 5, 1929, in Chambley, Quebec, to Edward Clarke and Rose Blair Clarke. She married Robert E. Moore and moved to Island Pond, where they raised their children. She was predeceased by her first husband, Robert Moore, and by her second husband, Frank McGuire. She is survived by her children: Helen Ledoux and her husband, David, of Manchester, New Hampshire, William Moore and his wife, Tamara, of London, England, and Brian Moore and his wife, Noni, of Brownington; by her brother Frank Clarke of Montreal; by her sisters: Edna Clarke of Alberta and Claire Furlotte and Eleanor Clarke of Montreal; by 12 grandchildren; and by four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two children, Gary Edward Moore and Lorrie Ann Pierce; by great-granddaughter Chelsea Gallien; by two sisters, Dorothy Moquin and Reina Cosenza; and by three brothers: Ernest, Harold, and Edgar Clarke. Services will be held in May at the family's convenience. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. McGuire's name may be made to River of Life Camp Ministries, 1145 Route 14, Irasburg, Vermont 05845.

, 71, of Brownington died February 26, 2010, in Newport. Mr. Plucas was born July 1, 1938, in New Britain, Connecticut, a son of Mary Louise Smith Plucas and Edward J. Plucas. He graduated from New Britain High School. On August 5, 1959, he entered the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged on August 4, 1965. He graduated from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, with a bachelor of arts degree. He was employed by Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Middletown, Connecticut, and he was a police officer with the Middletown Police Department for several years. He retired from the Vermont Department of Corrections as a correctional officer. He is survived by his children: Bradley Plucas of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Beth Reid and her husband, Mark, of Naples, Florida, Robin Cooley of East Haddam, Connecticut, and Brittany Plucas and Augusta Plucas of Holland; by his mother, Mary Plucas, of New Britain; and by grandchildren: Brooke Plucas, Brittany and Matthew Reid, and Taylor, Eric, Ryan, and Faith Cooley. He was predeceased by his father; by his brother Francis J. Plucas; and by his grandson Alexander T. Reid. Spring interment with full military honors will take place at the Veterans Cemetery in Randolph.

, 89, of Newport died in Newport February 23, 2010. Mr. Thomas was born February 10, 1921, in Johnson, a son of Bradley Sr. and Marjorie (Post) Thomas. He graduated from Enosburg Falls High School in 1939. Shortly afterward he joined the Army and served in World War II in the 643rd Tank Destroyer Battalion as a driver. He was in the Ardennes, Rhineland, and central Europe. He married Simonne (Goulet) Whiteman on August 20, 1949. She predeceased him in 1985. He was department head for the former A&P Grocery Store in Newport for several years. He was a member of American Legion Newport Post 21. He was fond of the Big Band sound, and that music could be heard at any time upon entering his home. He was an avid reader and especially liked mysteries, foreign intrigue, and war stories until his failing vision forced him to discontinue that activity as well as driving and playing golf. Until his illness made it difficult, he tried to walk every day and joined the members of the Herb March coffee club at Wendy's. He often said that the teasing and joke telling that took place at those gatherings were the highlight of the day. His great sense of humor largely contributed to the festive mood. He is survived by his children: Gary Thomas and his wife, Patty, of Derby, Karen Blais and Phil Sheltra of Westfield, and Brenda Giannino of San Diego, California; by his grandchildren: Jaime (Blais) Comtois and her husband, Jon, of Newport, Anthony Blais of Troy, and Joanna Thomas and her friend, Drew Brinckerhoff, of South Burlington; by his great-grandson Ryan Blais of Troy; by his brother James R. Thomas of Burlington; and by his special friend of 23 years, Theresa Trotier. He was predeceased by his sister Helen O'Connor. Funeral services were held February 27 at a Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport with the Reverend Richard Whitehill officiating. Interment with full military honors will take place in the summer at Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Thomas' memory may be made to the Department of Veterans Affairs, attention voluntary services, 215 North Main Street, White River Junction, Vermont 05009.