Gone, but not forgotten.
Marty Goodell
Born the 28th of March, 1949 in Gardner, Massachusetts, Marshall “Marty” Ellis Goodell was the son of Marshall Terrance Goodell and Helen Mildred Ellis. He grew up in Athol, Massachusetts where he attended local schools, played ball with other local neighborhood children and enjoyed episodes of “Howdy Doody,” “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Gunsmoke.”
1969 began his military career. In the Army, he spent time overseas in Germany. Upon his return, he accepted employment at Mount Snow as a lift operator eventually becoming a welder. Later, he ventured out as a private contractor welder and took jobs in California, Colorado, Michigan and the Dominican Republic. In more recent years, he enjoyed making delivers for FedEx as a custom critical driver. Marty volunteered for the Wilmington Fire Department for 33 years where he formed many close friendships and stories of comedic proportion.
Marty enjoyed hiking, skiing, the ocean, road trips, good books and peanut butter cookies. Some of the happiest memories of his life were formed on the shores of Rye Beach, his time with the fire department and in the company of his devoted family of which he was immensely proud and vigilant.
Marty passed away peacefully on January 10th under the adept and devoted care of the staff at Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington, Vermont thus ending his 11 year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
An exemplary son, brother, husband and father, Marty is survived by his devoted wife, Catherine Esther Goodell (Boyd), his daughter, Jennifer Dawn Goodell, son, Craig Michael Goodell sister Mary Jane Spencer (Goodell) and her husband, Maurice Spencer. He leaves four grandchildren- Brialyn Renee, Ethan Michael, Keiron Christopher and Ellyanna Lea as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his loving parents, Marshall Terrance and Helen Mildred Goodell and his sister Marjorie Goodell.
Services with military honors will be held at the Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home on Saturday January 28 at 1pm , a memorial reception will follow the service at the Wilmington Fire House.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wilmington Fire Department or the Vermont Veteran’s Home in care of the Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
Jake White
Jacob Leonard White, 70, a lifelong resident of White’s Road in Wilmington, passed away on June 28, 2021 at his home surrounded by family. Jake’s positive attitude and strength helped fight a courageous five year battle with cancer. Jake was born on October 13, 1950 in Brattleboro, to Stuart and Nellie White. His father unexpectedly passed away when he was three and he and his brother, Walter, were raised by their mother on their dairy farm. He attended Wilmington schools, graduating in 1968. He was a standout athlete in basketball and baseball and his classmates voted him “kindest” his senior year, an attribute that held true his entire life. He began working in the grocery business at O.O. Ware after school and continued his career with Grand Union and Shaws. He was known by all as the friendly face in the dairy aisle and enjoyed conversing with customers. He enlisted in the Vermont National Guard after high school. In 1976, he built a house on the family property. He picked a spot high on the hill with spectacular sunsets overlooking Haystack Mountain. His house became a home when he married Monique Boisvert in 1980 and they raised two children, Michelle and Jeremy. Jake’s legendary service to the Wilmington fire department as a dedicated member for nearly 50 years will never be forgotten. His passion for helping others will be forever engrained in the hearts of countless members throughout our community. He was very often the first to arrive on scene and most definitely the one with the air pack leading a team into the burning building. His knowledge of local trails made him the natural leader of search and rescue and usually the one to find the missing hiker. He carried his pager on his belt until the day he died, his heart forever ready to serve. Also known as “Mr. Haystack”, Jake was passionate about the outdoors and hiking. In 2010, he and his faithful hiking partner, his grand-dog Cloe, hiked Haystack Mountain over 100 times. He was a dedicated member of the Wilmington trails committee and donated countless hours mowing trails, putting up signs and creating new trails. He served as a Wilmington select board member, budget committee member and on Deerfield Valley Rescue. His service to our community was recognized in 2016 when he was awarded the American Legion Citizenship medal for his unwavering dedication to the valley. Jake was passionate about deer hunting and was lucky most years, harvesting many impressive bucks. He enjoyed the view from his stand and appreciated the hours he spent in the solitude of the woods. His passion for softball carried forward from high school and he played for many local teams in Readsboro, at Town Hill and Brattleboro Memorial Park. He was known for his speed and his ability to outrun an infield hit to first base. He also loved rooting for his favorite team, the Boston Red Sox, and enjoyed many games at Fenway Park. Jake will be remembered as a kind and generous Vermonter, for his love of family and the outdoors, for his strong work ethic, leadership, simplicity, positivity and for his lifelong service protecting and supporting our community. He leaves his wife of 40 years, Monique Boisvert White, brother Walter White, daughter Michelle O’Neil, son in law Ryan and grandchildren Carter and Morgan, son Jeremy White, daughter in law Juliana and step grandchildren Anthony and Khloe. He was predeceased by his father, Stuart White, his mother, Nellie Visser White and his son Jason White. Services will be held on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 2pm at Riverview Cemetery on Stowe Hill Rd in Wilmington followed by a gathering. Memorial gifts may be made to the Wilmington Firefighters Association in care of Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home PO Box 215 Wilmington VT 05363.
Richard Covey
Richard Carl Covey went to “his forever” home” on Wednesday June 16, 2021 after a five year struggle brought on by multiple strokes. Richard was born on October 31, 1953 in Bennington to Robert L. Covey Sr. and Jean (Cook) Covey joining his older brother Robert Jr. Richard joined the Wilmington Fire Department as a junior firefighter in 1970 under the watchful eye of Chief Barker Willard. Richard went up the ranks and ended his career as the Assistant Chief. He married Monique Holland on June 28, 1986 , together they built their home on Ray Hill and were blessed with two daughters , Danielle who was her father’s shadow joining him at the firehouse as a little girl and joining the department herself in 2001. Danielle also worked alongside her dad and grandfather, Nicole was daddy’s little blue eyed blonde. Richard worked with his father at R.L. Covey & Son for 43 years. Richard was a devoted employee passing on family vacations to ensure the work got done. Richard was a founding member of Deerfield Valley Rescue and was an active member from 1974-1984. He served on the cemetery commission in the town of Wilmington for many years. He was an active member of the Deerfield Valley Stumpjumpers Snowmobile Club and enjoyed his late night peaceful trips grooming the trails. Richard served as Fire Warden for the towns of Wilmington and Somerset. He leaves his wife of 35 years Monique, his daughter Danielle (Ricky Kennett), his father Robert L. Covey Sr., brother Robert L. (Kathie) Covey Jr., granddaughters Gracelyn Moore, Aaryanna Rounds, Jacqueline Gerbasi and twins Jaylin and Kaydin Kennett , son in law Cody Gerbasi, mother in law Mildred Holland, sister in law Angelique Colford, former brother in law Mark Colford, brother in law Rusty Holland, nephews Mark and Jeremy Covey, Tyler and Corey Colford and niece Erin Covey , many cousins including a sister he never had Carol King Reed, aunts as well as many friends. Richard was predeceased in death by his mother Jean on December 12, 1991and his daughter Nicole on April 12, 2020. The family would like to thank the many health care workers that were there during this five year journey, including two special ladies that allowed him to be at home for two years , Jane Raymo and Sue Galipo. Funeral services will be held on Saturday June 26 at 11am at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilmington burial with Firefighter Honors will follow in the family lot in Riverview Cemetery. Calling hours will be held at the Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home on Friday from 4-6pm when the family will be present. Memorial gifts may be made to the Wilmington Firefighters Association (for the brotherhood fund) in care of the Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
John Snow
John W Snow 49 of West Dover, VT died suddenly March 22, 2017 at home. Born in North Hampton, MA on Nov. 25, 1967 the son of John W Snow and Annette (Morse) Waldo. He was raised in West Dover VT and graduated from BUHS class of 1986. Ten attended TCI for Automobile Mechanics. He worked for the Town of Newfane in the highway department. He loved to hunt and work outdoors and was proud to be a fireman with 37 years of combined service between the West Dover and Wilmington Fire Departments. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Viola Morse, and Louis and Mildred Snow. He is survived by parents, John Snow, Sr. and Annette (Morse) Waldo, aunts, uncles, cousins and his wife ,of 19 years , Tammy (Boyd) Snow and the apple of his eye his daughter, his daughter, Theresa V Snow. Now John is finally at rest. Please hold him close in your heart as we do. We want our message as a family to be one of encouragement to those struggling with depression. You never know when a kind word or a simple hug might change somebody’s day. Strive to be the encouraging difference in a person’s life. Be open and willing to discuss these difficult topics with your family and the ones you hold dear. If you know someone going through a difficult time, encourage them to seek help (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline // Call 1-800-273-8255) and remind them that although their experience is individual, you are there to listen and support them in any way possible.
Taft Hamilton
Taft G. Hamilton, 31, a resident of East Main Street, died Friday morning, March 5, 2004 at the Southwest Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.
Born in Bennington on Nov. 5, 1972, the son of William and Harriette (Roemer) Hamilton, he grew up in Wilmington where he graduated from Wilmington High School. He married the former Ann Phillips in Wilmington on Sept. 19, 1992. Establishing his own business many years ago, he had developed Hamilton Lawn Care into a multifaceted maintenance business serving the Deerfield valley area.
Taft took great pride and spirit in his community. He was a member of the Wilmington Fire Department and a former member of Deerfield Valley Rescue. He loved to play golf with his friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, all of Wilmington, he leaves a son, Troy Hamilton, at home; a sister, and her husband, Susan and Eugene Carr of Richmond, Va.; a nephew, Brian Harrigan; an aunt, uncle and cousins.
A service to remember the life of Taft G. Hamilton will be held on Monday, March 8 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church with the Rev. Marcia Dorey, pastor of the Wilmington Congregational Church, officiating.
Interment will take place at a later date in the Riverview Cemetery. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Wilmington Firefighters Association or Deerfield Valley Rescue in care of the Covey & Allen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
Clarence “Buzzy” Towne
Clarence L. “Buzzy” Towne Jr., 53, a resident of Higley Hill, died Thursday morning at his home. Born in Springfield, Mass., on June 26, 1937, he was the son of Clarence and Gladys (Noble) Towne. He received his education in Suffield, Conn., and attended Greenfield Community College, Hartford Regional Technical School, and the Vermont State Police Academy, and the National Fire Academy. Mr. Towne was married to the former Mary Thayer on July 29, 1967, in South Newfane. He had been a member of the U.S. Army National Guard. Employed by the Town of Wilmington since 1976, at the time of his death he had been highway superintendent for two years. He was also a special officer with the Wilmington Police Department. Previously he had operated his own garage and had worked as a mechanic and equipment operator for several years. He also owned and operated a field and lawn mowing business, and his friends remember seeing him mowing fields late into the night. Mr. Towne was a founding member of Deerfield Valley Rescue in which he remained active for 15 years. He was a lieutenant in the Wilmington Fire Department, past assistant chief and had been a member for 20 years. He was a member of the Green Mountain Beach Committee for 14 years and was instrumental in improving the beach to its present quality. He attended the East Dover Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Besides his wife he is survived by two daughters, Deborah and Kathleen Towne, both of Wilmington; a sister, Carol Cain of Westfield, Mass., his stepmother Ruby Towne Hamblin of Winter Park, Fla., nieces and nephews.
The Brattleboro Reformer, 24 Aug 1990
Robert Maynard Sr.
Robert Alan Maynard, Sr., 60, a resident of Lisle Hill Road, died unexpectedly Thursday, Nov. 14, at his home. Born in Messena, N.Y. on May 23, 1936, he was the son of Lyman and Edith (Fetterly) Maynard. He moved to Wilmington with his family at the age of two and attended Schools there. He was Salutatorian of the Wilmington High School, Class of 1954. Following high school, he attended the University of Vermont in Burlington. He entered the United States Air Force in 1955, and served until being discharged in 1959, he was recalled to active duty during the Berlin Crisis and served until Aug. 1, 1963. He was married to Sheila King in Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilmington on April 15, 1967. He began his working career at Vermont National Bank in Wilmington as a teller and worked his way up to branch Manager, when he left there in 1973 to work at Richards Insurance of Wilmington. He then worked as Accounts Receivable Manager at The Brattleboro Retreat for a brief time. In 1975 he joined Green Mountain Power Corp. in Wilmington and continued to work there until his retirement June 1. 1995, retiring as District Manager. Active in his community, Mr. Maynard joined the Wilmington Fire Department in March of 1964, he had served as an officer of the department since 1969, he was the Department Captain from 1983-1993, he had held the position of Treasurer from 1972 until the present. In 1988 he received the designation of “Firefighter of The Year” by the Vermont State Firefighters Association. He had also been instrumental in the formation and direction of the department’s marching unit which, with his assistance, had received the honors of Best Appearing Marching Unit in the state of Vermont four times in the past ten years. He was a member of the Vermont State Firefighters Association and the Nelson D. Pickwell Post 15 of the American Legion of Wilmington. He was a longtime member of the Five Stooges Bowling Team at North Star Bowl. He had enjoyed golfing, the Celtics, the annual ritual of getting wood in for the winter, and will be remembered for his sense of humor. In earlier years, he played baseball for the Wilmington Town Team, coached little league and had been a longtime member of the Wilmington Lions Club. Mr. Maynard is survived by his mother, Edith Maynard; his wife, Sheila Maynard; two sons, Robert A. Maynard, Jr., and Scott Maynard; a daughter and her husband, Joanne and Michael Crosier and a grandson, Kody Crosier, all of Wilmington. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Church with the Rev. Joseph Tate, CSC, Pastor and the Rev. John Fitts, Pastor of the Wardsboro Church, officiating. Interment will follow with military and Fire Department honors in the Riverview Cemetery. There are no calling hours.
The Burlington Free Press, 16 Nov 1996