Shelburne Falls & West County Independent

01/15/2025

William Horatio Stafford

SHELBURNE — William Horatio Stafford died at Baystate Franklin Medical Center on Jan. 10, 2025 after a brief period of declining health.

Bill was a warm, generous, and open-hearted man who worked hard and skillfully, took pride in having served his country in wartime, and cared deeply about his family and friends.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, solving puzzles, watching sports, helping others, woodworking, and reading.

Bill was a big-framed man who was light on his feet, carrying himself like an athlete; he was gregarious, funny, competitive, opinionated, and confident, usually striding into a room with aplomb and a puckish twinkle in his eyes.

He demonstrated love, care, and commitment primarily by showing up for others: with a shovel or chainsaw or lawnmower for a DIY weekend; with attentive enthusiasm at a high school game or dance performance; with curiosity and excitement about another's plans; with a hug and a kind word in difficult times.

Bill loved being the patriarch of a dispersed blended family and, most importantly, being a devoted partner and loving husband to Brenda, his wife of 39 years.

Bill was born on Feb. 6, 1940 in Charlemont, the younger of two children born to Grace (Stacy) and W. Payson Stafford. He attended local schools and graduated from Charlemont High School in 1958, having distinguished himself as a star athlete and something of a rascal.

Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1964 and attained the rank of captain before being honorably discharged in 1973. He served in Vietnam, where he saw combat and had experiences that he rarely discussed as a civilian but were clearly impactful; he was also stationed in Germany, Taiwan, and other Army bases. Bill was proud of having served his country in this way and of his veteran status.

Bill was married three times, his first two marriages ending in divorce: first to his high school sweetheart, Mary Lively, then, after his Army service, he settled in Richmond, Virginia, where he married Betty Umble Kirby, treating her two daughters from a previous marriage as his own. After his second marriage ended, Bill moved back to Massachusetts.

In June 1985 he married Brenda (Herzig) Sumner and they began their life together in Shelburne. Brenda embraced Bill's step-daughters, Tracy and Laurie Kirby, and stepson-in-law, Daryl Bishop, and enjoyed visiting them in Virginia and Alabama over the years. Bill and Brenda hosted their blended and extended family for Thanksgiving each year and for memorable summer weeks at Old Orchard Beach.

When not at their paid work, Brenda and Bill were inseparable: they enjoyed exercising at the Greenfield YMCA; going for car rides, helping their kids with house projects; babysitting grandchildren; attending dance performances and high school sporting events; visiting friends; spending time at the Corse family camp in Whitingham.

Bill's paid work often involved operating heavy machinery and included stints as a long-haul trucker, orchard hand, and highway department member; he ran a big Volvo loader for many years at Kramer's/WTE in Greenfield and enjoyed beating his own "personal best" times for filling railcars.

Bill is survived by his wife, Brenda; his sister, Nancy Peck, and her husband, Harvey, of Shelburne; and his nieces Barbara Giguere and Janet Cross, both of Shelburne. He is also survived by Brenda's children and their spouses: Todd Sumner (Mark Melchior) of Groton, MA; Eric Sumner (Mary) of Heath; and Ree Martin (Edward) of Northfield; by his stepdaughter, Laurie Kirby, and her former husband, Daryl Bishop, of Virginia; by 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and by his faithful friend ,Jack Cable of Springfield, Vermont.

He was predeceased by his parents, Payson and Grace; by his step-daughter, Tracy Kirby Dunagan; and by his dear Dickinson cousins Esther, Ralph, and Howard.

The family would like to thank Bill's in-home caregivers, especially Rosie, Helen, Melissa, LeEllen, Dawn, and Virginia.

Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home is assisting the family. No funeral or memorial service is planned at this time, honoring Brenda and Bill's wish that joint services be held after both have passed away.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to The Heath Agricultural Society (Heath Fair), Greenfield YMCA, LifePath, or Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care.

01/15/2025

Matthew C. Truesdell

SHELBURNE FALLS — Matthew C. Truesdell, 52, of Mechanic St., passed away at home Jan. 7, 2025.

Matt was born in Montague on Dec. 22, 1972, the son of David and Janet (Miller) Truesdell. After graduating from high school, he attended Greenfield Community College, where he received his arts degree.

He was very creative and artistic. He enjoyed the game of Dungeons and Dragons and playing the game with friends. His favorite holiday of the year was Halloween. He and his family would build an elaborate scene on their property every year for the neighborhood and community to enjoy. From a smoldering kettle to a guillotine, complete with a "victim". He liked to dress up and become a scary character. It was a fun time for Matt and his family and a chance for him to create a memorable display.

Matt is survived by his father David, son Noah, both of Shelburne Falls; stepson Ryan Lewis of Charlemont; stepdaughter Brie Lewis of Providence, RI' brother Peter Truesdell of Northfield; grandchildren Carrie, Richard and Benjamin Ferrar; aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his mother, Janet Truesdell, wife, Nancy Truesdell, and sister, Rebecca Handschuh.

There are no services planned.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Recorder on Jan. 13, 2025.
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3 Entries

Craig Dalrymple

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Sorry for your loss.

Chris Thompson

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I'm so sorry to hear that he passed.. he was a great friend.

James Patten

January 13, 2025

I'm so sorry to hear of Matthew's passing. He was a childhood friend and a great guy. I'm sorry we lost touch. This news is such a shock to me. My deepest condolences to his family.

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01/15/2025

01/11/2025

Two workshops at Hawlemont

CHARLEMONT — Contact Jenn at [email protected] to reserve a place at either or both of the following workshops to be held at the Hawlemont Regional School. All proceeds will go to support Hawlemont’s HAY Program.

Hager’s Jams and Jellies Workshop
Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., $20.

Join Sherry Hager for this hands-on workshop to learn how to preserve fruit and make jams to take home and enjoy.

Native Garden Workshop
March 22, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m, $20.
This workshop is open to anyone who lives in Franklin County.
The presentation includes a brief introduction to the biodiversity crisis, explaining why providing habitat for pollinators is essential for maintaining a sustainable ecosystem. The presenter will show that pollinators not only need flowering native plants as food for adults, but also need specialized native plants that provide food for their young. You will learn about the kinds of shelter needed year round for pollinator health and reproduction, and how to manage your landscape to provide it. You will also discuss the need for water and the importance of minimizing night light.
In addition to the presentation, participants can sign up for a free one-hour consultation with a member of our team of native plant experts (value $200), and receive a free starter set of plants for their own yard (value $150).

01/10/2025

Throughout the winter, Trinity Church will be open for warming Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. when temperatures reach 20° or lower.
Phone charging and restrooms are available as are coffee/tea, games, and activities. There is also a supply of tents and sleeping bags for anyone who might need them.

Pastor Ben Durfee and church leaders are working with The Franklin County/North Quabbin Resources for Unhoused Individuals Task Force to create a regional hub of warming centers in West County.

Overnight Emergency Shelter is available at the Salvation Army in Greenfield from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

01/10/2025

Ronald Gregoire

HOLYOKE — Ronald J. Gregoire, 78, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 following a brief illness.
Born on Sept. 1, 1946 in Holyoke, he was the son of Oscar and Aldea (Fontaine) Gregoire.
After graduation from South Hadley High School, Ron attended the Massachusetts State Police Academy, beginning a long career that ended with his retirement as Sergeant Gregoire.
Most of his married life, he was a resident of Easthampton. Ron married the former Wendy Johnson of Shelburne Falls on Oct. 4, 1975.
He loved golfing, NASCAR racing, country music, and especially enjoyed Neil Diamond, having gone to several of his concerts with his wife.
In the later years, there have been family vacations to enjoy beach time together. In more recent years, they traveled to dog agility shows with their Shelties.
Ron leaves his wife of 49 years, Wendy; children Danielle (Joe) Arseneault, Curtis Gregoire and Laura Gregoire; grandchildren Madison Cockerill and Miles Gregoire; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his Shelties Boulder and Zuko.
Calling hours were Dec. 28.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Bosler Humane Society, P.O. Box 12, Baldwinville, MA 01436.
Arrangements were under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Shelburne Falls.

12/15/2024

John H. Bos

GREENFIELD — John H. Bos, 88, left us peacefully on Dec. 11, 2024. No doubt he is off now to "Connecting the Stars."

John was an inspiring creative spirit, a lover of community, and an accomplished professional and personal writer. Beloved by countless many, John was someone who could, and would, talk to anyone who entered his energy field.

Born Feb. 12, 1936 in Tonawanda, NY, to John and Jenny Bos, he was a graduate of Carnegie Tech (Carnegie Mellon University) with a B.A. in drama from the School of Fine Arts.

John had a long professional career in the arts, beginning with technical support in summer tent theaters, then moved on to major theaters, including the Pittsburgh Playhouse, Baltimore's Center Stage, Washington DC's Arena Stage, and Theatre of the Living Arts in Philadelphia. In the late 1970s, he was appointed by Kitty Carlisle Hart, chairperson of the New York State Council on the Arts, as Deputy Director of the agency's performing arts division. In that role, John oversaw a $15 million budget for grants to dance, music, theater, and presenting organizations.

In the early '80s John served as Director of Performance Programs for National Public Radio, where he earned a Peabody Award for "meritorious service in broadcasting." Following his NPR tenure, he served as the host for Arts America, a weekly cultural television program produced by the United States Information Agency and distributed worldwide.

In the late 1990s, John took up residence in Shelburne Falls, where he lived for the next 20 years, providing arts consulting, and delving into community life.

John was involved with the revival of Memorial Hall in Shelburne Falls, one of numerous locations in which he hosted musical performances under the umbrella of Rural Renaissance. He was a founding board member of the Four Rivers Charter School Educational Foundation in Greenfield, MA, and former chair of the Shelburne Falls Cultural Council. In 2014 John was given the Marvin J. Shippee Community Service award by the Greater Shelburne Falls Area Business Association.

In 2007 John and dear friend Mary Schreiber co-founded the Eventide Singers, a gathering of singers whose primary mission is to sing in small ensembles at the bedsides of the critically and terminally ill (www.eventidesingers.com). In 2012 he presented a TedX talk about the growth of hospice choirs in the U.S.

During the last two decades of his life, John turned to writing as a form of self-expression. Always a wordsmith, he enjoyed poking fun at words and playfully sending puns and bad jokes to his friends and family - sometimes lovingly appreciated, sometimes not. Writing initially in Spirit of the Written Word writing group at Cancer Connection during his first bout with cancer, he went on to enroll at the Iowa Writers Workshop Summer Program for two summers. This led to his writing a bi-weekly column for The Shelburne Falls & West County Independent and then The Greenfield Recorder.

In his column, "Connecting the Dots," he was a vocal advocate around climate change and offered numerous rants regarding contemporary political life; he also contributed to other periodicals, such as Green Energy Times and CitizenTruth.org.

John was an early supporter of Braver Angels to foster conversation among people with different perspectives on social and political life. Along the way, John shared with his readers about his declining health and gratitude for the gift of family, friends, and especially his long term, local men's groups. He was a member of Cancer Connection's Men's Group since 2002. His column touched the hearts and lives of many.

In addition to his role as co-founder of the Eventide Singers hospice choir, John was project director and co-editor of the publication Words to Live By, a book which he and three fellow cancer survivors created as a fundraiser for the nonprofit support agency Cancer Connection. The book features poems and prose pieces by 50 local and nationally acclaimed writers; each entry paired with a photograph. Authors include Wendell Berry, Lucille Clifton, Jane Kenyon, Ted Kooser and many others.

John was introspective while also attentive to others' thoughts and feelings and was loved for his ability to openly explore and respond to both realms. The family would like to thank Helping Hands Caregivers and Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care for their tender care and attention to John's every need.

John was predeceased by his parents, a brother Charles, a niece Margot Stambler, and brother-in-law, Terry F. Ganshaw. He is survived by his son, Christopher (Johanna) Bos, and grandsons, Trager and Nico Bos of NYC; brother Peter G. Bos (Sissel Cooper) of Naples, FL; sister Winifred J. Ganshaw of Iowa City, IA; sister-in-law Marilyn Bos of Leesburg, VA; many beloved nieces and nephews, and former wife, Sally Lindsay, NYC, with whom he remained a lifelong friend.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Eventide Singers, 78 Leyden Road, Greenfield, MA 01301, Cancer Connection, 41 Locust Street (Rt 9), Northampton, MA 01060, Pioneer Valley Hospice, 329 Conway St, Greenfield, MA 01301, or any cause to preserve the environment. Services will be held at a later date to be announced.

12/13/2024

Richard Baker

SHELBURNE FALLS — Richard (Dick) Baker, 83, of Shelburne Falls, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the home of his daughter on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, after a lengthy battle with congestive heart failure.

He was born Dec. 17,1940 in Greenfield. He lived in Shelburne Falls most of his life. Richard worked for Beneficial Finance, First National Bank and as business manager for Cooley Dickinson Hospital as well as security at Deerfield Academy.

In 1992, Richard fulfilled his dream and obtained his bachelor of science degree in accounting from North Adams State. This led him to serve on the Finance Committee in Shelburne Falls and as the head accountant for the Shelburne Fire District for several years. He was also a driver for Don Lorenz, Inc. before he retired. He was an U.S.Air Force veteran.

Richard is survived by his cherished wife of 57 years, Ann E. Baker, his beloved daughter, Suzanne Sweeney, and son-in-law, Paul Sweeney, of Hampstead, NC; his adored grandchildren, Aunilie Linehan of Charlotte, NC, Angela Linehan of Charlotte, NC, and Curran Linehan of Boone, NC; his brother, Neil Baker, and his wife, Ellie, of Cheshire; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Marjorie Martineau, and brother-in-law, Hank Martineau.

The family will have a private service at a later date.

12/11/2024

Rosemarie Dufresne
BUCKLAND — Rosemarie Dufresne, 78, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, with her children by her side.

Fondly known as Rose, she was a cornerstone of her community. Rose was passionate about sewing, quilting, crocheting, cooking, and participating in craft fairs. She was an active member of the ladies auxiliary at both the VFW and the Shelburne Falls Eagles.

She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Dufresne; her sons, Kevin Bennett and Randy Bennett; her granddaughter, Amanda Roy; and her brother, Francis Michaud.

Rose is survived by her brothers, John Murdock (partner Arlene) and Joseph Murdock (wife Regina); her son, Denis Sibley; her daughter, Shannon Menko (husband Bob); her daughter-in-law, Leatha Bennett (partner Richard Sweet); her granddaughter, Sarah Bennett; her grandson, Chad Gagne; her granddaughters, Christina Roy, Wendy White, Sarah Arsenault; her grandson, Stephen Bennett; and granddaughter, Alex Menko, along with many great-grandchildren.

In addition, she will be missed dearly by her close friends Stephen Sibley, Paula and Billy Chalmers, Ellie Gancarz, and many more. Her beloved animals—Bella, Brutis, Elliot, and her companion, Ryder— will also feel her absence deeply.

A celebration of life will be held at the Shelburne Falls Eagles at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dakin Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101-6307.

Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Shelburne Falls.

11/29/2024

Tonight's the night! Moonlight Magic celebrates the village of Shelburne Falls and the season. See you there.

11/25/2024

Kyle A. Alletson

PLAINFIELD - Kyle A. Alletson, 58, of Plainfield, died Sunday Nov. 17, 2024, after a brief illness.

He was born Oct. 5, 1966 to Frances (Hawkins) and Frank Alletson of Plainfield along with his twin brother, Keith.

Graduating in 1986 from Mohawk Trail Regional High School, Kyle went on to become an equipment operator, laborer, and truck driver for his entire career, most recently working for J&J and Sons in Williamsburg, MA.

Many of his joys were hockey, snowmobiling, sugaring, his trucks, family, and friends. Kyle had a love for music, especially the blues.

Kyle is survived by his twin brother, Keith, of Shelburne Falls; his brother, Lee, of Adams; son Jason and stepson Chris of E. Longmeadow and many extended family and friends, including his lifelong friend, Mike Dufresne, of Ashfield.

Kyle was predeceased by his parents, Fran and Buzz, and his sister, Jan (Billy) Miller.

Keith would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all the teams of doctors and nurses at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and to Mike Dufresne and Amy Morey.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Nov. 30 from 1-4 p.m. at The Sweetheart Pub, 42 Maple St. Shelburne Falls.

11/22/2024

Conway Street paving delayed to Nov. 26
BUCKLAND — Rain has delayed paving at the top of Conway Street. Paving has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 26. The sidewalk and wall replacement project has been substantially completed and barriers removed.

11/18/2024

Gregory Kingsbury

SHELBURNE FALLS — Gregory Allen Kingsbury passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 8, 2024.

Born on Dec. 13,1963 to Richard and Christine (Herzig) Kingsbury, Greg grew up in Shelburne Falls and attended Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls, taking a welding shop.

Even as early as high school, Greg loved a good party. That is how he would meet his future wife, Jane, at just 15 years old. Greg and Jane would go on to get married, build a house on Greg's family land in Shelburne, and have three children: Jeremy, Jason, and Jenele.

Greg wore many hats in life and was skilled at many things, from working on and riding his Harley Davidsons to plumbing and working on septic systems. However, Greg's true passion in life was the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, or just driving around looking for deer and turkeys. He passed his love for the outdoors on to his children. Greg loved to hunt with his two sons and recently with a few of his grandchildren.

Greg was predeceased by both his parents. He leaves behind three brothers and one sister: Ray Kingsbury of Shelburne Falls, Richard (Rick) Kingsbury of New Mexico, Lynn (Kingsbury) Garland of Charlemont, and Ken Kingsbury of Orlando, FL. He also leaves his three children and their spouses: Jeremy and Sara Kingsbury of Shelburne Falls and their four children Colton, Harper, Arlo and Otis; Jason Kingsbury and Shannon Herzig of Erving, MA and their two children, Kendall and Karsyn; Jenele Kingsbury and Joshua Kubecka of Vernon, VT and their three children, Hadley, Charlotte and Quinn. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and "good buddies."

Please join Greg's children and family to pay respects on Sunday, Nov. 17 at The Sweetheart in Shelburne from 1-4 p.m.