Obituaries and Condolences

William James Fulton Sr.

Monday, April 7, 2008

William James Fulton Sr. (Jim) 93 of Winchester died peacefully on Friday while taking an afternoon nap.

He was born in Johnstown PA., on March 22nd. 1915 the only son of Alfred and Sarah (Johnston) Fulton. He was educated and graduated from the Johnstown school system.

Jim was an electrician by trade and was the owner of W.J. Fulton Electrical Contracting. He owned and operated the business in Johnstown PA. for over ten years. He later moved to Hastings on Hudson NY. In 1958 and worked as an electrical estimator for numerous companies. Jim also worked as a project manager during that time. When time permitted Mr. Fulton tested and evaluated new tools for companies like Black and Decker. He wrote reviews for the equipment and critiqued them for quality and application. He also lived in Redhook, NY. for over 20 years.

Mr. Fulton wrote for five years for CEE Magazine. He was also a committee member for the United Methodist Church of Redhook, NY. After he retired he became an avid woodworker and amateur carpenter designing and producing chairs, tables and numerous household furnishings. Music was important to him in his younger years. He played the Violin and Sousaphone this is where he met his future wife..

On September 25th. 1940 he took vows to marry Dorothy  V. Seaman at St. Joseph's Church in Johnstown, PA. They were married for 66 years before she passed in December of 2006.

Mr. Fulton also leaves behind two children. William James Fulton Jr. (Jim) and his wife June of Stokesdale, NC. and a daughter Judith P. LeBlanc of Winchester, NH. He leaves Seven Grandchildren: John Morelli of Bourney, TX., Paul Morelli of Athens TX., Christine Grimes of North Attleboro, MA., Trey and Timothy Morelli of Keene, NH., Cathy Roberts of Oak Ridge, NC., and Jamie Fulton of Greensboro, NC. Jim will be re-united in death with a granddaughter, Antoinette Morelli who passed in 1971 and his only sister Eleanor Prohovic who died in February of 1998. He also leaves 13 Great Grandchildren.

Services will be on Thursday at 10am. A period of calling will be from 9 to 10 at the funeral home. Burial will follow immediately in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Keene, NH. Flowers will gladly be accepted, However the family has requested that donations be made in Mr. Fulton's memory to the Cheshire County Food Bank C/O Cheshire Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 19. West Swanzey, NH. 03446-0019. All services have been entrusted to Cheshire Family Funeral Home. 46 South Winchester St. West swanzey, NH. 03469. WWW.Cheshirefamilyfh.com

Richard L. (Smokey) Vollert Jr.

Richard L. (Smokey) Vollert Jr. 76 Died late Saturday morning peacefully after a period of decline while at  home in Winchester.  His wife Donna and family were with him as he passed with there love and devotion. He lived previously in Southampton, MA. for 56 yrs.

Richard was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts on January 12th. 1932 the only son of Richard L. and Eleanore A (Stueber) Vollert. Smokey  graduated in 1950 from Smith Vocational High School in Northampton,  MA.

After High School Rich went to work for United Technologies where he climbed the ladder form the entry level position he accepted to a senior manager when he retired in 1990. Richard was the manager of research and development for aircraft design. He was employed by United Technologies for 40 years. Richard loved to go to work and be part of team that strived for perfection.

Mr. Vollert was a long time bachelor. This gave him the opportunity to become involved with the Boy Scouts of America. Mentoring young men and giving direction to them gave Smokey great joy. But it wasn't enough. He truly believed that the Boy Scout Creed should live well beyond himself. He was not only a great Scoutmaster for Troop 210 in Southampton MA., but a well respected and admired Board of Directors Member who wore many hats in the Great Trails and Pioneer Valley Councils. Smokey was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. One of the highest awards one could be bestowed from the Boy Scouts. He served with pride for 50 joy filled years. Town politics also took up a large amount of his time. Richard sat on many boards for the town of Southampton and would even give advice when other board members would call to see where he stood on issues. Everything Rich did was based on his personal faith. Whether it was being on the town boards or the Boy Scouts of America, it all came back to faith. The reason this country was founded. Richard was a member of the Southampton Congregational Church for many years and was also a member of the St. Peters Lutheran Church in Holyoke. Mr. Vollert also found enjoyment later on in life by watching NASCAR. He will be missed for his sense of humor and his fun loving personality.

In September of 2000 Richard took vows to marry Donna L. (Smith). He never thought he would marry until he met Donna. She made life exciting, fun and brought meaning to his life. There wedding took place on a private, picture perfect pond in Southampton with close friends and family to share this special time. They were married almost eight wonderful years before he passed.

Richard leaves behind his wife Donna L. (Smith) of Winchester. A son, Richard A. Waite and his wife Tracy of Winchester. Three Grandchildren, Molly and Irena on Winchester and Nathan of Hadley, Ma. He also leaves a sister, Phyllis Cox and her husband James of Hamilton, Alabama.

A memorial and dedication service will be held in June at the Camp Chesterfield Boy Scout Reservation in Chesterfield, MA. The Boy Scouts of America will name a lodge in his honor for many years of unselfish service. A private burial will take place at Center Cemetery in Southampton MA. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made in Richard Vollert's name to the Boy Scouts of America, Pioneer Valley Council, 249 Exchange St., Chicopee, MA.01013. Services have been entrusted to the Cheshire Family Funeral Home 46 South Winchester St. West Swanzey. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com

Timothy John Alexander

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Timothy John Alexander 40 of West Swanzey died early Wednesday morning after a long period of illness. He passed with the presence of his family at his side, with dignity and in comforting surroundings.

Tim was born the son of Leon (Bob) C. and Phyllis I. (Jantti) Alexander, In Keene on July 30th 1967.  He was educated in the Swanzey School system and graduated from Monadnock Regional High School class of 1986.

While still in High School Tim worked for the Alexander's Sheet Metal Inc. This family owned business gave Tim the skills to prove himself as a heating and air conditioning sheet metal fabricator. He worked with his family for 20 years. Prior to taking ill Tim was employed by the Melanson Company as a sheet metal fabricator. Tim has worked for them for the past six years.

On July 8th., 1989 Tim married Melissa A. Underwood at the Cathedral of the Pines Church in Ringe. They had hoped to grow old together. She was the one that made him whole. The built a home in West Swanzey where they would raise 2 children.

Tim enjoyed life. He enjoyed following NASCAR in his younger years and was a competitive mud bog racer. He raced all over New England. As time moved on and he became a father his values changed. It was time to be a father and a mentor. So he suspended some of the things he liked to do to share life and interests with his sons. They were the focus of his life and he wanted to be the super dad. He really enjoyed sports with his boys especially baseball and soccer. He even took the reigns of the Swanzey Lions Club Soccer League as the Director and Coach. As his boys grew athletically they all became interested in Lacrosse and he proudly cheered them on from the sidelines.. Tim also enjoyed remote control racing and was a 10 year member of the Keene RC Racers Club. He also liked to camp and fish with the family. Whether it was going to games, coaching or directing programs, camping, he enjoyed doing this with his family.

Mr. Alexander is survived by his wife of 18 years Melissa A. (Underwood) Alexander. Two devoted sons, Nicholas T. and Christopher J. Alexander at home. His parents Leon (Bob) C. and Phyllis I. (Jantti) Alexander of West Swanzey. Two brothers Leon (Beef) Alexander IV and his wife Julie of West Swanzey. Kirk J. Alexander and his long time girlfriend Judi Smith of West Swanzey. Three grandmothers, Blanche Jantti of West Swanzey, Patricia Alexander of Sullivan and Alice Patterson of Winchester. Tim is pre-deceased by his grandfathers Emil Jantti and Leon C. Alexander Jr. He also leaves 9 nieces and nephews, Stephanie and Stacie Alexander, Zacharie, Cole and Ethan Jarvis, Kristina Kyle, Quinn Underwood, Daniel and Tasha Smith and one great-nephew Hayden Paquette. Several Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Services will be held on Saturday morning at 10am. Calling hours will be on Friday from 5 to 8pm. all in the funeral home. Burial will take place in the spring.. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would prefer donations be made to the Alexander Children's Fund C/O the Savings Bank of Walpole 84 Marlboro St. Keene. Cheshire Family Funeral Home 46 South Winchester St. West Swanzey has been entrusted with Mr. Alexander's services. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com

Betty Jane Day

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Betty Jane Day 64 Died on March 1st. after a period of illness at her home in East Swanzey. She passed peacefully with dignity and the compassion of her family at her side.

She was born in Keene on August 10, 1943 the daughter of Charles and Ruth (Barrett) Stowell. Betty was educated in the Keene school system. She has spent all of her life in Cheshire County between Keene and Swanzey.

Mrs. Day worked for over 40 years as a waitress and hostess. She worked for the Christmas Tree Inn and she also worked for the Red Roof Restaurant for many years. She retired in 1996.

On July 23rd 1960 she took the hand of Frank Day in Keene. They were married for 47 years before she passed.

Betty loved life and people but mostly she loved her family. Her life was full of friends and laughter. She also enjoyed bowling. Mrs. Day liked to take care of kids, she gave daycare to many a child as a young woman. Lets not forget the animal lover in her. All kinds of animals especially those that were ill or injured. She always found room in her heart to help them.

Mrs. Day is survived by her husband Frank and three children all who live locally. Tim A. Day and his wife Bonnie of Gilsum, Terri A. (Day) Caron of North Swanzey and Torie A. (Day) and Wayne Lechlider of Swanzey Center. She also leaves five grandchildren, Mandi Day, Nicholas and Tia Caron, Ashley and Madison Lechlider. There are 2 Great grandchildren Jena and Trey Caron. Betty was one of four children She is predeceased by her siblings, William Stowell, Brenda (Stowell) Davis and Gail (Stowell) Cooke. Mrs. Day will be re-united in death with her daughter Tracey who passed in 1986.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday at 11am. in the Funeral Home.. Pastor Pam Spain of the Swanzey Congregational Church will officiate. A gathering of friendship and fellowship will follow at the Friendship Hall, 679 Old Homestead Highway, Swanzey Center. All who knew Betty are encouraged to attend. Donations in Betty J. Day's name should be forwarded to the Castle Center or Hospice at HCS, 312 Marlboro St. Keene 01341.

Stephen Dominic Seroka

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Stephen Dominic Seroka 85 of Winchester died on February 17th. in peace. He passed after a period of illness at Harbourside Applewood Nursing and Rehabilitative Care Center in Winchester.

Stephen was born on July 6th. 1922 the son of Peter and Joanna (Napierkoski) Seroka in Winchester. He was educated in the local schools living in Winchester all his life.

In December of 1943 Stephen enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was an infantryman in the European Theater. While on active duty he received the European Campaign Award, Good Conduct Ribbon and One Battle Star. He completed his enlistment in 1946 as a Private First Class before returning home to civilian life.

Mr. Seroka worked for forty years at the New England Box Company in Winchester. He was a man who liked to work with his hands and was a wooden box maker. He retired in 1984.

Stephen was a practicing Catholic all the way up to the day he passed. He was a member of Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church in Winchester. His faith was very important to him. He was a member of the Catholic Society for more than 50 years. Being a patriotic military man, he was a 60 year charter member of the Winchester Veterans of Foreign War Post #3968. Stephen was also an avid fisherman in his younger years and loved to play bingo.

Mr. Seroka never married and had no children. He leaves behind  his brother Joseph Zabielski and his wife Rosamond and one sister Cecilia Chesbro and her husband Robert of North Adams MA. and Boynton Beach FL. He is predeceased by his three siblings John Zabielski, Sophia Boyd, and Chester Seroka. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.

All services will be held in the spring with a catholic mass at Mary Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church in Winchester. A liturgy of Christian burial will take place immediately following with full military honors. A date and time will be announced latter. All are encouraged to participate. Cheshire Family Funeral Home, 46 South Winchester St. West Swanzey is in charge of arrangements. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com

Irene J. (Darby) Whitcomb

Irene J. (Darby) Whitcomb 85 of East Swanzey died peacefully on Saturday evening at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Keene after a period of decline.

Irene was born the daughter of Clark L. and Laura J. ( Johnson) Darby on February 23rd. 1923 in Keene, NH. She was educated in the Keene school system. She spent part of her childhood in Woodstock VT. and her young adult years in Keene. Irene has been a resident of East Swanzey for the past 55 years.

Mrs. Whitcomb worked for 20 years as a house keeper on the Brown Farm prior to retirement. Before that she was the personal house keeper for Dr. Debold and his family. She enjoyed being with them and worked for them for 18 years.

On March 6th. 1941 she took the hand of Louis R. Whitcomb Sr. In Bridgewater, VT. They were married for 46 years before Louis passed in 1987.

Irene was a caring, giving person. She was the kind of grandmother everyone should have. She took the kids and grand kids out for ice cream or shopping. As the grand kids got older she would send them care packages at college. She would even help out with books, tuition or just a little spending money.

She leaves behind six children. Louis R. and Janice Whitcomb of Grantham, NH., Rodney Whitcomb and his partner Barbara Brockway of East Swanzey, Bruce and his wife Pamela Whitcomb of Swanzey Center, David Whitcomb of East Swanzey and Janet Bixby (Whitcomb) and her husband Greg of West Swanzey. She also leaves behind a sister, Dorothy Butterfield of Gardner, MA. She is pre-deceased by a brother, Roy Derby who died in 1976 in Keene.
She has eight devoted grand-children, Ronald, Kathleen, Laura Jean and Adam Whitcomb, Wendy Jo Hardy, Lynn Little, Matthew and Mark Bixby. There are also 6 great Grandchildren who will not be able to experience the specialness that Irene brought to the family. Irene has also left a friend for life, Marion Plante. They have been friends for over 60 years.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 1 to 3pm. A celebration of life will commence at 3pm. Burial will take place this spring in the family lot at Mountain View Cemetery in Swanzey Center where she will be re-united with her husband and son Brian Whitcomb who passed on March 26th. 2002. All are encouraged to attend services. Flowers will gladly be accepted by the family. However, if one would prefer they may make a donation in the name of Irene Whitcomb to the East Swanzey Rescue Unit at P.O. Box 10009 Swanzey, NH. 03446. All services will be held at the Cheshire Family Funeral Home, 46 South Winchester St. West Swanzey. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com