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Obituaries 01-12-10

Ralph J. Jackman – 07/04/24- 01/02/10

Vergennes - A man of endurance and eloquent character, Ralph J. Jackman, 85, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 2, 2010 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Ralph was born on July 4, 1924, a twin son born to Glenn and Ila (Sweet) Jackman in Bristol, Vt.

    He attended St. Michael's College until he was called to serve his country in the European Theater where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge.  After returning home he continued to serve in the Army Reserves from 1946-1972.

    In 1946 he partnered with his brother, Charles, to begin their successful careers operating Jackman Fuels, Inc.  He retired from the fuel business in 1989.

    Ralph married his high school sweetheart Myrle (Jacobs) Jackman on July 29, 1946.  He is survived by his wife, Myrle;  his five daughters: Lynn (Michael) Jackson-Donnelly, Catherine Desjadon, Christine (P. Michael) Collette, Susan (Gregory) Burdick, Carleen (William) Telgen and his daughter by heart, Deborah Senesac; twelve grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.  He is also survived by two sisters-in law, Elaine Bordeaux, Carol Burbank and brother in law, Burton Jacobs as well as several nieces and nephews.  In addition, he leaves his extended family, the sons and daughters of the Vergennes Fire Department. He was predeceased by an infant son, Mark Stewart and a son-in-law, Ronald Desjadon; as well as his twin brother, Fred, his brothers, Charles, Francis and Glenn, Jr.

    He joined the Vergennes Fire Department in 1947, became Chief in 1954 and served as Chief until November, 2009. His proudest accomplishments include: building a new fire station, the department being the first in the State to have a hose reel truck, use of a four inch hose and establishing a cadet program.  The Department took a major step forward with the purchase of two new trucks in 1994 and three new trucks to the department this past year.  To his merit, he has three career firefighter grandsons and five grandsons serving in volunteer departments.

    Testimony to his leadership are the positions he has held and the honors he has received; two-time past president of the Vermont State Firefighters Assoc, past president and lifetime member of the Addison County Firefighters Assoc, the Robert B. King Fire Chief of the Year and the Francis J. Shorkey Fire Chief of the Year.

    Beyond his service as a firefighter and desiring to serve further, he was also a member of the American Legion Post 14, the Addison County Eagles, a charter member of the Vergennes Rotary for 56 years; an organizer for Meals on Wheels; and an active servant to St. Peter's Catholic Church, serving in many capacities. In recognition of his many years of service to his community and his Fire Department his achievements were read into the Congressional Record in June, 2008 by Congressman Bernie Sanders. His many achievements garnered during his lifetime are too numerous to mention.

    A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 6th with interment at St. Joseph Cemetery in Bristol, Vt. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. Peter's Restoration Fund, 85 So. Maple Street, Vergennes or the Stevens Hose Company, PO Box 35, Vergennes, Vt.  05491.  Arrangements are by Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes.
 

Adrienne (Coyle) Paduchak

Hinsdale, NH -  Paduchak, Adrienne (Coyle) of Hinsdale, NH died January 6, 2010.

    She was predeceased by her husband Andrew of Hinsdale, NH; brother Patrick J Coyle , of Ferrisburg, VT; sisters Mary Jane Shover  and Agnes Cousineau both of Burlington, VT.  

    “Ada” was a beloved part of a large family and is survived by many nieces and nephews. Ada was a life long caregiver to many and worked as a home maker servicing the elderly. She was active politically and volunteered on many campaigns; including Kennedy, Shriver, and McGovern. She enjoyed children and hosted Fresh Air children from NYC.  

    A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 2 p.m. on Saturday January 9th at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Vergennes. Friends may call at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes on Friday January 8th from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Genesis Center, 677 Court St. Keene, NH 03431, or St. Peter’s Restoration Fund, 85 South Maple St. Vergennes, VT 05491.

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