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Obituaries 10-04-11

William Patrick Holdman

MIDDLEBURY--William Patrick Holdman, Jr., age 85, died Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at Helen Porter Health & Rehabilitation Center, in Middlebury.

    Mr. Holdman was born May 7, 1926 in Chelsea, MA. He was the son of William P. and Olivia (Dearborn) Holdman, Sr. After his high school education, he joined the US Navy at age 17 and served on a Destroyer the “USS Winslow” in the South Pacific. Following his honorable discharge in 1947 he returned home and earned his degree from The University of Massachusetts. After moving to Vermont he had worked as a Herdsman in Woodstock before moving to Middlebury in 1954. He was employed for Pyrofax Energy for a short time before starting his own business. Bill owned and operated the Holdman Trucking firm from 1956 until he retired in 2003, trucking mainly milk containers and pulp products. He belonged to the Vermont Truck and Bus Association.  He was a life member of Middlebury American Legion Post # 27 and the V.F.W. in Middlebury. He also was a member of Cairo Shrine in Rutland.

     He believed Harry Truman and General Dwight D. Eisenhower were good presidents and approved of the accomplishments of providing Workmen’s Comp for citizens. He was not impressed with some local and state programs and the rules and regulations regarding hauling milk. Hard work was the cornerstone of his trucking success. Starting with himself as the sole driver with one truck he built a company in 40 years to 38 trailers and 62 people, with a computer system to help manage the business which provides service all over the northeast. Bill enjoyed square dancing, deer hunting and fishing in the Otter Creek. He was a loyal Red Sox fan and held Joe Dimaggio as a hero.   

    Bill is survived by his wife; Marguerite “Peg” Secoy; whom he married in Brandon on December 1, 1972, a son Charles Provoncha of Minneapolis, MN , 6 daughters,  Jane  Smith of Middlebury of Sally Holdman Bellavance of Hardwick, Joan Breen of New Haven, Susanne Holdman of Middlebury, Marcia Provoncha of New Haven, and Mary Provoncha of Greybill WY. Also surviving is a sister Judy McClure of Raleigh NC. 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him.  He was predeceased by 2 sons Stephen Holdman and Joseph Provoncha and a brother James Holdman  

    In honoring his wishes a private memorial service will be held at a later date, with private burial in The Seeley District Cemetery. Memorial gifts in his memory may be made to Helen Porter Health & Rehabilitation Center, 30 Porter Drive, Middlebury, VT 05753.

   The Miller & Ketcham funeral home in Brandon is in charge of all arrangements.

Marion E. (Mills) Philipsen

BRANDON-Marion E (Mills) Philipsen 95 died peacefully at The Manor on September 23, 2011

    She was born in Pittsford on March 23 1916. the daughter of Albert and Winnie (Jones) Mills  Marion graduated from Pittsfoprd High School in 1934 and then attended the University of Vermont.

    Marion married Dr William H (Bill) Philipsen DVM on July 24 1937. and resided in Brandon until his death at age 94 on November 8 2003

    Marion was a wonderful wife, mother,grandmother and friend. She was the business manager of her husbands veterinary business.  She loved reading and the challenge of learning by completeing crossword puzzles and was a trustee of the Brandon Free Puplic Library and a member of the Brandon Monday Club.  She was also a member of the Brandon Garden Club and her extensive gardens provided flowers and plants for her ribbon-winning arrangements. She was also a member of the Brandon Congregational Church.

   She is survived by her sons Douglas and his wife Mary, David and his wife Maryann and her daughter in law Barbara.  She was predeceased by a son William A Philipsen and a brother Harold Mills. Survivors also include her granddaughter Marion and three grandsons, Douglas  II, Christopher , and Kevin . as well as 2 great grandchildren Cameron and Kaitlyn.

   A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held on thursday September 29 2011 at 2 PM at the Brandon Congregational Church with the Rev Richard White officiating . A prvate committal will take place later.   

   Memorial gifts may be given to the Brandon Free Public Library, Franklin St, Brandon, Vt 05733 or The Manor, 577 Washington Highway, Morrisville, Vt 05661
 

   Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon
 

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