Cornelius G. Lonergan

WATERBURY - Cornelius Guy “Neil” Lonergan, 79, of State Drive went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, December 24, 2017, surrounded with love in his family’s home in North Ferrisburgh.

He was born to the late Cornelius Grant Lonergan and Glendora Geneva Lonergan (Woodard) on Monday June 20, 1938 in Barre, Vermont.

Neil was a sharp student at the Holy Ghost Convent in Graniteville and graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre in 1956. He traveled, returned to Vermont and married Niyoka “Sukie” Kelty (later divorced), became a skilled carpenter and raised his family. Neil had a strong work ethic and went on to be a foreman and construction superintendent before retiring from Wright & Morrissey. After retirement he moved to Virginia and continued to work as a delivery driver.

He was multi-talented, played violin, created pencil drawings, carved wood moldings to customize his home, and could fix anything mechanical. Always an avid reader, Neil most loved the Bible, westerns, and learning about interesting wonders of the world. Neil enjoyed roller and ice skating, CB radios back in the day, photography, and playing pool. Family and friends were most important to Neil and he often told stories of his beloved father and mother, growing up with his sisters, the nuns, his time in Bermuda and the service. We look forward to hearing more stories when we meet him again in heaven.

Neil was predeceased by his loving wife of 33 years, Luana Lonergan (Close). He is the beloved father of daughters Shannon Lonergan, Erin Lonergan, and Colleen Lassiter (Lonergan) and her husband John, and stepchildren Richard White, Jennifer Golden (White) and husband Sean, Tracy White, and Kelly Gardner (White) and husband Ronald. He is the beloved brother of Sandra Colgan (Lonergan) and late husband Jake, as well as late sisters Lucille O’Bryan (Lonergan) and husband Edward, Ann LaRose (Lonergan) and husband Marcel, and Colleen Savage (Lonergan) and surviving husband Richard. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will dearly miss him.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at the St. Sylvester Catholic Church in Graniteville at 11:00 a.m.   Family and friends may call on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre.

Memorial contributions may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753 or to St. Sylvester Parish, 217 Church Hill Road, Graniteville, VT 05654.