Frank W. Demell

BARRE – Frank Wayne Demell, 88, of East Cobble Hill Road passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Barre Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born on June 6, 1935, in Barre, he was the son of Albert and Ida (Broggini) Demell. He attended Ward 5 and North Barre Elementary Schools and graduated from Spaulding High School in 1953. Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1958 completing his basic training at Fort Dix.  He then attended Norwich University and received his bachelor’s degree in 1962.

On October 27, 1962, he married Huguette Masson, following their marriage they made their home in Barre for 58 years.

Frank was employed by the State of Vermont Highway Department from 1954 to 1962. In 1960, he and life-long friend, Eugene Galfetti purchased the Twins Snack Bar/A&W. Eugene went on to purchase the Wayside Restaurant in 1962 and Frank continued to own the A&W until December of 1981.  Following the sale of the A&W, Frank worked various jobs including at Barre Home Supply, Unifirst, Soups n’ Greens and then World Wide Refinishing Systems, refurbishing and repairing bathtubs and showers for over 20 years with the franchise and on his own.  After retiring at the age of 77, Frank continued to keep busy transporting vehicles for GMC/KIA.

His memberships included the Masons and the Barre Lodge of Elks #1535 for 58 years.

In his spare time, he enjoyed camping with his wife and family in Island Pond and Ryegate, VT for many years along with refinishing furniture, tinkering and gardening.  He enjoyed a cold one at any local watering hole.

Survivors include his children Frank Albert Demell, Kelly Demell Scott and her husband, Gary and William Masson Demell and his wife, Jodie as well as his two grandchildren Mason and Sophia Demell.

He was predeceased by his wife Huguette Demell in 2020.

The service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024,  at 11:00 a.m. in the Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre.  There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641, or to the Shriners’ Hospitals for Children,  Mt. Sinai Temple No. 3, For the Benefit of Shriners’ Hospitals for Children, PO Box 742, Montpelier, VT  05601-0742.

Frank’s family would like to thank the staff at the Central Vermont Medical Center, Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, and Barre Gardens and a special thank you to Jan and Dr. Elizabeth Suiter along with the staff at Adult Primary Care.  And special thanks to the Barre Town Ambulance Service.