John E. Lasell

WILLIAMSTOWN - John Elliot Lasell, 91, joined his family in heaven on Thursday, September 6, 2018, after suffering from Parkinson’s Disease at Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Berlin.

Born July 22, 1927 in Barre, he was the eldest son of Horace H. and Esther T. (Cheney) Lasell.  He grew up on the family farm on South Hill in Williamstown, attending Williamstown schools and graduated from what is now Vermont Technical College in 1944.  He joined the US Marine Corps and was heading across the Pacific Ocean when World War II ended. He was stationed in China as part of the Peacekeeping Force following the War.

After the war, John returned to Williamstown and went to work on the railroad.  In 1952 he met and fell in love with Ann E. Kelley. They married November 29, 1952 and they purchased a farm on Winchester Hill Road in Williamstown, just 1 mile from the farm he had grown up on.  He worked as a truck driver delivering coal and oil, in the stone sheds, and later as a union carpenter. All the time he was working he farmed, getting up early to milk cows before going to work and milking them again after he got home in the evening. He was a dairy farmer and then raised beef and veal calves.  John spent his summer vacations getting his hay in for the upcoming winter.

John and Ann enjoyed square dancing, snow machining and playing cards with friends.  He loved singing and music, especially church hymns and songs from his youth.

In 1978 Ann suffered a stroke and he added the role of caregiver to his busy schedule.  He cared for her 13 years, until her death in 1992. He also helped care for his mom in her final year and helped when his son Kelly became ill as well.  He was always there for whomever needed him. His family and his friends were always the most important thing to John.

John was a member of the United Federated Church in Williamstown where he was a long-time member of the Christian Education Committee.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 10 in Barre and was the long-time treasurer of the Cheney Family Reunion. He volunteered for the Town of Williamstown as a Cemetery Commissioner and Fence Viewer.

John is survived by his children Elizabeth and her husband, David Bicknell; Darrel and his wife, Cheryl Lasell; Winston Lasell; daughter-in-law Penny Lasell; his grandchildren Aaron (Cecia) Bicknell; Christie (Michael) Geilen; Shannon Lasell; Tim (Krystal) Vize; Corey (Kerrie) Lasell; Craig Kelley; and Amanda Lasell; his great-grandchildren Ryan Geilen; Mercedez Vize; Anna Bicknell; and Claire Lasell; his sisters Maida Covey; Edah Osgood; and Lenora (Norman) Larkin; his brothers Morris (Brenda); and Stanley Lasell; his in-laws Robert (Nada) Kelley; and Mabel (Matt) Premont; and his special friend Shirley Bailey; along with many nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Ann, his daughter Laura Lea, his son Kelly, his brother Winston and his sister Alice Guyette.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, September 17, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the United Federated Congregational Church, Main Street, Williamstown. Interment will be held in the family plot in the East Hill Cemetery, Gilbert Road, Williamstown.   Family and friends may call on Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s memory may be given to Women United in Christian Service, PO Box 438, Williamstown, VT 05679 or to the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495.