ESSEX JCT. VT — Richard Phillip “ Dick” Masse, 77 passed away on Wednesday December 28, 2011 at Vermont Respite House in Williston. He was born on October 31, 1934 in Brunswick, ME son of the late Ferdinand and Mary Louise ( St. Pierre) Masse. He attended St. John’s School and Brunswick High School. Dick worked for Sunset Hill Resort in NH where he met the love of his life Melba Burnor and on June 18, 1955 they were joined in marriage at St. Mary’s Parish in Cambridge. Richard had also been employed with the Vermont Furniture from 1955 – 1973, Whitefield, NH from 1973 – 1974, Green Mountain Industries from 1974 – 1982 and Essex Junction School District in the security department from 1983 to his retirement in 1999.

Dick liked hunting, fishing, gardening, woodworking, bird-watching and enjoying his player piano but he most enjoyed spending time with his four grandsons and looked forward to the day that all four of them achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Melba ( Burnor) Masse of Essex Jct., His children: Nancy Bean and husband Jeffrey of Burlington; Cathy Kennedy and husband Robert of Jeffersonville; His grandchildren: Evan Bean of Burlington; Eric Bean of Burlington; David Kennedy of Manchester, NH; Brian Kennedy of Jeffersonville; His brothers: Robert Masse and wife Betty of Brunswick; Russell Masse of Mobile, AL; His sister: Rachel Gilmore and husband Barry of Charlotte; A special Aunt Edna St. Pierre of Brunswick, ME; Several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was also predeceased by his brothers-in-laws Arnold Burnor, Donald Burnor, Glenn Burnor and sisters-inlaws; Edith Duhamel and Lee Masse.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday December 30, 2011 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday December 31, 2011 at 11: 00 a. m. St. Lawrence Church in Essex Jct., with the Reverend Charles Ranges, S. S. E. officiating. Burial will be held in the Spring in the family lot in Fairview Cemetery, Essex Jct. at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Essex Rescue, 1 Educational Drive, Essex Jct., VT 05452 or the Vt Police K9 Association (VPKA) P. O. Box 193, Colchester, VT 05446. Arrangements are by A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel, 57 Main Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting www.awrichfuneralhomes.com.



Comments are not available on this story.