OBITUARY: Richard John DeCelle

DATELINE: Swanton, Vermont

Mr. Richard John DeCelle, age 85 years, a resident of the Saint Albans Road for more than 60 years died early Saturday morning, May 3, 2008, in the Northwestern Medical Center with his beloved daughter, Cheryl Ann and niece, Pam Kozikowski at his side.

Born in Swanton, Vermont on July 23, 1922, he was the son of the late Maurice Mitchell and Grace Evelyn (Comstock) DeCelle. He attended Fairfield schools but left at and early age to assist in the operation of the family farm. On February 8, 1945, he was married to the former Lillian Minckler who predeceased him on September 30, 2007, after 62 years of marriage.

Mr. DeCelle faithfully served his country as a Surgical Technician in the United States Army Air Force during World War II, receiving the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, as well as the Good Conduct and Victory Medals.. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant on February 21, 1946. Following his military service he became employed at the former Sheldon Pulp Mill, (later known as Boise Cascade), retiring after 42 years of dedicated employment. He also assisted his wife Lillian in the operation of several businesses including, Sherry’s Dress Shop in Swanton, DeCelle Manufacturing in Richford and The Central Restaurant located downtown in Swanton Village. Mr. DeCelle was also known for his love of tinkering and his ability to fix anything especially sewing machines. He was a longtime parishioner of The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

He leaves his daughter and caregiver, Cheryl Ann DeCelle of South Burlington; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Cecile Minkler of Swanton along with numerous nieces nephews, cousins and friends.

Besides his wife Lillian and his parents, Richard was predeceased by five brothers, Maurice Dezan, Raymond DeCelle, Theodore DeCelle, Fred DeCelle and Francis DeCelle and six sisters, Isabelle Reed, Evelyn Jettie, Rita DeCelle, Mary DeCelle, Eula “Pat” St. Denis and Beulah “Midget” Smith Thurston.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at 1 p.m. from The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 65 Canada Street, Swanton. Father Benedict C. Kiely will be the celebrant and homilist. The Rite of Committal with Full Military Honors will follow at the DeCelle family lot in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at The Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, (802-868-3331), on Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon. Gift’s in Mr. DeCelle’s memory may be made to, The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in care of, Father Benedict C. Kiely, 65 Canada Street, Swanton 05488.

To offer online condolences please visit: www.kiddermemorialhome.com

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