Italian fashion designer who used exotic animal prints, embossed leather and distressed denim to create his flamboyant clothesAs Italian fashion went global in the later 20th century, it diverged into two schools: the sensuous, soft in silhouette and touch, and the boldly sexual, flamboyant to the eye. The first, and lasting, head of the sexy school was Roberto Cavalli, who has died aged 83.The material bases for both schools were the nation’s specialist textiles and leather firms: for Cavalli,...
Westford man had many interests, including music, science, astronomy and the N.Y. Giants After a long illness, Jim Pittala died at his home in Westford, Vt., on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Jim was born on March 19, 1949, in Brooklyn to Edward and Ann Pittala. He was christened Vincent Richard Pittala, after an uncle who died in World War II, but he was always known as “Jim” to his family and friends. After Brooklyn, his family moved to Wyckoff, N.J., where Jim...
Longtime nurse deeply respected the natural world and excelled at arranging beauty in small spaces Sylvia A. Weinhagen of Burlington, Vt., died on April 16, 2024, with family by her side. She was 88, so what she died from is immaterial. What is important is that it was a long, full life. Long and full does not mean easy. Sylvia was tough, resilient and feisty until the very end. She had a real wisdom that came from life experience. She started life in Essex...
Lifelong supporter and champion of women and girls established one of the first domestic violence shelters in Vermont Carol Ann Sheperdson passed on March 5, 2024, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt., from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Ann was born in Pittsfield, Mass., in 1951 and grew up in Worcester, Mass., with her parents, Virginia June Sheperdson and John Parry Sheperdson, and her brother, William Parry “Bill” Sheperdson. Ann...
UVM alumni remained a loyal Catamount fan throughout the years Jack Lylis of South Burlington, Vt., passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024, surrounded by his family in a room filled with so much love and gratitude. He received a BS and MS from the University of Vermont from 1960-1966 and remained a loyal Catamount fan until his final days. He is survived by his wife, Sara; daughter Amanda Ahmadi; son-in-law, Afi Ahmadi; grandchildren, Maddie and Trevor...
Heart transplant recipient inspired hundreds of people to live their best lives Anne Buckley, 51, of South Burlington, peacefully transitioned from this world to her next great adventure on April 8, 2024, while at the Miller-McClure Respite house, after a long-fought battle with heart disease. As always, her timing was impeccable, following the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse! Anne was blessed with over 13 extra years through a heart transplant in...
Musician and veteran teacher taught at numerous one room schoolhouses Chip Hedler passed away in his home in South Strafford, Vt., on March 19, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Maria Cabri; his stepchildren, Cedar Davidson and Gioia Cabri; and his siblings, Susan, Martin and Alan Hedler. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, on May 13, 1945, to Doris Sing and Richard Hedler. He initially attended the University of Toledo, but he was drafted and served as a medic in...
Founder of Burlington-based communications company contributed to many charitable causes David Elchanan Gladstone, 72, of Shelburne, died peacefully, April 12, 2024, with his loving wife and daughter by his side. Born in Burlington, Vt., he was the son of the late Dr. Arthur Gladstone and the late Esther (Dinner) Gladstone. David graduated from Vassar College and received his MBA from the University of Vermont. David was a businessman. He was the founder and...
Theoretical physicist whose name was attached to the Higgs boson, a sign of
Former U.S. Army dental surgeon was committed to public and professional service Vernon “Vern” Richard Konczal passed away peacefully at his home with his son, Michael, at his side. Vern was born on May 8, 1935, to Stanley and Lillian Konczal and lived in Detroit, Mich., with his elder brother, Norman, and younger sister, Elaine. Vern attended high school and college at the University of Detroit and graduated from dental college in 1959. During these years,...
Proud father loved his family farm, maple sugaring, reading scriptures and singing Lincoln Taft Rawson “Linc” passed away unexpectedly on April 4, 2024, on the Kent Rawson Family Farm. Linc was born on November 20, 1949, in Burlington, Vt. He graduated from Mt. Mansfield Union High School and worked for over 50 years on the Rawson Family Farm and as an LNA at Birchwood Nursing Home for over 20 years. Linc was a proud father who loved his family, the Rawson...
Longtime educator was a strong advocate for children, no matter what their background was Janet VanWoert Cole, 87, of Ferrisburgh passed away early on the morning of March 26, 2024, at the Helen Porter Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury, Vt., with her husband, Carl, at her side. She was born on April 15, 1936, in Oneonta, N.Y., the daughter of John VanWoert and Harriet Byard VanWoert. She grew up in Oneonta, attending the Bugbee Elementary School, which was a...