WINDSOR, VT
Francis I. Hurlburt, Sr., 91, a longtime resident of Windsor, passed away Thursday morning, May 21, at the Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center in Windsor.
He was born March 26, 1924 in Nashua, NH the son of Irvin and Helen (Haggerty) Hurlburt. He moved to Lebanon, NH as a young man with his family where he attended grade school and Lebanon High School. He was a veteran of the US Navy serving during World War II from 1941 until 1945, initially being stationed in Washington state and received his Naval training in Pensacola, FL. Francis served in the Philippine and Japanese Islands, during the Battle of Guadalcanal and Munda and as a tail gunner, he saved his own life and the lives of other soldiers. He later switched to the ordinance division where he loaded bombs that protected the United States. Following his honorable discharge in 1945 he returned to Windsor and married Louella "Peanut" Chagnon on May 25, 1946. In 1951 they moved into the home they built on the Brook Road, building his entire empire with his own bare hands with a one foot level in hand, and cut brush and moved giant boulders to clear his field, and protecting the nine maple trees along the brook which he had planted. He moved from the rough seas of the Pacific to the calm waters of the Brook Road, where he proudly watched his children and grandchildren grow up.
He and his wife were employed at the former Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for thirty years until their retirements. He was a member of American Legion Post #25, Elks Lodge #1665, and the John P. Larkin Country Club, all in Windsor.
Francis was fond of golfing, playing cards, hunting and fishing, and socializing with his many friends. He also enjoyed spending time at the family camp on Lake Champlain. His greatest joy was spending time with his family.
Mr. Hurlburt will be remembered as a gentle man who enjoyed his cats and maple trees and waited for the hummingbirds to arrive each year. He always protected and provided for his family at all costs, and never missed a ballgame or family outing. He was a man who put others first and never held a grudge. He was loved by all who met him and was the best husband, father and grandfather anyone could have. He was "a shirt off the back" kind of guy and then some.
Now he will fly with the hummingbirds because that is what he was, a light and gentle spirit that deserves to be free.
He was predeceased by his parents, and three brothers.
Survivors include his loving wife of sixty nine years, Louella "Peanut" Hurlburt of Windsor, one son, Francis I. "Buzz" Hurlburt, Jr. of Windsor, two daughters, Linda Yatsevich and Jackie Cardaropoli, both of Claremont, one sister, Ilene Adams of Lebanon, NH, seven grandchildren, several great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
At his request a graveside service with military honors will be held Thursday, May 28 at 1:00 PM at the Ascutney Cemetery in Windsor.
The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor is entrusted with the arrangements.