***TO WATCH THE LIVE STREAM OF MICHAEL'S SERVICE ON SAT., AUG. 31, PLEASE CLICK HERE***

White River Junction, VT – Michael R. Josselyn, 60, died on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at his home. Michael was the second of three children born to Lawrence and Annette Edith (Fay) Josselyn on May 23, 1964, in Rutland. He and his two sisters grew up in Cavendish; when he was just 6 his father passed away of leukemia and their mother had to work fulltime at the local hospital to provide for the family. The children learned to be largely self-sufficient, and he eagerly approached his first job, a paper route in Cavendish. His customers appreciated it and tipped him well. Through this experience he learned to be responsible with his finances, a skill that he'd carry throughout his life. He spent time camping, hunting, and fishing and as a young man, volunteered with the Cavendish Fire Department. He and Deborah Van Dorn met at a church function, and just before he left for a mission trip to Africa, he asked her to marry him. The trip changed his life and expanded his perspective; he loved the people he met and helped in the villages. After returning home, he and Deborah began planning their life together, married in 1998, and moved to White River Junction.

Michael was a special and noteworthy father who encouraged and fostered curiosity, creativity, and exploration. Their children felt empowered and were well-prepared for any challenge. They looked forward to his nightly story serial, with characters and places brought forth from his imagination. The characters and places built upon the story from the night before, so by the time they were older an entire world had been created by him just for them.

Michael was an accomplished woodworker who created artful treasures of toy boats, trucks, shelves, dolls, jewelry armoires, furniture, and more for his family and friends. Recently, a collection of his works was featured in the Gallery at the Village.

Michael's legacy is one of love, strength, and lots of laughter. He was a devoted father, a loving husband, a caring brother, and a cherished friend to many. His generosity and kindness touched countless lives including the many people he met at Valley Terrace, the Village, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Bayada Hospice, and Cornerstone Care. His absence leaves a significant void in our hearts.

He is survived by his wife Deborah P. Josselyn of White River Junction; two children Gretl and Michael P. Josselyn, both of White River Junction; two sisters Sharon Bruce and husband Allyn of Springfield and Teresa Heinl and husband Paul of Saxonburg, PA; many beloved nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Lawrence A. Josselyn, Jr.; his mother and stepfather Annette Edith and Don Napsey; his paternal grandparents Veronica and Lawrence Josselyn, Sr.; and his maternal grandparents Evelyn and Garfield Fay.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 4 – 6 pm at Knight Funeral Home in Windsor, VT. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 31, at Knight Funeral Home, Windsor at 3pm and interment will follow at Ascutney Cemetery, the service will be live-streamed (link available in his obituary at www.knightfuneralhomes.com) for those who cannot attend in person. Memorial donations are appreciated to help his family with unexpected expenses: https://gofund.me/b0c70e56