Richard William Cornforth
ST. ALBANS: Richard William Cornforth, a longtime area resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, October 7th, 2023, at his home with his wife, Concetta, daughter, Celeste, granddaughter, Laela, and Pastor Cheol at his side.
Born in Unity, Maine on May 1, 1932, he was the son of the late Howard and Thelma (Gerald) Cornforth. Richard was 91 years old.
On October 27th, 1956, Richard married Concetta Churchill, who survives him.
Richard was a 1951 graduate of Unity High School; during high school he worked as a poultry hatchery worker. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in November 1952 and was stationed at the Sampson Air Force Base. In 1953, Richard underwent aircraft electronics training at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. From there he joined the 764th AC&W Squadron and served in French Morocco during the Korean War. Richard received his honorable discharge in October of 1956.
Upon discharge, Richard joined the Central Vermont Railroad as a carman apprentice. Ten years later he went to the Vermont Air Guard, retiring on January 2nd, 1991, with the rank of Master Sergeant. He also taught mechanical drawing for a year at the former Church Street School. Following retirement from the Air Guard Richard became employed at Hannafords retiring again at the age of 80.
Richard’s favorite pastime for over 50 years was operating a ham radio with the call sign WA1UVM.
Richard is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Concetta, their children, Celeste Gagne (Phillip) and Bradley Cornforth (Lisa); grandchildren, Phillip Lee Gagne, Laela Paquette (Jacob), Christopher Cornforth (Tanya), Justin Cornforth (Kristi) and Meghan; great-grandchildren, Aleigha, Troy and Maverick Paquette and Oliver and Eowyn Cornforth; his sister, Beatrice Cornforth; his nieces, Debra Kiltcher and Cassandra Cornforth and nephew, Eric Cornforth.
In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his brothers, David and Malcomb Cornforth, and his favorite sister-in-law, Charlotte Powell.
A graveside funeral service with military honors will be held on Wednesday, October 18th, 2023, at 2:30 pm at the St. Albans Bay Cemetery, Lake Road, St. Albans with Pastor Shin officiating.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Franklin County Home Health Agency, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, VT 05478 or the St. Albans Bay United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 116, St. Albans Bay, VT 05481.
Honored to be serving the family of Richard Cornforth is the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com
