Albert Payette

Albert David Payette, 88, of Lackey Hill Road in St. Johnsbury, VT passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2018, at his home with family by his side.

Albert was born in Peacham, VT on October 20, 1929 to William A. and Ella P. (Rock) Payette.  He was raised in Peacham and East Burke, attending local schools, including Lyndon Institute.  Albert joined the Air Force in November 1947. He was very proud to have served his country for over twenty years and was stationed all over the world. On Independence Day in 1954, Albert married Phyllis Mae Russell and shared his life with her for 63 years. In 1968, he retired from the Air Force with the rank of Master Sergeant. After moving back to VT, he worked for Caledonia Sand and Gravel and later VT Tap and Die.

Albert, affectionately known as “Bump” by his grandchildren, was a loyal husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He took the time to share special interests with each member of his family, whether taking backroad foliage drives with Phyllis as the leaves changed color “just for her birthday,” hitting that special fishing hole or viewing a rare coin collection with his grandkids, or getting in a lively debate with his brothers, each moment was punctuated by his famous chuckle that brightened every situation and all that heard it.

Although Albert was not the type to chime in on every conversation, often just sitting back in his chair listening, he did take the opportunity to share his vast knowledge of history and many stories from his life experiences. In his own words, he “had a good life and has no regrets.”

Albert is survived by his wife: Phyllis Payette of St. Johnsbury, VT; a son: André Payette and wife, Karen, of Lyndonville, VT; a daughter: Alydia Payette of Derby, VT; a brother: Reginald Payette of Concord, VT; 3 sisters: Catherine [Cappy] Mitchell and husband, David, of Lyndonville, VT, June Mitchell and husband, Leslie, of Lyndonville, VT, and Donna Dubray and husband, Peter, of St. Johnsbury, VT; 3 grandchildren: Derek Garand and wife, Jennifer, of Danville, VT, Corinne Payette-Raftery and husband, Erik, of Boston, MA, and Lukas Payette and companion, Lynsi Degree, of Burlington, VT; 2 sisters-in-law: Beverly Russell of Derby, VT, and Alona Payette of St. Johnsbury, VT and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents: William and Ella Payette; a son: Roderick Payette; a daughter-in-law: Donna Comeau Payette; a sister: Agnes Dickerman; 2 brothers: William [Bud] Payette, Jr. and Dennis Payette; his in-laws: Leonard and Alydia [Mae] (Govro) Russell; 4 sisters-in-law and 6 brothers-in-law.

A graveside service officiated by Fr. Curtis Miller will take place on Saturday, May 12, 2018, 2PM, at St. Johnsbury Center Cemetery, St. Johnsbury Center, VT.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Caledonia Home Health & Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury VT 05819 or Kingdom Animal Shelter, PO Box 462, St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saylesfh.com.