Garth Chesley

Garth Lyle Chesley, of Sheffield, VT passed away peacefully on the evening of Sunday May 29th, with his wife, Sherry, by his side.

Garth was born on January 18th, 1949 to June Chesley of Sheffield.  From a young age, Willis and Barbara Chesley Berry raised and nurtured Garth on their farm on Berry Hill Rd in Sheffield, VT with his cousins,  Raymond, Jane, and Judy Berry.

After graduating from Lyndon Institute, and then the University of Vermont, Garth married Joy Youngman of Sheffield.  They build their home on Maple Row with their sons Daniel and Luke.

In 1996, Garth married Cheryl Gale, gaining two daughters, Jenis and Aimee.  A few years later, Garth's family expanded again, having met two sisters, Roxanne and Brandy.

Garth served his country in the Vermont National Guard and his community of Sheffield.  In 2005 Garth received the VT Public Service Award for his long and extensive community service as Town Lister, Board of Civil Authority, Constable, Dog Catcher, Tax Collector, Field Day Volunteer, and Justice of the Peace.  His community friendships were as long and as extensive as his years of service.

Garth spent a majority of his career as owner of Garth Chesley Building Contractor and during his time, he also build life-long friendships with his co-workers, clients, and suppliers.  He built many beautiful homes and structures in the area.  His greatest pride was building an 80 ft silo house on Berry Hill Rd. He always enjoyed that he had a view of it right from his own home.

Garth is survived by his wife Cheryl, children Daniel Chesley and wife Nicole, Luke Chesley and wife Heather, Jenis Ellingwood-Cedeno and husband Joe, and Aimee Ellingwood Blake and husband Jon, sisters Gail Henson and husband Dennis, Kathi Stewart and husband Larry, Candy Bean and husband Ron, Roxanne MacIntyre and husband Michael, Brandy Scranton and husband Scott, sisters in law Valerie McClure and husband Bruce, Pamela Gale and partner Lynn, and brother in law Charles Gale. He is also survived by cousins Raymond Berry, Jane Berry, and Judy Miller and husband Ed, as well as very special uncle Wendell Chesley and wife Sandra. Garth is also survived by three very special grandsons Beau, Dylan, and Charlie, as well many beloved nieces, nephews, and the Smith Clan.

Garth loved the beauty of the back roads and the country life.  We are sure he took the dirt road to heaven.  There will be private burial held at the convenience of the family.

There will be a celebration of Garth's life on June 2nd from 5:00-7:00 pm at 271 Maple Row Sheffield; all are welcome.

Donations in Garth's memory may be made to the Vermont chapter of Alzheimer s Association at

300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130, Williston, VT 05495 OR  Riverside Life Enrichment Center, 2104 East Burke Road,  Lyndonville, VT 05851.

Memories and condolences may be shared privately at www.guibordfh.com.