Vincent Before

Vincent Raymond Before, age 88, of School Street, died at his home Monday evening, August 27, 2018, surrounded by his family following a period of declining health.

Vincent was born in Derby, VT, on March 10, 1930, son to the late Edmond Alphonse and Lumina (Labounty) Before.  He grew up in Derby and graduated from High School while serving in the US Army.  While he was in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan during the Korean War.  Following his time in the Service, he worked on the farm for Earl Hackett. On June 9, 1956 he married the former Joyce Elise Mary Durocher and shared over 62 years together. After leaving the farm, Vincent worked 33 years at Vermont Tap & Die as a toolmaker and  fabricator and he was in charge of machine maintenance. Vincent also operated an autobody shop on School Street for many years. After he retired at the age of 62, he enjoyed working with his son at Gene & Vince Auto Repair in West Burke.  Vincent had a number of hobbies which kept him true to being a kid at heart.  During the Service he flew model planes and he could build anything and did for anyone that was in need.  He was a very giving man which included volunteering often for the VFW Post # 10038, where he was a Lifetime Member, and he was a member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Lyndonville. He loved teaching the kids, grand and great-grandkids how to run the riding mower, and that led him to taking them on driving lessons later as they grew.  His family is what he centered on and did everything for and that made him The Best.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce, of W. Burke, his 5 children: Bonita Before of Lyndonville, Beverly Before of Lyndonville, Bradley Before and wife, Kim, of West Burke, Edmond Before and wife, Carol, of Island Pond, Gene Before and wife, Tina, of Sutton, 3 sisters: Theresa Cox and husband, Jim, of Spokane, WA, Carmen Harter also of Spokane, WA, Rita Riley of Palmetto, FL, 9 grandchildren: Vincent Keithan, Vicki Pelletier, Ben Plourde, Jeffrey Plourde, Brandi Before, Kelsi Before, Cynthia Before, Luke Before, Julia Before, 8 great-grandchildren: Madison, Harper, Sophie, Bella, Madilynn, Peyton, Addison, Kaydence,  6 God-children: Johnny Lemay, Joanne Sanville, Robert Durocher, Pamela Busby, Debra Beauchesne, Susie Joseph and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by 3 sisters: Josephine Lemay, Cecile LeBeau, Germaine Before and 2 brothers: Henry and Roland Before and a great-grandchild: Mason Keithan.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 11AM on Friday, August 31, 2018 at the Hillside Cemetery in West Burke with Rev. Fr. Curtis Miller officiating.

There will be no Calling Hours.

Memorial Donations may be made in Vincent’s name to the North Country Veterinary Clinic, 562 North Main Street, Lyndonville, VT 05851.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.guibordfh.com