Rayvon Ballard, service
Rayvon C. Ballard, 68, of 7 Back Road, husband of Winifred "Winnie" Ballard, died Sunday, Feb. 26,2006, at the Riverside Rest Home after a period of failing health. He was born in Kanaplois, N.C. on July 26, 1937, the son of Earl and Minnie (Hartsel) Ballard. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he proudly served his country for 20 years. Following his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, he and his wife of 47 years, Winifred "Winnie" (Groetz) Ballard, moved to Dover in 1977. He worked as a mechanic at Montgomery Wards and also for NESLAB. He enjoyed gardening, going to the beach and doing mechanical work in his garage. Along with his wife Winnie, he is survived by a daughter, Deborah Scotton and her husband, Stephen, of San Antonio, Texas; two sons, Robert Ballard and his wife, Brenda, of Wakefield, Mass., and Richard Ballard and his fiancee, Michelle Smith, of Lakeland, Fla.; and seven grandchildren, Jonathan, Joshua, Luke, Chelsey, Camden, Jackson and Madison. He was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Bob, Don and Reggie Ballard and a sister, Louise Powles. [ family monument | veteran's monument ]

Eugene Beaudette, accounting
Gene passed away September 1998.

Tammy (Tuttle) Boos, human resources
Tammy left NESLAB to pursue an exciting career in winter sports, particularly snowboarding. She passed away from leukemia February 2001.

Tom Butler
SPRINGFIELD NH - Thomas Yule Butler, 80, of Springfield, N.H., departed this life unexpectedly on Aug. 14, 2007 while celebrating his 80th birthday with his family in Big Sky, Montana. Born to Marjorie Yule Butler and Edward Joseph Butler, late of Norwich, Vt., in Passaic, N.J. on July 25, 1927, he graduated from Rutherford High School and attended Rutgers University, where he met his wife of nearly 60 years, Clara Walker Butler. He was blessed with a quick wit and an excellent sense of humor and loved nature and the outdoors. Over his lifetime, he spent much of his leisure time fishing, golfing, bicycling and especially birding. An avid birder from his early years, he served on the board of directors for both New Hampshire chapters of The Nature Conservancy and Audubon, N.H. An entrepreneur with an idea a minute and the creativity and energy to put them to work, he was author of one of the first checklists of the birds of Ecuador. He founded NESLAB Instruments, Inc. in 1965, and retired from the Newington, N.H. company in 1992. He was instrumental in the creation of Maquipucuna Nature Reserve in the Andes of NW Ecuador and supported efforts toward conservation and sustainable land use there for 20 years. He is survived by his wife, Clara Walker Butler, of Springfield; brother, William Robertson Butler, of Albuquerque, N.H.; daughters, Barbara Yule Butler, of Enfield, Bonnie Bruce Butler Bunning of Olympia, Wash., and Marjorie Walker Butler of Strafford; four grandchildren, Marisa Rivero, Jessie Bunning, Caitlin Bunning, and Willden Butler; and many nieces and nephews. He was laid to rest by the family at the family plot in Norwich, Vt. on Aug. 19. A memorial service in celebration of Tom's life was held at the First Baptist Church in New London, N.H. on Aug. 25. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made through Charter Trust Company, P.O. Box 2530, Concord, NH 03302-2530, to the NH chapter of The Nature Conservancy and the New Hampshire chapter of the Audubon Society, in memory of Thomas Y. Butler.

Debbie (Caldwell) Cantor, IT
DUBLIN, CA - Debbie (Caldwell) Cantor, 43, formerly of Dover, NH, died suddenly Monday December 17, 2007 in California where she has resided for 3 years. Debra was born in Kittery, ME September 10, 1964, the daughter of Alfred and Peggy Caldwell. She spent much of her childhood in New Hampshire, also living in such places as Okinawa, Virginia, and Kentucky as her family relocated with her father's Air Force career. Graduating from Dover High School in 1983, Debbie subsequently worked at NESLAB in Newington where she met her husband, Evan Cantor. They shared 19 happy years together - a special relationship that was admired by many. In addition to great love of family, Debbie and Evan shared an enthusiasm for travel. Together they made many trips throughout Europe and North America. Debbie was passionate about cooking, to the delight of all who knew her. She also enjoyed gardening and painting. Members of Debbie's loving family include her husband, Evan Cantor of Dublin, CA; her parents, Alfred and Peggy Caldwell of Dover; her sister, Janice Butler and Janice's husband, Tom of Rochester; two brothers-in-law, Ron Cantor and his wife, Alexandra Bennett of Syracuse, NY and Jeff Cantor and his wife, Kathy of Surprise, AZ. Debbie's six nephews and nieces include: Spc. Michael Butler, U.S. Army, Ft. Hood, TX; Stephen Butler; Rochester: Annika and Nicklaus Cantor, Surprise, Arizona; Katharine and Julia Cantor Bennett, Syracuse, NY; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. She also leaves behind many close friends throughout the world. A funeral was held Dec. 22 at the Tasker Funeral Home, Dover, NH. Memorials are welcome in Debbie's name to the charity of one's choice.

Vernon Daigle, engineering / sheet metal programming
Vern Daigle, 48, husband of Mary Jayne (Sessler) Daigle, of 7 Armour Drive, passed away Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital. He was born in Fort Kent, Maine, on Sept. 7, 1955, the son of Carmen M. (Cyr) Daigle of Lille, Maine and the late Normand A. Daigle. He was a graduate of Van Buren High School, in Van Buren, Maine, the Class of 1973 and NMVTI in Presque Isle. He was employed at NESLAB from 1982 - 1993, and most recently as a computer aided draftsman at Sanmina-Sci in Westbrook. He was a communicant of St. Raphael's Church in Kittery, Maine. He had a great love for family, music, especially playing the piano. He also loved the outdoors, four wheeling and his motorcycle. He loved everything about life and will be most remembered for his smile. Besides his wife and mother, survivors include his daughter, Sarah M. Daigle of Kittery; two sons, Louis Altuz of Rye, N.H. and Michael Altuz of Concord, N.H.; two sisters, Norma Gendreau and her husband, Carl of Madawaska, and Veronica "Vicky" Kohr of Lille; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends. Donations may be made to an education fund established for his daughter, Sarah Daigle: Vernon A. Daigle Memorial Fund, Att: Remittance Processing, Citizens Bank, P.O. Box 572, Providence, R.I. 02901-0572.

Al Demers, sheet metal
BARRINGTON NH - Albert J. Demers, Jr., 49, of Young Road, passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 2, 2004, at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital after a lengthy illness, surrounded by loving family and friends. Born in Dover on Oct. 1, 1954, he was the son of Albert J. and Marion (Donovan) Demers Sr. He was a hard-working and dedicated husband and father, working at a variety of interesting jobs. He started out in the restaurant business as a cook and meatcutter. He then spent many years as a lineman for White Mountain Cable, traveling throughout New England. In later years, in order to spend more time with family, he worked as a machinist at NESLAB and his last job was with UPS. His passion and joy in life revolved around his wife and children. He took great pleasure coaching his sons and watching them play soccer, basketball and baseball, which gave him much satisfaction. Vacation was often spent on an island off the coast of Maine. It was his home away from home, a place where everyone waves hello. His friendly personality and positive outlook on life and his deep love for family and friends will forever be missed. Family members include his wife of 22 years, Martha (Ericson) Demers of Barrington; two sons, Ryan and Alex of Barrington; his faithful dog, Sparky; his three brothers, Gary and Steve Demers of Gonic, Neil Demers of Florida; a sister, Tina Fernald of Dover; and several nieces and nephews. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Rochester Rural District VNA, 178 Farmington Road, Rochester, N.H. 03867.

Fred Dow, CFT, bath line
NEWFIELDS NH - Fred S. Dow Sr., 66, of Mast Road, died June 11, 2006 at the Exeter Hospital. Born on July 25, 1939 in Pittsfield, NH he was the son of the late Fred S. and Marion A. (Clark) Dow. He and his wife Virginia (Chenette) Dow recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on June 5th. He is also survived by his daughter Judith M. Dow Johnson and her husband Robert Johnson Jr. of Nottingham; 2 grandsons, Eric R. Dow Johnson and Christopher M. Dow Johnson; 2 brothers, Edgar Dow of Newfields and George Martin of Freedom; 2 sisters, Marion (Joyce) Beauchesne and Shirley Lebeau both of Newfields; 2 brother-in-laws, William Chenette of Loudon and Robert Chenette of Suncook; a sister-in-law, Shirley Hamel of Suncook; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Fred S. Dow Jr in 1994. Fred worked at National Footware, Royce Shoe, South Berwick Shoe, Abbington Shoe, Timberland Shoe and Neslab Instruments. He coached Little League for 13 years, and also coached minor league. He was active in menžs softball with Newmarket Getty. Fred was instrumental in helping build the Newfields baseball diamond. He organized the Newfields Horsepull, Bicentennial Parades, and Memorial Day Parades. He loved all children and was better known as Pa Pa Dow. Some knew him as Santa. For many decades the Dowžs had open house for all to see and the 1st Friday was Open House with Santa giving every child a gift. Fred was a lover of animals, and horse pulling and was an expert wood carver. From July to October you could find the Dowžs camping with the grandsonžs at the nearest horse pull. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Newmarket. Should friends desire memorials may be made to the Newfields Youth Athletic Association or Stratham SPCA.

Donna Edmunds, Receiving, Engineering
Donna Edmunds, 49, of 215 Mackerel Ave., Portsmouth, died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at her home. She was born in Exeter on April 20, 1958, the daughter of Shirley Adams Edmunds and the late Ray Collins Edmunds. Donna was a graduate of Portsmouth High School with the Class of 1976. Donna was employed at Lindt Chocolate in Exeter. She was previously employed at NESLAB, Data General, Tyco and Stonewall Kitchen. Survivors include her mother of Portsmouth; two brothers, Curtis Edmunds, his wife, Lori, and their son, Brent, of North Hampton, and Alan Edmunds and his wife, Ann, of Portsmouth; and her sister, Brenda Lee, her husband, Darin, and their sons, Corey and Colten, of Orange Park, Fla. SERVICES: A memorial service was held April 21 at the North Congregational Church Chapel, 355 Spinney Road, Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donna's memory to the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, P.O. Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885. Arrangements by the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home-Buckminster Chapel.

Larry Fernald, CFT
Larry was a lover of steam railroads, and a patient instructor to countless employees. He passed away after a period of failing health, Thanksgiving weekend 2003.

Dwayne Frost, accounting
Dwayne died March 6, 1999, as the result of an automobile accident.

Edgar Hoyt, Sr., Pre-Fab
ROCHESTER NH - Edgar Hoyt, Sr., age 69, of Salmon Falls Road in Rochester, died Saturday evening, March 11, 2006, at home. Born April 9, 1936 in Dover, he was adopted by Nelson M. and Mabel Berry of New Durham. He attended school at New Durham Ridge, New Durham Plains and Alton High School and worked on the farm until joining the Air Force in 1955, having served until 1958. He worked for 25 years in local shoe factories and retired from NesLab in Newington. Edgar will be remembered and missed by his one surviving brother who he was always there for, as well as all the folks he took in and helped. For years, he enjoyed flea marketing at the Star Center in Newington with his pre-deceased friend Roland Pelletier of Sanford, Maine. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cribbage, also he was a big John Wayne fan. He especially enjoyed spending time with his son and watching the Red Sox with him over his last few years. Survivors include his wife Waneta A. (Ford) Hoyt of Rochester, 1 son: Edgar Hoyt, Jr. of Rochester and 6 daughters: Mrs. Charles (Regina) Goodrow of Rochester, Mrs. Robby (Eva) Bryant of Rochester, Miss Edith Hoyt of No. Berwick, Maine, Mrs. Mark (Linda) Hoyt-Roesener of Penacook, Mrs. Marc (Wanda) Dole of Nottingham, Mrs. Steven (Isabel) Katsonis of Alaska, 17 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren, a brother: Ray Allen Hoyt of North Carolina, an aunt: Martha Gregoire of Farmington, also many Nieces and Nephews and his dog Jack. He was pre-deceased by a daughter: Nina Louise Laurent, who died in 2000 and his brother Arthur Wilbur Hoyt, Jr. of Rochester, recently deceased. A Funeral Service was held on Friday March 17, 2006 at Peaslee Funeral Home, 24 Central Street in Farmington, NH. Interment followed with military honors at Kimball Cemetery on Meaderboro Road in Rochester. To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire, 66 Hanover Street, Suite 101 Manchester, NH 03101-2230

Deb Lajoie
ROCHESTER NH - Debra E. Paradie (married name was Deb Lajoie when she worked at NESLAB), 49, of Rochester, N.H., succumbed to a courageous battle with cancer on Jan. 28, 2007, at her residence with her daughter, Anjey, and her companion and caregiver, Michael, by her side. She was born in Lisbon Falls, Maine, on June 5, 1957, a daughter of Robert and Geraldine (Fowler) Paradie. She attended Lisbon schools and went on to work in the health care profession as a caregiver. She also was very well traveled; being part of a military family. She had a great love for children and animals. She adored her two kitties, Shilo and Ollie. She enjoyed doing crafts, such as quilting and sewing; she also loved to cook and made her famous homemade jams, especially for everyone at Christmas time. She loved reading, collecting dolls, and watching movies, especially her all time favorite "The Wizard Oz." She had also been a Girl Scout leader. She was a strong and determined woman, who gave inspiration to many; she will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who loved her. She is survived by a loving daughter, Anjey Lajoie of Rhode Island; her devoted companion, Michael Page of New Hampshire; her father, Robert Paradie of Lisbon Falls and companion, Aurie Cox of Canton; a brother, Ronald Paradie and companion, Kathleen Gannon of Gardiner; a sister, Victoria Dietzel and husband, Dan, of Florida; a nephew, Logan Dietzel of Florida, and by her many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was predeceased by her mother, Geraldine Paradie in 1993; and by her paternal and maternal grandparents. A funeral was held on Feb. 1 at the Crosman Funeral Home, Lisbon Falls, ME, with committal taking place in the spring. Those wishing to make memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers may do so to the Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice Foundation, 15 Strawberry Ave., P.O. Box 819, Lewiston, Maine 04240 or to the Seacoast Hospice Foundation, 10 Hampton Road, Exeter, NH 03833.

Wally Naujoks, Sr., MIS dept.
Wally left NESLAB to serve Noble High School in Berwick with his computer talent for many years.

Tim O'Rourke
ROCHESTER NH - Tim O'Rourke, 45, of 153 Highland St. died unexpectedly Sunday, June 26, 2005, at his home. Born March 24, 1960, in Malden, Mass., he was the son of Donald and Ruth (Mills) O'Rourke. Tim loved hiking, fishing, white water rafting and the family dogs. Members of his family include his parents, Ruth and Daniel Kelly of Rochester; his sister, Debra Bertrand of Rochester; his brother, Tom O'Rourke of Lee; maternal grandparents, Richard and Joyce Mills of Portsmouth; two nieces, Jessica and Pamela Brown of Dover; a nephew, Austin O'Rourke of Lee; several aunts, uncles and cousins. A service was held June 29 in the chapel of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made c/o Ruth Kelly, 153 Highland St., Rochester, NH 08368.

Don Phillipe, Purchasing
PORTSMOUTH NH - Don Phillipe, 78, of 433 Broad St., died Monday, May 29, 2006, at his home. Born in Portland, Maine, on March 20, 1928, he was the son of the late Peter and Margaret (Sanborn) Phillipe and was a graduate of Portsmouth High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Prior to his retirement, he was the department head of manufacturing for Moore Business Forms, retiring after 40 years. He also worked at NESLAB in Newington from 1984 - 1992. He was a communicant of Immaculate Conception Church in Portsmouth; a lifetime member of the Portsmouth Country Club; and an avid golfer. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Josephine Stella (Mangano) Phillipe and his brother, Peter Phillipe. He is survived by his two daughters, Diane Sullivan and husband, Brian, of Rye and Donna Cronin and husband, Stephen, of Portsmouth; four grandchildren, Michael Sullivan of Portsmouth, Lauren Sullivan of Rye, Chris Cronin and Leigh Cronin, both of Portsmouth; three brothers, Richard Phillipe of Tipton, Ind., John Phillipe of Portsmouth, and Robert Phillipe of Maine; several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours were held Thursday, June 1, at the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad St., Portsmouth. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at Friday, June 2, at the Immaculate Conception Church, 98 Summer St., Portsmouth. Memorial contributions may be made to Seacoast Hospice, 10 Hampton Road, Exeter, NH 03833.

Ginny Santosuosso, production
PORTSMOUTH NH - Virginia Elizabeth (King) Santosuosso, died Oct. 18, 2007, at the Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover. She was born March, 10, 1921, in Portland, Maine, the daughter of Katherine Frances Duffy, of Connemara, County Galway, Ireland and John Henry King, of Portland, Maine. Virginia was raised in the Catholic faith and educated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Maine and graduated from Portland High School. Along with her family she relocated to Kittery, Maine, in the early 1940s and worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard during World War II. She married Ernest Edmond Santosuosso, settled in Portsmouth, N.H., and raised three children. After working as a homemaker for several years, she went back to school and received her nurse's aid certification. She enjoyed her work in nursing while working at the Portsmouth Hospital for several years. She later worked in various positions for Advent Corp, Nike Corp, and her last place of employment until retirement, NESLAB Instuments. She loved to garden and would always be found working in her many flowers beds around the home. She also loved animals and found companionship in the family pets. She was very energetic and loved spending time in the outdoors partaking in long walks and spending time by the ocean reading one of her many books. She was an avid reader and also loved knitting, needlepoint, crocheting and sewing. She passed on many of these gifts to her children through the years. She also had a fond love for classical music, Irish and opera and would often be heard singing while cooking and performing other tasks in the home. To her many friends she was fondly known as "Ginny" and was highly thought of by everyone she knew and was revered as a kind and gentle soul. She is survived by a son, Ernest William Santosuosso and his wife, Ina, and her daughters, Gail Catherine Santos, and Lynn Maria Santosuosso and her partner, Jenn Danks. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Gina, Ryan and Kyle and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one brother, Charles, and three sisters: Frances, Jane and Mary Juanita. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery in South Portland, Maine. [ monument ]

Mark Stone, purchasing
(Jan 13 1955 to Feb 1 2008) - Mark was one of the gentlest, loving, caring and humorous souls to leave his footprints upon this earth. Mark passed on after a courageous battle with melanoma cancer. Mark will be deeply missed by his loved ones and all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. We are comforted by the knowledge that those souls whose paths he will cross in the future will enjoy the same pleasures. Mark is survived by his son, Nathan Stone of Portsmouth; mother, Elizabeth Stone of Epping; grandmother, Mary Stone of Newmarket; brother, Michael Stone of Sacramento, Calif.; brother, Stephen Stone of Newtown, Conn.; brother, Eric Stone of Epping, and a special niece and nephews who gave him great pleasure and comfort. Mark was predeceased by his father, Everett R. Stone Jr., of Newmarket. Mark, a recent resident of Dover, was a member of an Air Force family whose travels took him to various domestic locations as well as Italy and Germany. An avid lover of world cultures and antiques, Mark became well-read in both subjects to a level respected by many. Mark's initial employment was as a purchasing agent at NESLAB in Portsmouth, where he was one of the original employees when the company was first founded. Mark, following his love and appreciation of antiques, was later the store manager for Antiques on Nine in Kennebunkport, Maine, and later became an independent dealer and design consultant. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors and caregivers at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center and the Dover Rehabilitation & Living Center for the exceptional, kind and nurturing care extended to Mark. The family will hold a memorial service for family and invited guests in the near future. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Melanoma Research Fund of the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756.

Margo White, purchasing
May 14 1948 - December 18 1997
She is buried in the Newington Town Cemetery. If you would like to visit her resting place, drive in the road between the church and the library. Continue straight into the cemetery. Stop right where the pavement ends. You will see her stone just ahead and to the left.

Jackie Wright, engineering
WARNER -- Jacqueline "Jackie" (Trent) Carter, 44, of 35 Quimby Road, died Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2007, at Concord Hospital. Born in Nassawadox, Va., on Dec. 18, 1962, she was the daughter of Reginald D. and Arlena T. (Pierce) Trent. Jackie was a graduate of Marshwood High School in Eliot, Maine, and received her associate degree in business from Hesser College in Dover. She loved working and was formerly employed as a project planner for Heat & Control, Inc., in Pembroke. Jackie was an enthusiastic person and a lot of fun to be with and enjoyed life, as well as boating, hiking, traveling, and watching Indy car racing. She was an avid jogger and reader and loved animals, especially cats. Besides her parents of Eliot, Maine, survivors include her husband of six years, John R. "Jack" Carter; son, Ryan Wright of Portland, Maine; four brothers, Don Trent and wife, Joanne, of North Berwick, Maine, Mark Trent and wife, Deanna, of Kittery, Maine, Alex Trent and wife, Janah, of Kittery Point, Maine, and Eric Trent and his wife, Debra, of Pelham; one sister, Susan Beauregard and husband, Gene, of Portsmouth; one aunt; one uncle; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. SERVICES: Services were held on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007 at the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home--Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad St., Portsmouth. Memorial contributions may be made online at the Jackie Carter Memorial Fund Web site at www.msnewengland.org. Click on "donate" and then click on "Jackie Carter Memorial Fund." You may also donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (for research), Central New England Chapter, "Jackie Carter Memorial Fund," 101A First Avenue, Suite 6, Waltham MA 02451.

Jim Zaino, CFT line
Jim passed away after a long illness May 7, 2002. His son, Joe, left Thermo NESLAB in September 2003.