Millard V. Bresnahan

GILMAN - Millard V. Bresnahan, 90, died Wednesday October 7, 2015 at Weeks Medical Center, Lancaster. Mr. Bresnahan was born in Calais, Maine on October 3, 1925 the son of Edmund M. and Villa F. (Blaney) Bresnahan. When he was 4 years old he moved to Gilman and attended Gilman Elementary School. He went on to graduate from Littleton High School with the class of 1944. On January 4, 1944 he enlisted in the US Air Force and was proud to served his country during World War II. He married Deltina Theresa Beaton on June 26, 1947. For many years Millard worked at the Gilman Paper Mill and retired in 1987 as Assistant Superintendent. During the various strikes at the mill he supported his family as an Electrolux Vacuum Salesman, Yuke truck driver while the building of the Moore Dam and as an electrician apprentice while constructing a building at Lyndon State College. He was a great outdoors man, hunting, fishing, trapping, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. He enjoyed cooking a feast for his family with venison, partridge or trout with vegetables from his garden. His greatest joy was his family: coaching hockey, basketball, baseball and sharing with them his experiences of hunting, fishing, golfing and boating. His true passion was his hunt for the elusive white tailed deer. He passed his hunting and survival skills onto his sons and grandsons taking his grandsons to hunter's safety at a very young age. He took immense pride in the care of the Gilman ice rink. Often flooding the rink into the wee hours on sub zero nights so the ice would be just right. He loved tending his vegetable gardens and daily crossword puzzles. Throughout the years fond memories were made around the kitchen table, playing board games, cribbage, spades and canasta with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid New England sports fan watching Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Patriots Games. He became a member of the VFW Post in Lancaster and the American Legion Post in Gilman, marching proudly in many parades over the years. Surviving family members include two daughters, Theresa Olsen and husband John of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Bonnie Lauzon and husband James of Anamosa, Iowa; two sons, Paul Bresnahan of Dalton, Leo Bresnahan and wife Laurie of Winooski; five brothers, Donald Bresnahan of Gilman, William Bresnahan and wife Patricia of Medway, MA, Gerald Bresnahan and wife Reta of Lunenburg, John Bresnahan and wife Barbara of Yorktown, VA, James Bresnahan of Monroe, CT; 9 grandchildren, Keith Olsen and wife Julie, Vincent Olsen, Kara Bean and husband John, Chris Bresnahan and wife Sue, Tyler Bresnahan, Alissa Lauzon, Emily Deng and husband Vibol, Aaron Lauzon and wife Kristy, Michael Kuczewski and wife Emily Dahl and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Deltina (Della) Beaton Bresnahan on May 29, 2001; two sister-in-laws, Joan & Marie Bresnahan; daughter-in-law Wanda (Ross) Bresnahan and great-grandson Samuel Bean. He loved his K-9 companions and was predeceased by Blackie, Bandit, Duncan and Kyliemae. A memorial mass will be celebrated Saturday afternoon, October 24, at 1:00 PM in All Saints Church, Lancaster. Military honors will follow the mass. Reverend Daniel Deveau, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Church in Groveton, will officiate. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family in Cushman Cemetery in Dalton. Millard was a man true to himself. Morals, ethics and beliefs. He had the courage of his convictions. Truly a family first man.

Millard V. Bresnahan

October 3, 1925 - October 7, 2015