ALLAN W. "PETE" MACHIA

ALLAN W. "PETE" MACHIA CAMBRIDGE - Allan Watson "Pete" Machia, 74, passed away on Tuesday January 12, 2010, at his home in Cambridge with his loving family by his side. Pete was born on Sept. 20, 1935, in St. Albans, Vt. son of the late Seymour and Lottie (Cherrier) Machia. He served his country well as a proud member of the Marines until his Honorable Medical Discharge in 1953. He married Catherine (Russell) Machia on July 22, 1956 in Fairfax, Vt. Pete literally swept her off her feet with his amazing ability to dance and they were always taking over the dance floor. His love for music included his own band fondly referred to as "The Machia Boys" as well as being a member of the FairfaxWestford band for several years. Pete had worked as a talented and dedicated foreman with Essex Realty for 42 years. He was a hard working man that never stopped, dependable and always doing what he said he was going to do. He could accomplish anything with his hands, from moving a 3 story house 20 miles to building a walk bridge or bench for friends and family. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 35. He was a great baseball and basketball player in his younger years and later coached Lamoille County Youth baseball for 25 years. For 52 years he went to Hunt Brook where he loved hunting and seeking out Vermont's elusive white tail always anxiously awaiting opening day of the next season. He also looked forward to the peaceful times he spent fishing, gardening and playing golf. Pete was a huge all-around sports fan of the Red Sox, Giants, Celtics and Bruins. His greatest love was for his wife and family whom he loved so deeply. Pete was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who had the true pleasure and honor to have known him. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Cathy Machia of Cambridge; His three sons: Allan Machia Jr. and wife Jennifer of Stowe; Randy Machia of Highgate; Dana Machia and wife Karen of Jeffersonville; Four daughters: Debbie Whitney and husband David of Johnson; Rhonda Bennett and husband Christopher of Jeffersonville; Paula Audibert and husband Mark of Northfield; Wendy Machia and fiancée Jamian Campbell of Jeffersonville; Three brothers: Dalton Machia and wife Grace of St. Albans; Maurice (Jim) Machia and wife MaryJane of Fairfax; Carlton (Bruce) Machia and wife Sandy of Wallingford; Three Sisters: Meredith Gillilan of Fletcher; Joyce Allen of Essex Jct.; Lois Gillespie and husband Hubert (Bert) of Waterville; Fourteen Grandchildren: Benjamin; Chelsey; Matthew; Troy; Hillery; Danielle; Zachary; Jane; Amanda; RJ; Tyler; Cassandra; Ryan; Natalie; Four Great Grandchildren: Avery; Xavier; Carter; Logan; Brothers and Sisters-in-law: Elizabeth (Betty) Rooney; Clayton Russell; Burr and Joanne Russell; Charles and Laura Russell; Glendon McNally; Several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Special neighbors Pat and Dave DeLang. He was predeceased by his father and mother Seymour and Lottie Machia; His father and mother-in-law Charles and Isabel Russell; His brother Paul Machia and his wife Margaret; His brothers and sisters-in-law Louis Russell; Ruby McNally; Larry Rooney; Beverly Russell; Cleon Gillilan. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday January 17, 2010, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the A. W. Rich Funeral Home - Fairfax Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Monday January 18, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the United Church of Fairfax with Reverend Elizabeth Griffin officiating. A reception will follow at the home of Pete and Cathy Machia in Cambridge, Vt. A committal service will be held in the Spring at a date and time to be announced in the family lot in Sanderson Corners Cemetery, Fairfax, Vt. Memorial contributions in Pete's memory may be made to the Lamoille Area Cancer Network, P.O. Box 38, Lake Elmore, Vt. 05657. Arrangements are by John D. Workman, A. W. Rich Funeral Home - Fairfax Chapel, 1176 Main St. Fairfax, Vt. 05454. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting www.awrichfuneralhomes.com.