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Albert Pritchett Obituary
Pat charmed his family and friends with his marvelous sense of humor that included an irreverent wit. This sometimes drew a gentle admonishment of "Oh, Pat!" from his beloved wife, Elizabeth, known as "Liz." Their children – Zach, Elizabeth and Katy – were planning a July celebration of Pat and Liz's upcoming 40th anniversary.
Pat inspired and delighted students, casts and audiences throughout central Vermont with the many plays and musicals he directed and choreographed, beginning as an art teacher and later as chairman of the Art Department of U-32 High School. In addition, he staged musicals at the Old Meeting House in East Montpelier Center, as well as local productions in Barre, Cabot, Montpelier and Plainfield. An accomplished dancer, he taught jazz and tap dancing in his free time for many years at the Contemporary Dance and Fitness Studio in Montpelier, completing the most recent class only two weeks ago.
His birth in Richmond, Va., on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1948, inspired his lifelong nickname of Pat. He was the son of the late Albert Gallatin Pritchett Jr. and Ann Blanton Pritchett.
Pat attended public schools in Richmond and was graduated from the University of Virginia. There he met Liz Fryberger, and they were married in her hometown of Duluth, Minn., on July 11, 1970. Following his service in the U.S. Coast Guard, Pat and Liz moved to Woodbury. He had a 14-year teaching career, during which he received the Outstanding Vermont Teacher Award from the University of Vermont in 1984. His skill and technique as an artist led him to enter a new field with a design-build construction company, based in Woodbury. The company is now known as Vermont Vernacular Designs, with Pat serving as owner and president.
He is survived by his wife, Liz; their children and spouses, Zach Pritchett and Zoe Engelberg, Elizabeth Pritchett and Matthew Melnyk, and Catherine "Katy" Pritchett; a sister and her husband, Wycliffe "Wyckie" and Dan Seamans; a brother-in-law and his wife, David and Betsy Fryberger; and a sister-in-law, Mary Marcina. A brother-in-law, William Fryberger, predeceased him. He leaves two nieces, Elizabeth Lee Seamans and Ann Seamans Manning and her husband Dave Manning; a nephew, Mark Fryberger, his wife, Amanda, and their children, John Patrick and Laura.
He was always willing to help with community projects, including being a prime mover in the campaign to restore the Woodbury Methodist Church. He was a longtime member of the Old Meeting House.
Pat was an avid gardener and landscaper, and loved outdoor activities, especially sailing and cross-country skiing. He is remembered by friends and family for his love of the beauty of nature, particularly the ocean, classical music and opera, the theater and dance.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, May 31, at The Old Meeting House in East Montpelier Center. A reception will follow in the Parish House. Arrangements are being handled by Guare & Sons Funeral Home in Montpelier.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society, P.O. Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05602 or the Vermont Land Trust, 8 Bailey Ave, Montpelier, VT 05602.
Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons .com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Albert Pritchett
Ivor Massey
November 23, 2010
I remember Pat with great fondness from our days at the U, particularly the pet skunk that hid under his couch and would bite your toes if you took your shoes off. All the best to Liz and the family
Richard Gorman
November 22, 2010
Dear Liz, From the wonderful comments from everyone, Pat's life continued to bless those around him with so much laughter, so many smiles, so much happiness. I'll always treasure my friendship with Pat and you at UVa. and treasure the wonderful memories of a truly wonderful friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melissa Woolford
June 10, 2010
Dear the Pritchett family - my love to all of you. My memory of Pat is him smiling such a huge smile at Liz and Mat's wedding on top of the hill at your home. I am so glad to have met such a wonderful man and I am very sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with all of you.
Debbie Dudley
June 8, 2010
To the Prichett Family, I am sorry to hear about Pat's passing. I had him for art class at U-32 more than 20 years ago. He was a good man and will be missed.
Barbara Berelowitz
June 7, 2010
Dear Liz, Zach, and sister Elizabeth and Katy - my sincere and heartfelt condolences to you all. I remember a lovely evening spent having a drink with you at your lovely home, when Lawrence and I were staying at the Trapp Family Lodge - sad to think that both wonderful men are no longer with us. My deepest sympathy and empathy. Barbara Berelowitz.
Strat Douthat
June 5, 2010
Dear Liz: Gail and I were stunned to learn of Pat's passing. We did not hear about it until today, Saturday, June 5, too late to attend his memorial service. Our thoughts are with you.
Ruby Adams
June 5, 2010
Liz, Zach, Katy, and Elizabeth, I'm so sorry. My heart is breaking for all of you. Liz, I'm so glad I was able to spend some time with the 2 of you at Thanksgiving. I will cherish those memories. Ruby
ISABEL BLACK
June 4, 2010
DEAREST LIZ - ZACH -ELIZABETH AND KATY - WE WISH WE WERE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME. SPOKE WITH WYCKIE AND HOPE TO SEE HER TOMORROW. ALL I KEEP THINKING IS THAT IWE WERE SO VERY GLAD TO HAVE THANKSGIVING WITH PAT AND ALL OF YOU. IT WAS A TIME THAT WAS SO FULL OF JOY AND FAMILY UNITY. TAMARA AND ANDREW JOIN ME IN SENDING OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS. PAT WAS SO MUCH FUN. I CAN SEE HIM DANCING AND JUST BEING SO LOVING AND AFFECTIONATE TO ALL OF US. WE FELT HIS CHARM AND WARMTH EMBRACE US IN A MAGIC CIRCLE WHEN EVER WE HAD THE TIME TO BE WITH YOU ALL. AFTER ALL YOU MUST REMEMBER THAT WYCKIE AND DAN ARE OUR FAMILY AND WE STAND TOGETHER WITH LOVING HEARTS TO ALL OF YOU AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME. I WANT TO REMEMBER PAT IN A PHOTO THAT WAS SENT TO ME NOT TO LONG BY WYCKIE. IT WAS A PHOTO OF YOUR MEADOW BY THE HOUSE AND IT HAD A RAINBOW COVERING THE SKY AND THE MESSAGE WAS" THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME". I TRULY BELIEVE THAT WHEN I SEE RAINBOWS IN THE SKY I SHALL THINK OF PAT WHO LIKE THOSE BRILLIANT COLORS BROUGHT TO US, JOY, FUN, CREATIVITY, LOVE ,WARMTH, HUMOR, DANCE. HE WILL BE DANCING IN THE SKY. WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH ISABEL LUQUE BLACK
George Savigni
June 3, 2010
Dear Liz, Everyone remembers Pat from High School, or dancing. I will always remember Pat from working with him on the many beautiful homes he designed. Pat loved masonry, and all his homes had fireplaces,as many as three to five fireplaces in a single home. I will always be very proud and pleased to have been selected by Pat to do all his masonry work in these beautiful homes he built all over Vermont, NH and even in Maine. Peace be with you Pat, your designed-built homes are a testament to your great talent in the private building world.
Christopher Parzych
June 3, 2010
My wife and I are good friends with Pat's son Zach and his wife Zoe, and had the distinct pleasure to spend time with Pat, Liz & the whole Pritchett family at their Caspian Lake retreat last summer. The weather was total crap for July, but the warmth and humor in the house was so rich & palpable that it was a treat being cooped up with these people. I remember thinking how lucky Zach was to have parents like these. They're amazing.
I had a few opportunities between time in VT and their wedding in PA to talk to Pat and found him to be a beautiful soul: so obviously creative, successful, entertaining, concientious and loving of his family. I feel blessed to have met him and would like to send my most heartfelt condolences to the Pritchett's on behalf of my wife and I. Our hearts our with you...
Karen Winchell
June 3, 2010
Dear Liz, I was greatly saddened to hear about the sudden loss of your husband, Pat. I'm sorry that I never had the oppportunity to know him. The messages from his former students are testimony that his enthusiasm and spririt live on in so many. Fondly, Karen
Karen Peterson
June 2, 2010
I was so very sorry to hear of Pat's sudden passing. He was such a good friend to my family during some difficult times. He was also my mentor and champion for all six of my years at U32, from when he was my T.A. in 7th grade to my senior year, when I was a tutor for his art classes. His compassion, humor, occasional tough love, encouragement and sense of fairness helped me immeasurably during my often-rocky years at U32. He encouraged my creative expression in every arena, and helped instill a confidence, and an equally-important sense of humor, that has served me well throughout my life. I am very sorry for your loss, Liz, and am also very grateful for your kindness (and patience!) over the years. I am thinking of you and your entire family.
Nancy [Cooney] Burdett
June 2, 2010
I too, am one of the many former students of Pat’s from U-32. It wasn’t until later in my high school years that I got to work with Pat in dance and the musicals. His never ending passion and enthusiasm for what he was doing was very contagious, and gave me some of my most fond memories of high school. His legacy at that school and the effect he had on so many kids is one that will last forever, and he will always be with us. My deep sympathies to his family and friends.
Barbara Butler
June 1, 2010
I met Pat and Liz when I first moved to Vermont 12 years ago and I joined The Old Meeting House. I thoroughly enjoyed his productions of Fiddler on the Roof and The Wiz. When I bought my 180 year old home in North Calais, it was for the beautiful setting, knowing the house itself badly needed a complete renovation. I have been blessed to work with Pat for the past 16 months on a new design. We were scheduled for demolition and the renovation project to start in less than 30 days from the date of Pat's death. I feel extremely honored to have a "Pat Pritchett design". I know it is an awesome responsibility to move ahead with what might very well be the last-ever Pat Pritchett house.
Kim Shattuck
June 1, 2010
Pat was such an incredible teacher. Always very positive and encouraging. The cowboy dance in "Joseph" was a tough one for me and he worked with me and was so encouraging that I finally got it right. Wish there were more "Pats" in the world to spread the laughter and positive thinking!!!!
Kim Shattuck
June 1, 2010
Dear Liz and family, Sylvia and I were truly shocked and saddened to hear of Pat's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you all in this saddest of times. We were blessed to have Pat and indeed all of you as friends and neighbors for so many years. May god watch over you and help you all in this time of grief. Randy and Sylvia Blaise
Pat Pritchett U-32 Art Department 1980
Anna Herrick
June 1, 2010
I know that many U-32 alumni share my deep appreciation for Pat Pritchett. Pat taught by example, he put an incredible amount time, energy, and focus into everything he did. He was a perfectionist in the best sense of the word, rehearsing a dance move over and over and over again until it was just right. In his art classes he stressed meticulous attention to detail, craft, design, all the while pushing us each to find our own creative vision. Pat was generous and invested a great deal of effort in students he felt had potential in the arts. He drove to students to audition for prestigious drama schools. When I was sixteen, Pat and Liz drove me and two other students to look at art schools in Boston. Pat accompanied busloads of high school students to New York City every year to take in shows on Broadway.
Both Liz and Pat were incredibly kind and generous to me personally. To Pat's family I offer my deepest and most heartfelt condolences.
Ani Pulaski
Michele Landa
June 1, 2010
Pat was truly a wonderful person. I will always remember fondly my years at U-32 where He was my TA. Blessings to the family and community.
Melissa Brough
May 31, 2010
Dear Liz, Zach, Elizabeth & Katy,
Pat's funeral is happening now and I wish I could be there to join you in celebrating all of the magic that Pat brought to this world. Best Halloweens ever, amazing dancing, witty conversations, great laughs, that creative spark. I am deeply appreciative. I think these testimonials speak to the gratitude we all feel for everything that you and Pat have shared with us.
Much love,
Melissa
May 31, 2010
Dear Liz, Katie, Zach and Elizabeth, Oh such sudden sad news. Pat was just such an incredibly talented person and I so admired his creativity. Pat inspired me when I was beginning my art teaching career and I will always remember his wonderful funny stories about life in the classroom and these helped me keep a sense of humor and fun in my own teaching. He gave us his creative legacy and we are thankful. Love, Cacky
David Parker
May 31, 2010
In the fall of 1981 I entered U32 as a 12 yr old, Pat was one of the first teachers I met. He along with a couple others(Sandy and Maria) are teachers Ive never forgotten. It was an intimidating time coming from a small school to that huge building.Pat made my transition comfortable and humerous. Within days of starting school I was feeling at ease and like I belonged and much of that was due to Pat. That time as I look back was a turning point for me and it shaped my future greatly. To Liz and family I say
"Thank you for sharing". He was a great man and I wish you all peace at this time.
Becky Tarrant
May 31, 2010
I would so gladly join the faculty of U-32 teachers and staff who are gathering today to remember our beloved Pat. What a marvelous teacher and colleague he was! Truly no one embodied the spirit of education and love of life that U-32 aspired to create for its community. I'll never forget visiting his classes during the drawing of live animals, hearing the laughter and loving the quiet of focused attention. His life was a gift to us all. Becky Tarrant (now "Hakuin Rose", living in Virginia)
mimi & peter hein
May 30, 2010
Dear Liz and family, We were so saddened to her the news about Pat and are sending you all much love. We will forever remember him dancing up a storm at Zoe and Zach's wedding. mimi & peter
Stuart & Lauren Sadler
May 30, 2010
Lizzie:
We had just come back from visiting Jessie, our daughter and her family (two GRAND boys) and heard from George, AKA Billy, about Pat – what a tough call – know we haven’t kept in touch, but know you had a really good life together. We look back 40 years when we started our lives as couples and see that we all were lucky enough to stay together with the people we loved for the entire period. We are sorry that we have not kept up with you as much as we should have but we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and memories.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Lauren & Stuart Sadler
Barb Satink Wolfson
May 30, 2010
Pat is the reason I fell in love with theater- he was so passionate about it, how could I not be? He touched the lives of many as a teacher at U-32. He will be missed! My condolences to his family.
Carol Fryberger
May 30, 2010
Dear Liz and family,
We received the devastating news of Pat's sudden passing from a brokenhearted Mark on Friday eve. Pat was a talented and true Renaissance man and how we wish we had known him better. Our daughter Holly and family recently moved to Peru, VT where her husband Alex is a forester. We had looked forward to reuniting with our New England family knowing how much we would enjoy the experience, especially Alex and Pat talking about land conservation.
We send you our love and deepest sympathy with special memories of Electra (Kate). Carol and Jerry
Laura (Wells) Sheehan
May 29, 2010
Pat was wonderful at inspiring everyone to do their best and feel terrific while they were having fun. I was fortunate to be part of his dance classes at U-32 in the 1980's. The choreography to Stevie Wonder's superstition was so much fun! Condolences to Pat's family.
May 29, 2010
I am so sorry to hear this news.I graduated from U32 in 1990 and will always remember Pat fondly. He taught a class called 'Art and Literature' that had a profound impact on the 15 year old me. My sincere condolences to his family.
Jenny Smilovitz
Rick Lafayette
May 29, 2010
It's been 32 years since I have seen Pat,.. and also had the pleasure to be a student of Pat's. I have been an artist my whole life, and I can say I still remember vividly the nurturing enthusiasms given by Pat to us as Jr. High students of his art class. I remember the 4 foot tall marrionettes he helped us construct. Mine being of "Dr. j" Julius Erving.
I am sorry to hear of his passing. His zest for life and art was contagious, and made us all better people Rick Lafayette
Jennifer (Clarke) Miller
May 29, 2010
Pat was my dance teacher at U-32 and he was by far my favorite teacher! He was compassionate, understanding, and such a fun, motivating teacher. I remember when he left U-32...a big hole was left behind when he decided to leave. I know the pain and emptiness is far worse for his family right now. I am so sorry for you loss. You are all in my prayers.
Dan Boomhower
May 28, 2010
Dear Liz and family: I have been thinking about Pat for the last week. Now that I am retired along with Liz and Joanne from U-32 I thought maybe it's time to get everyone together again. Pat had always talked about wanting to do Follies by Sondheim with a cast of new and older folks. It seemed like it would be a hoot to bring multiple generations of theater folk together.
Today I was accompanying the Montpelier choruses in the old Montpelier Auditorium. Images of Pat from our days of doing West Side Story there in the early '80's were streaming through my mind. I was in Mambo land again. I remember Pat trying to figure out a bit of choreography and in a flash taking a frisbee and hurling it towards the back of the auditorium.
Although we haven't been in touch much since U-32, Pat will always be a part of my life. The generosity, kindness, humor and understanding of humanity that he shared with me as we worked together on so many shows was a gift that I hope to repay by passing the energy on to others.
Pat will be missed and I know that his wish would be that we keep on going and celebrate his remarkable spirit.
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