Corys Heselton

NORTHFIELD, Mass. -- Corys M. Heselton, 98, formerly of 68 East St., died Thursday morning, Nov. 6, 2003, at Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Wrentham.

He was born in East Bridgewater, Vt., on April 27, 1905, the son of Eugene E. and Hattie (West) Heselton. He was a graduate of Woodstock (Vt.) High School in 1923. He was the sole surviving member of his class. He attended his annual alumni reunions and in recent years, as the oldest graduate, rode in the parade's lead car.

His wife of 58 years, the former Alice G. Breeder, predeceased him on Oct. 5, 1998.

During the 65 years he lived in Northfield, he was active in town government as well as community and church organizations and served as a selectman, town moderator, on the finance committee, the landfill committee and zoning board of appeals. When the Northfield Water District was formed in 1965, he was one of the three original water commissioners.

A charter member of the Northfield Kiwanis Club, he served as president and was lieutenant governor for the district in the 1960's. He continued as an active member throughout his life. He worked for 20 years as manager for the Pacific Tea Company -- A&P -- in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont. From 1948 to 1970, he was New England district manager for Abalene Pest Control Service in Pittsfield, Mass.

Beginning in the 1930's he raised rabbits and guinea pigs for shows. At the same time, he started Gladside Gardens in Brattleboro, Vt. In 1946 he and his wife moved the business to Northfield.

An avid gardener, he was past president and member of the Northfield Garden Club and Western Mass. Gladiolus society, as well as a member of the North American Gladiolus council and International Bulb Society Inc. A member of the Northfield Historical Society, he also was interested in genealogy, especially pertaining to his family and its origins. Other long-time interests included stamp and coin collecting.

A former member of Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro, he joined the Trinitarian Congregational Church in the 1940's where he served as deacon and was a member of the church brotherhood.

He is survived by four daughters, Jeanne Groff of Norfolk, Betty Fitzherbert of Bangor, Maine, Phyllis Whitney of Northfield and Lois Main of Cairo; 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.