Harold Newton

Harold A. Newton

1916-2012 NORTHFIELD, MA. Harold A. Newton, 96 of Mt. Hermon Sta. Rd. Northfield died Saturday morning (10- 6-2012) at his home with his family by his side.

He was the son of Clara (Taylor) and W. Roy Newton, born in West Brattleboro, Vt. on May 21, 1916. Harold graduated from Brattleboro High School and attended the Vermont School of Agriculture at Randolph, Vt.

On June 23, 1940 he married Elizabeth (Clark) of Guilford, Vt. They were married for over 72 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children: Ann Graves and her husband Robert of State College, PA, Alice Moody and her husband D. Mark of Valley Falls, NY Arthur Newton of Sillans, France, Constance Stancell and her husband Arnold of Greenwich, CT, and Carol Mintzer and her husband Howard of New York City. He also leaves 3 grandchildren: Claire Newton of Rimouski, Quebec, Maud Newton of Grenoble, France, and Kimberly Moody Herron and her husband Richard of Brooklyn, NY. He is also survived by a brother Laurence Newton and his wife Anna of Vernon, VT and several nieces and nephews.

He was a dairy farmer, owning his first farm in Walpole, NH and then with a partner, Joel Scrogins, bought Pine Meadow Farm, Northfield, MA in 1960. Later on, he became the sole owner. He was always interested in learning about the best agricultural practices and was a strong supporter of Cooperative Extension programs. He mentored many young people who started farming and loved sharing wisdom and knowledge with others. While his children were growing up, he was a 4-fl leader, and then became a strong leader in the agricultural community. He was president of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau, served on the American Farm Bureau Board of Directors as well as the Board of Directors for Farm Family Insurance Co. For many years, he was a member of the Northfield Planning and Zoning Board and was instrumental in bringing a branch of the Greenfield Cooperative Bank to Northfield. He served on the Greenfield Cooperative Bank Board of Directors. He was a member of the Trinitarian Congregational Church and loved helping with the annual church Chicken Barbecue. He was also a member of the Northfield Kiwanis Club, treasurer for the Harmony Lodge of Masons Northfield, Ma., and was the Worthy Patron of Eastern Star. After selling Pine Meadow Farm, they bought a home in Davenport, FL. and one in Vernon, VT, spending o'er 20 years with winters in Florida and summers in Vermont. They moved back to Northfield 6 years ago. In Florida, he joined the Davenport Lions Club where he also served as president.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A memorial service will be held on Friday (10-12-2012) at 11:00 A.M.. at the Trinitarian. Congregational Church, 147 Main St. Northfield, Ma. The Rev, Dr. Christine Fontaine, Interim Pastor, will officiate. Private burial will take place in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery, Brattleboro, Vt. There are no calling hours.

Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave. Northfield, Ma, is in charge of arrangements. Donations in his memory may be made to the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 147 Main St. Northfield, MA 01360. To send condolences please visit www.kidderfunerathome.com.