Stephen W. Blodgett Jr.

1934 - 2016

Stephen W. Blodgett, Jr.

Stephen Whitney Blodgett, Jr passed away peacefully early in the morning on Wednesday, November 9, 2016. Whitney was born in New York City on July 2, 1934 to Stephen W. and Marguerite B. Blodgett. He was raised in the Hudson River Valley on a large farm where his father grew green beans and Whitney learned to grow apples. Whitney attended Westminster School in Simsbury, CT and had many fond memories of his days there. Upon graduating, Whitney entered Yale where he majored in American Studies.

Upon graduation from Yale, he joined the US Marine Corps and was sent to flight school, and thereafter spent three years flying Marine helicopters, while based in southern California. His most exciting memory came when he was forced to land in a shopping plaza due to engine failure! Following his service with the Marines, he moved to New York City and worked as a security analyst for Morgan Bank. Four years later, after consulting with Cornell Agricultural School about the best place to grow apples, he moved to Vermont and developed a large commercial apple orchard, "Sentinel Pine" in Shoreham, on the banks of beautiful Lake Champlain. His orchards grew prime Macintosh apples, delivering to commercial markets across the United States and in England. Whitney was beloved by his employees, many of whom came from Jamaica. Whitney was also active in Shoreham community service, serving as Head of the School Board, a member of the Select Board, and as a volunteer fire fighter. Whitney was an accomplished pilot, fisherman and bird hunter. He loved to garden and became a Master Gardener. Whitney's first marriage to Jill McGrath ended in divorce.

He was predeceased by his second wife, Jean Munson Blodgett. Whitney is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, and his five children: Betsie Blodgett, Rebecca Betz (Alex), Whitney Blodgett III (Roberta), Bill, and Justine Spedden (Matt); and eight grandchildren: Larken, Sophie, Amber, Jasmine, Jade, Chloe, Kira, and Melina. He is also survived by his mother in law Mary Bentley, his sister-in-law, Peggy Cox, his cousin, Dr. Robert Long (Sarah), and his cousin, Jay Long (June).

As a longtime Shoreham orchardist and volunteer fireman, any contributions may be made to the Shoreham Volunteer Fire Department, Shoreham, VT 05770 or to Elderly Services in Middlebury, VT 05753. Services will be held on Tuesday, November 15 at The Shoreham Congregational Church at 11am.

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