Arthur LaGrange

Arthur (Art) J. LaGrange, 87, of Essex Junction, VT/St. Augustine Beach, FL, died peacefully on December 26, 2024 at home with his loving family, after a fierce battle with cancer.
He was born on March 1, 1937 in Burlington, VT, the son of Raymond J. and Deltha (Griffin) LaGrange. Art graduated from Essex Junction High School Class of 1957. He participated in several varsity sports while attending high school. He married his high school sweetheart, Jean (Brandy) Brandberg on July 9, 1961. In 1969, their daughter Susan was born.
Art went to work at IBM in 1959, and spent much of his career there, retiring in May 1992. While working at IBM, he also was a part time Auxiliary State Trooper with the Vermont State Police. After retirement from IBM, he worked at several part time jobs. His favorite was working for the Village of Essex Junction Public Works Street Department. He enjoyed working for the Street Department and the many lifetime friendships he made while there. He was known around town as "Street Sweeper #1". A big THANK YOU to the Street Department Crew for always being there for Art. He was a life member of the Essex Junction Fire Dept. We would like to thank the Essex Junction Fire Dept for their countless trips to the house to check on Art during his illness.
Art was a member of the First Congregational Church, Essex Junction, VT and was a member of Ethan Allen Lodge No. 72 F&AM, Essex Junction, VT and then a member of Mt. Mansfield Lodge #26 F&AM, Jericho, VT.
Art was an outdoors man, who enjoyed hunting, ice fishing, boating, and camping. He loved traveling with his wife Jean, especially going on cruises and to Florida to see his grandkids.
Art is survived by his loving wife, Jean (Brandy) of Essex Junction. His beloved daughter, Susan Sasso and his son-in-law who he considered his "son" Chris Sasso of St. Johns, FL. He also was a very proud Grandpa to Sawyer and Cole Sasso of St. John's, FL. He is also survived by numerous cousins including his Mander Cousins, Donna M. Hamel of VT, Sydney C. Mander, Jr. of FL and Cathy J. Mander-Adams (and husband, Ken) of VT.
Art was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Doris L. Spry, his brother, James E. LaGrange, his niece, Alison Jae Burton, his cousin, Sandra M. Stephens, his cousin-in-laws, Juanita Mander and Henry Hamel.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Daniel M. Goodyear of Richmond Family Medicine, Dr. Steven Ades, Dr. Scott Perrapato, Dr. Kevin Carey, the Essex Rescue Squad and the University of Vermont Health Network, Home Health and Hospice. Hospice's care allowed us to keep Art at home during the final days of his illness. Thank you to the Hospice Fabulous Five Team Carrie, Chelsea, Courtney, Julie, and Sondra for all of their support and guidance.
There will be a Memorial Service and Burial in May of 2025. A further notice of arrangements will be in the Burlington Free Press at a later date.
For those who wish, memorial donations in Art's name can be made to University of Vermont Home Health and Hospice at UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice,1110 Prim Road, Colchester VT 05446.