Ernest C. Lamphere

Springfield.

Ernest C. "Puggy" Lamphere 89, died on Sunday February 15, 2026 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in White River Jct., Vt. He was born August 25, 1936 in Springfield, Vt. the son of Hyland R. and Bernice I. (Olney) Lamphere. He attended the North Springfield School and graduated from Springfield High School class of 1954. In 1953 He joined the Army Reserves, serving a total of 26 years including time during the Korean Era. He retired with the rank of Sergeant first class.

On June 8, 1975 He married Hallie L. Robbins in Hanover, New Hampshire.

During the late fifties He worked for Ethan Allen Creamery in Essex Jct., Vt. In 1959 He returned to Springfield working for Great Eastern Manufacturing from 1959 to 1969 and working part time for the Springfield Fire Department. In 1969 He was appointed to a full time Firefighter for the Town of Springfield the beginning of a 40 plus year career that spanned the positions of Lieutenant, Deputy Chief and Chief retiring in 2006. During his career in Fire Service Puggy also attended the Community College of Vermont, the University of Vermont and many Fire and Medical Emergency training programs to further his education and training. He also received his Teaching Certificate and worked as a Substitute Teacher in the Springfield Schools. After retirement he continued his education earning his Teaching Degree and becoming the Teacher of the Fire Science Course at the Springfield Tech Center.

Puggy was also a certified football, softball, and basketball official for many years, and served as an official in the Shrine Game. He served on the Board of Civil Authority, served as Deputy Health Officer, Constable, Deputy Sheriff, Truant Officer, and Health Officer. He was a member and officer with the New England Firefighters Association. He also served as Justice of the Peace and officiated over 600 weddings.

He was a longtime member and Elder of the Springfield Church of Christ. A member of the Springfield Rotary Club, the Robert L. Johnson V.F.W. Post 771 and the Springfield Moose Lodge 679. He also enjoyed golf, bowling, traveling and his dogs.

He is survived by his wife Hallie, two sons Phillip Lamphere (Rosalyn), and Tracy Lamphere (Donna), half siblings; Bradley Morgan and Denise Smith and Sister-in-Law Karen Robbins. Grandchildren; Jerry Farnum (Laura), Ernest C. Lamphere II, Christian Lamphere, Samantha, Michael, Matthew, Ashley and Nicole. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, sister Marjorie Bartley, brothers; Ervin, Francis and Dean Lamphere and daughter Shari Lamphere.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday February 28, 2026 at the Springfield Church of Christ.

Burial with Military Honors will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery in North Springfield, Vt. at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vt. is assisting with arrangements.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldVTChurchofChrist