Douglas J. "PeeWee" Bresette

WOODBURY - Doug lost his valiant fight with pancreatic cancer on May 20, 2014, at his home in Woodbury. As she was throughout the eight-month fight, his wife, Tess, was with him at the time of his death.

Doug was born in Montpelier on Feb. 13, 1948, the son of Elwin and Marie (Amedy) Bresette of 13 Vine St. He was educated at St. Michael's grade school and Montpelier High School, graduating in 1966. At Montpelier High School, he was a three-sport letterman in football, basketball and baseball. He continued his education at Norwich University and Johnson State College, receiving a bachelor's degree in social science from Johnson in 1971.

Soon after graduation from college, Doug and a friend opened a bar and restaurant in a building that was part of the Lane Shops. Appropriately, the bar was called Blacky Stones Industrial Revolution. It was a popular gathering place for people from the Montpelier area.

Later, Doug realized his true passion as a master carpenter, creating custom cabinetry and furniture, which led him to open his own woodworking business called Montpelier Woodworks. His craftsmanship has been enjoyed by many across Vermont. In addition, Doug's family was growing with the birth of his three children: Spencer, Erin and Connor. After closing this business, he first worked as interim director of recreation then went to work for the state of Vermont, first in the Corrections Department and then the Agency of Transportation. He retired from the state in 2010. On Dec. 30, 2011, Doug married Tess Kennedy at their home overlooking Woodbury Lake.

In retirement, he continued the use of his woodworking/cabinet-making skills as he worked for others in renovating homes and cottages. Prior to his illness, he and Tess finished the remodeling of their cottage on Woodbury Lake, called The Lower Deck.

A dedicated father, Doug was actively involved in the activities of his children and stepchildren. He appeared to be happiest during the many hours spent coaching and attending their athletic activities, and spending time at their family camp on Woodbury Lake.

Throughout his life, Doug was involved in sports in the Montpelier area, either as a player, coach and mentor, or just through his efforts in providing facilities where others could enjoy athletic events. He touched the lives of many central Vermont athletes during his time coaching at the Montpelier Recreation Department, Main Street Middle School and Montpelier High School in both boys and girls athletics. He coached Vermont State Champion AAU boys and girls basketball teams, and went on to represent Vermont in national tournaments. For many years, he enjoyed playing men's softball and basketball in numerous leagues. He spent countless hours preparing the Montpelier Recreation Field for the coming of the Mountaineers baseball team, building dugouts and refurbishing outbuildings. Doug was instrumental in the operation of the grounds crew, making sure the field was always in top shape for the players and fans to enjoy.

Doug will always be remembered as a loyal and helpful friend. The outpouring of love and assistance that has been shown to Doug and Tess over the past few months is a testament to the respect and admiration that others had for him.

Doug is survived by his wife, Tess Kennedy, his three children; Spencer of Stamford, Connecticut; Erin of Montpelier and Connor of Montpelier; and his three stepchildren, Sam, Ben and Caroline Kessler.

He also leaves two brothers, Michael and wife, Linda, of Island Pond; and Ronald and wife, Michelle, and son, Kyle, of Dallas, Texas; and his eldest brother's sons, Lawson Bresette of Shennandoah, Virginia, and Wesley Bresette of New York, New York. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Elwin.

A memorial celebration for close friends and family will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2014, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Capitol Plaza in Montpelier. In honor of Doug's passion for his favorite teams - the Boston Red Sox, the New York (football) Giants, the Boston Celtics and Duke Blue Devils, please wear your favorite sports team jersey. To help the family in planning, please RSVP your intention to attend to slwoodworks@comcast.net.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Doug's name can be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Research at www.lustgarten.org, or mail a donation to Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, N.Y. 11714.