Weston A. Severance

Weston Albert Severance, known to his friends and family as “Joe”, born December 29, 1940, died peacefully at his home in Brattleboro, Vermont on December 26, 2025. Joe left this world the same way he lived in it - with resolute grace. True to his nature, he was accompanied in his last moments by dear friends and his beloved canine friend, Nova.

Joe was born at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital to Norma Severance (Whitney) and Raymond Gould Severance of Newfane, VT. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Norma and Raymond Severance, as well as his younger brothers Lee and Paul Severance and his two nieces, Heidi and Lisa Severance. Joe is survived by his two sisters-in-laws, Ginny and Mona Severance, his niece Shannon Adams and her daughter, Whitney Adams.

Joe was a proud Vermonter of multiple generations and often mused, “My ancestors where Vermonters before Vermont was a state.” Though he did not affiliate with a tribal community, Joe was proud of his Native American roots. He loved the many outdoor activities of Vermont and was rooted in the ski community from his earliest years when he skied at and helped operate the community rope tow that his family helped build and manage in Newfane, Vermont. In his later years he continued to enjoy skiing, kayaking, and spending time in his boat on the Connecticut River and on lakes across the State.

Joe was a talented carpenter and handyman who left his mark on countless homes, including his own, as well as businesses across New England and beyond. A craftsman with an eye for detail, Joe particularly loved the fine work of finish carpentry. He built furniture, crafted boxes, and carved utensils. He loved antique clocks and rebuilt several. Joe was always happy to lend a helping hand to neighbors, friends, and family and was regularly called upon to lend tools or dispense advice.

Joe’s true passion was cars. He had a particular interest in cars that were beautiful, well crafted, and powerful. He travelled New England attending car shows and participating in local cruise nights. Over the years and through the seasons, Joe logged thousands of miles on the back roads of Vermont and surrounding states. His last love was his forest green, BMW convertible sportscar that he drove right through to the end of his last autumn driving season.

A person’s nature is often best revealed by animals. Second only to his passion for cars were his furry friends. Over the years he had several faithful dogs with a particular love for Labrador retrievers. His dogs accompanied him on many adventures including boat and car rides, work, and hunting. In addition to his dogs, Joe befriended wildlife too. Taming squirrels and chipmunks to the point of handfeeding and getting them to perch on his knee, shoulder, and head.

Joe will be remembered for his kind and generous nature. He had a vast network of friends and built a strong community of friends and neighbors. Though Joe did not have children or grandchildren of his own, he was a family man. He looked out for, loved, and cared for his extended family, friends and the neighbor families on both sides of his home as if they were his own.

Joe was beloved by many and will be missed deeply. His memory will live on in the hearts and actions of the many people who knew and loved him, in the homes he renovated, the furniture he built, and on the back roads where he drove with the top down and the wind in his face.

There will be no formal funeral services and a celebration of the life of Joe Severance will take place in the early summer when a BBQ and an outdoor celebration can be enjoyed. These were his favorite gatherings. Donations in his memory can be made to the Human Society of Windham County or Bayada Hospice Services.