Willard Robert Burroughs

Willard Robert Burroughs, 84, formerly of 9 Osgood Avenue, Claremont, died October 6, 2005 at the Sullivan County Nursing Home in Unity. He was born in East Alstead on January 29, 1921, the son of Ernest and Edith (Putney) Burroughs and had been a Claremont resident for over thirty years. He was a World War II Navy Veteran form 1944 to 1946, having served in the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign and the Philippian Liberation. He was a coxswain on the Dutch ship Sommelsdyck in the Leyte Gulf which was torpedoed and destroyed. He was awarded two bronze stars during his military career. He also served in the Naval Reserve from 1946 to 1954. He had worked for over thirty years for Hubbard Farms in Walpole as a manager for their brooder farm. He worked for a time as a carpenter and had been employed by St. Mary’s Church in Claremont for ten years until his retirement in 1982. He loved gardening, the outdoors, traveling, carpentry and most of all, spending time with his family. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather and for his warmth, generosity and sense of humor. Family members include his wife of 59 years, Ellathine (Pratt) Burroughs; two sons, Harold Burroughs of Charlestown and Kenneth Burroughs of Claremont; four daughters, Judith Patenode of Walpole, Linda King of Peterborough, Kathy McClelland of Farmington and Sandra Haines of Claremont; 16 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers, Clifford Burroughs and Albert Burroughs. A private memorial service is scheduled at a later date at the convenience of the family. The Cremation Society of NH is in charge of arrangements. To view the on line obituary or to send condolences go to www.csnh.com.