1950
Joseph
2025
Joseph A. Thibodeau
August 18, 1950 — January 15, 2025
Joe was the third child born to Alfred and Rose (Betit) Thibodeau in Bennington on August 18, 1950. He married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen Flynn, in 1973 and they shared 52 remarkable years. Joe was predeceased by his parents, His siblings; Kevin Thibodeau and Carolyn Hutchins, his special in-laws, Bob and Eileen Flynn, and his beloved Aunt Doris Boulet, “Gramma B,” who was his second mother after his mother’s tragic death. Kathy and Joe had a son, Gregory (Miranda) in Princeton, MA, and two grandchildren, Riley Lynn and Tanner Joesph.
Joe graduated from Mount Anthony Union High School in 1969 and the St. Joseph’s Business College. His first job in banking was at the County National Bank, then the Chittenden trust for 20 years. Joe was instrumental in creating the first branch of Chittenden trust Company in Shaftsbury which was a great boon to the town. You’d often see Joe away from his desk visiting the local businesses and farms that needed financial guidance. He was jokingly referred to as “The Mayor.” He loved the old days of banking with a handshake and word of honor. Those times are long gone.
After retiring from banking, he and Kathy purchased North Bennington Variety which became a true “Mom and Pop” store. Every morning you’d see the cluster of folks getting coffee and a donut and shooting the breeze. At a young age Greg learned to run the cash register and stock shelves. Kathy pitched in too between her nursing jobs. Joe loved every minute in that store as so many of his banking clients gravitated down to NBV to seek Joe’s wise counsel and honest opinion.
In 2000 he retired again and sold the store but took on other adventures nonetheless. There was no holding him down. He managed multiple properties, mowing, plowing and all the other tasks in caring for the elders, especially those that needed his TLC. On top of all that he raised prized Hereford’s. He hated to see the last one go but by 2023 it became too much to manage, although our neighbors would still see him in his Gator or on his huge farm tractor keeping tabs on things. Even without legs, he was a double amputee, nothing held him back.
There are countless friends and family to thank and friends that became chosen family. It would be impossible to list all of you, so Kathy, Greg, Miranda, Riley and Tanner thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Without your love and support this journey would have been insurmountable.
Joe’s life will be celebrated with a Funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 3 Houghton Lane North Bennington, VT on Saturday February 1 at 12 Noon. There will be no visitation and burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to St. John’s, VNA & Hospice of Southwest Vermont or the Dana Farber Patient Resource Fund through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main Street Bennington, VT 05201.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph A. Thibodeau, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Funeral Service
Saturday, February 1, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
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