Merton Joseph Snow

Merton J. Snow, 89, a resident of Shaftsbury, Vermont, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on Monday, September 25th, 2023 at his home in Shaftsbury. Mert was born October 10, 1933, the son of Merton R. Snow and Bertha S. Cross. He was educated in a one-room school for seven years, being the only one in his class for six years. He graduated from Bennington High School class of 1951, and graduated in 1953 from St. Joseph Business School in Bennington, VT. On May 30, 1953 he married "the love of his life" Ida Pacitto at St. John The Baptist Church in North Bennington; Reverend William L. Dignan officiated. Mert’s first employment was with Shaffe’s Men’s Shop from 1947 until 1953, and the Union Carbide Corp in Bennington from 1953 until 1956. Mert served in the US Army with the Civil Affairs and Military Govt Group from 1956 to 1958 at Fort Gordon, GA. This was the only Detachment Company for the Army at the time. Upon his release from the service, he was employed by The Benmont Paper Corporation from 1958 until 1962. He was then employed by the Wm. E. Dailey Company from 1962 until 1986. At that time, he started his own firm doing accounting and income tax preparation. In 1991, he was elected the Delinquent Tax Collector for the Town of Shaftsbury - a position he still holds. He was the Eucharistic minister acolyte/lector and finance council member at St. John's. Merton was also a member of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington Finance Council for sixteen years. In 1991, Merton was elected Treasurer for the Vermont State Grange, which he still holds. He was also the State Grange Deputy for eight years. Since 1947, he has been very active in Taconic Grange in Shaftsbury in Ethan Allen and Friendship Pomona Grange. In fact, he was the Pomona Grange President for twenty years and held other offices. In the late 1980’s, the Snow’s became acquainted with the New England Kurn Hattin Home in Westminster, VT. From 1996-2011, he was a trustee of the Home. Mr. Snow held many offices for the Town of Shaftsbury, including Trustee of Public Funds, Justice of the Peace and Auditor. He also volunteered for The Council on Aging. Mr. Snow bought a guitar at the age of fourteen and was self-taught. Beginning in the late 1940s, he played in many bands, including the Ernest Greene Band, Fran Dupee and the Country Gentlemen, a rock band - The Individuals. He also played with Don Marsh Quarter, which included B. David Lively. The Wayne William’s and Joy Goodnow Country Band, and for seventeen years and was with Mo Rancourt and the Common Courtesy Band. He was with Moe Harrington and the White Chapel Band for several years. In 1960, he and his sister Roberta and brother Howard represented Vermont State in Worchester, MA, in the National Talent Contest. In 1980, he and his daughter Holly were Grange, VT talent contest winners and competed at the national level in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At one time, he was one of the few square dance callers in the area. In 1953, he started a Sunday Morning program on WBTN, singing solo for three years. He also was on the North Adams station WNMB and WNAW. He once was the winner of a talent contest that led to an appearance on the Dave Denny show on WTRY. Around 1970 he began singing with Richard Borden at his church and this evolved into the Gospel Group that still exists. In 1961, he purchased an electric bass and was the first electric bass guitar player in this area. In 1991, the Snow’s became interested in Bluegrass Festivals and later purchased a motorhome and traveled the circuit for many years. They enjoyed the “parking lot picking” very much. He also followed NASCAR racing and made many trips to Martinsville, VA and Dover, DE to follow his favorite driver, Jeff Burton. Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Ida Snow. His children Kevin Snow (Bonnie), Holly Bahan (Robert), and Mary Babcock (Brian). His grandchildren: Bryan Snow (Amber), Scott Bahan (Pamela), Zachary Bahan (Erin), Eric Snow (Logan), Terra Norris (Sean), Ashleigh-Kate Babcock, Willow Babcock, Dante Babcock, Paisley, and Bristol. His great-grandchildren Tyrel, Ilaria, and Jackson. His Brother: Steven Snow (Sandra). His sister, Roberta Jones. His aunt: Edith Washburn. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mert was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and Howard Snow. As well as a brother-in-law, Klaus Jones. Calling hours for Mert will be held on Saturday, September 30th, 2023, from 10 am to 12 pm at Mahar Funeral Home in Bennington, Vermont. At 11 a.m., there will be a brief service offered by the Members of the Vermont Grange. Following the conclusion of calling hours, there will be a funeral procession to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in North Bennington. The mass of the resurrection celebrated for Mert will begin at 12:30 p.m. Following the conclusion of the mass, there will be a procession to St. John The Baptist Catholic Cemetery, where the Graveside committal prayers will be offered. If friends should desire, contributions in memory of Mert may be made directly to Kurn Hattin Homes for Children, 708 Kurn Hattin Road, Westminster, VT 05158