1933
Richard
2018
Richard Cutler Pembroke Sr.
May 30, 1933 — June 22, 2018
Dick was born in Montpelier, Vermont May 30, 1933, the son of the late Wilfred and Beryl (Cutler) Pembroke. He was a 1951 graduate of Saint Michaels High School in Montpelier. Following graduation he joined the United States Navy in which he served for four years.
He married the former Mary Ann Gindl in Barrineau Park, Florida on November 19, 1955.
Dick started working in high school for the First National Grocery Store. In 1957 he was promoted to store manager of the Ludlow store followed by a short stint as the manager of the Plymouth, New Hampshire store. In 1962 he moved his family to Bennington, Vermont to open a new store which he managed until August of 1973. In 1979 he turned his hobby of landscaping into a full time business by establishing R.C. Pembroke and Sons.
His greatest joy was in supporting his children and grandchildren in their many activities and careers. He and Mary Ann also had a passion for gardening. Beyond family, Dick was very active in supporting his local community and the state of Vermont. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 307 and a member of the Bennington Lions Club where he served as president in 2003-2004. Dick was a longtime supporter of youth athletics including utilizing his landscaping skills as an instrumental contributor in the building of the current Little League complex and as a founding member of the Mount Anthony Union High School Booster Club.
Dick began his support and public service to Bennington as a member of the Zoning Board where he served as chairman. He resigned from the board in 1987 when he was asked to run for state representative of District 2:1. He was appointed by the Speaker to serve on the House Transportation Committee with the goal of making the Bennington Bypass a reality. He served as Vice Chairman for two years and Chairman for ten. Often referred to as the "Father of the Bypass", Dick championed many transportation projects throughout the state, before retiring from the legislature in 2001. Upon his retirement he was appointed to the Environmental Board by then Governor James Douglass.
Survivors include his wife Mary Ann Pembroke of Bennington; four children and their spouses, Russell (Judy) Pembroke of Bennington, Ronald (Shari) Pembroke of North Bennington, Sharon (Fred) Singler of Skaneateles, New York and Richard Jr. (Wendy) Pembroke of Bennington; nine grandchildren, Jessica (Chuck), Katelyn, Richard III, Ryan, Kendra, Madison, Brett, Olivia, & Victoria; two great grandchildren Charlie and Alex; sister Beverlee Hill of Montpelier along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers Bill & Jim.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church in Bennington on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 1 p.m. A reception will follow the Mass in the Parish Hall.
A Christian burial will take place in the family lot at Park Lawn Cemetery at a future date.
The family is forever thankful to Dr. Carol Salazar for the personal care and attention she has shown Dick & Mary Ann over the years and the unparalleled friendship and compassion she has shared with the entire family. Thanks are also extended to the wonderful caregivers who have helped the family for the past two years keep Dick comfortable and at home.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Richard Pembroke, Sr. to support cancer research and patient care at:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
P.O. Box 849168
Boston, MA 02284
or via www.dana-farber.org/gift as well as to Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church in Bennington.
Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Cutler Pembroke Sr., please visit our flower store.
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Saturday, July 14, 2018
Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church
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