Roy “Hap” W. Fox, Jr. died on August 3, 2026, at the University of Vermont Medical Center, surrounded by his loved ones. His death was peaceful, though preceded by years of hardship we wish we could have eased.
Hap was born in Hartford, Conn., to Roy and Harriet Fox. He grew up in Canton, Conn., on Juniper Circle, a tight-knit community he remembered fondly and about which his sisters still tell magnificent stories. He moved to Vermont to study visual art at UVM and remained an artist his whole life. He was also a skilled electrical engineer and a proud patent holder, once invited to England to give a presentation on his invention.
He had the gift of gab and was nicknamed “Happy Talk Socks” as a small child. He was a dreamer, always looking for that one brilliant idea that would make him rich or that winning lottery ticket. A wanderer and independent spirit, Hap lived in many places. He loved to travel and to be outdoors. He loved dogs and children, books, good food, and the music of the 1960s. Hap was well known and loved in the Burlington community.
He is survived by his children and grandchildren, of whom he was very proud: Jesse Fox, wife Eron Fox, and their children, Irie, Lyran, Morgan, Quinton, Stella, Adelaide, Jacob and Octavia; and Lizzy Fox Lausier, husband Steve Fox Lausier, and their daughter, Sylvia. He is also survived by his sisters, Virginia “Ginny” Mast, husband Larry Mast, and their children, David, Leslie and Seth; and Judith “Judy” Fox and her children, Graham, Myles and Jade; and by his ex-wife, Monique Fox, who remained a friend until his death. Hap is predeceased by his parents, Roy W. Fox Sr. and Harriet Fox. A special thank-you to Ginny for always looking out for your little brother; to Hap’s friends in Burlington for being there for him; and to CHCB’s Safe Harbor program and the doctors, nurses and social workers who cared for Hap at UVM Medical Center, for keeping his values at the center of your care. A graveside service will be held on August 22, 2026, 4 p.m., at East Cemetery in Williston, Vt. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Safe Harbor’s Homeless Healthcare Program in Hap’s memory (chcb.org/donate/make-a-donation).
This article appears in August 12 • 2026.
Gelia Dolcimascolo
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My heart is with you, Lizzy. I know the closeness of a father like you had. He will always be part of you.💐💐💗💐💗Love and sympathy from your poetry pal, Gelia.