Stanley John Bissonette passed away peacefully on October 25, 2026. A true Vermont woodsman, he took his final leave on the hunter’s moon, a fitting tribute to a life deeply rooted in the outdoors.
Stanley was born on September 13, 1936, the oldest of six children, to Duane and Mary Bissonette. Raised on a Hinesburg dairy farm, he became a lifelong resident of the town and a bedrock of the local community. For over 30 years, Stanley served as the public works director for Hinesburg until his retirement. His dedication to public safety was equally profound, serving as a member of the Hinesburg Volunteer Fire Department for 40 years. In his early years, he also served his country in the Vermont National Guard’s 131st Engineers division and was an active member of the Jaycees.
A carpenter by trade, woodworking was truly in Stanley’s blood. He worked for notable local firms including Wright and Morrissey and Pizzagalli and successfully operated his own small construction business. His craftsmanship is woven into the history of the region; during his employment at the Shelburne Museum, he worked on the steamship Ticonderoga after its historic arrival and was instrumental in constructing the iconic spiral staircase in the Webb Memorial Building, among many other structures on the museum grounds. Following his retirement, he purchased a portable sawmill, spending many joyful years turning logs into lumber for family, friends and customers. And he and Pat toured the country in their RV. It only took one trip around to figure out that flying was the way to go, though.
In his younger years, Stanley was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing for walleye, ice fishing for perch and hunting — particularly for raccoon. He could often be found cruising the shores of Lake Champlain in Miss Genny. He enjoyed watching racing and football and could often be found listening to a Red Sox game on the radio with a good book in hand. Though macular degeneration took much of his sight in later years, he adapted, turning his attention to bird-watching from his back deck. He took great pleasure in keeping the local wildlife in check, scaring away gray squirrels and the occasional black bear with a sharp knock of his cane and a choice few cusses.
Stanley loved trips to the casino, where he would meticulously scope out the perfect seat at a blackjack table and play for hours. Gathering with family and friends at deer camp or the LCI Derby camp held a special place in his heart, and these weekends almost always featured a lively card game.
Stanley was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Patricia R. (Downs) Bissonette, on March 3, 2022. He was also predeceased by his parents, Duane and Mary; parents-in-law, Joe and Harriet; brother Lyle; brothers-in-law, Sid, Raymond, John and Ernie; sister-in-law Glenna; and cherished nephews Steve and Jamie.
He is survived by his four children: Sally (Tim) Duchaine of Arizona, David Bissonette of Hinesburg, Cynthia Bissonette of Hinesburg and Amy Bissonette (Tom Charbonneau) of Hinesburg. He leaves behind a legacy of 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren, with 1 more on the way; and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brothers Charlie (Corrine), Larry (Jane) and Mark (Mandy); sister, Ruth (Raymond)Ayer; sisters-in-law Joyce (Lyle), Lena (Sid) and Ilene (John); as well as many cherished nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Stanley’s family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at the University of Vermont Home Health & Hospice, especially Judy, Sheila and Jill, as well as his dedicated daytime caregivers, Sharon, Amie, Jody and Kelly, whose exceptional care allowed Stanley to remain comfortably in his home until the end.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 4 to 7 p.m., at St. Jude Catholic Church, 10759 Route 116, Hinesburg. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, November 5, 1 p.m., at St. Jude Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the Bissonette Cemetery on Gilman Road in Hinesburg. A reception at St. Jude’s Parish Hall will follow the burial. Arrangements are in the care of Gifford Funeral Home in Richmond.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stanley’s memory to the Hinesburg Fire and Rescue Department or to the UVM hospice program.