Chelsea, VT-  Thomas Elmer Burgess, 72, of Upper Village Road, died unexpectedly at his home on Friday, August 4, 2017.

Thomas was born in Barre, VT, on February 6, 1945, to Charles Dearborn and Vera Adeline (Burnham) Burgess.  He graduated from Chelsea High School and served in the US Navy from September 29, 1964 through September 28, 1968.  He remained in the Naval Reserves for two more years.

Thomas worked as a set-up machinist for Timkin Aerospace in Lebanon, NH.

Thomas was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge and of the Windsor Lodge of Elks #1665. He enjoyed reading Western novels, vegetable gardening, and puttering in his yard.  He also liked traveling, especially to Maine for gambling trips, and taking Caribbean cruises.

He is survived by his wife, Violet (Wright) Burgess, to whom he was married on January 26, 1980; two children, Edward J. "Eddie" Burgess and wife, Lynn of East Montpelier, VT and Vicki Burgess and her significant other Aboulaziz Saibou of South Ryegate, VT; four step-children, Kenny Naylor and wife Yvonne of Keystone Heights, FL, Janet Quimby of Canaan, NH, Penny Naylor of Lincoln, NH, and Scott Naylor and wife Jaimie of Bradford, VT; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; two siblings, Robert Burgess of Underhill, VT and Sally Pratt of Lancaster, NH; along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be on Friday, August 11, 2017, from 4-6 PM, at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH.

A celebration of life will continue at the VFW Post #5245 Home, Benton Road, North Haverhill, NH.