Allen William Shackett of Burlington, VT passed away November 27, 2021 at the University of Vermont Medical Center following a brief illness. He was 87.
Allen, known by everyone as Bill, was born June 14, 1934 in Benson, VT, to the parents of Quentin and Clarice (Couture) Shackett. He was raised alongside his siblings, Robert Shackett, Brenda LaDuke and Tom Shackett. Bill attended Shoreham High School, noting how proud he was to be a member of his high school basketball team.
During his high school years, Bill met and eventually married Marlene Carl. Following high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he was stationed at Paris Island, South Carolina. It is here that Bill and Marlene soon welcomed their first child Stephanee.
Upon Bill’s honorable discharge on January 25, 1956 he began his career as an electronics technician. His career kept him at the forefront of the office automation industry. Bill received numerous technical training certificates and awards. Bill’s career began with the G.B. Rood Company where he earned the title of service manager. Many years later he left to continue at McAuliffe Inc., which today is known as SymQuest. Bill eventually retired from SymQuest in 2004.
After taking some much needed time off and traveling with Marlene, Bill discovered he missed working and helping people. Bill found a new passion, working for the local Aubuchon Hardware Store in Shelburne, VT. Bill was a known problem solver, and it was at Aubuchon’s where he could really put this talent to use. Many people would come to Aubuchon’s simply to have Bill work on their antique lamps. There are no words that can express what this job meant to him.
Bill had a passion for woodworking, where he was extremely talented with finish carpentry. Bill was very proud of the workshop he had assembled in his basement over the years.
Many who knew Bill know that he and Marlene had a passion for dancing. Just up until this year they would travel every Saturday night to either Rutland, Brandon, or Barre to dance with their friends at the local American Legion Clubs, of which Bill was a proud member.
Bill and Marlene also enjoyed traveling around Vermont in search of its covered bridges and general stores.
Bill is survived by his wife Marlene (Burlington, VT) of 68 years. His three children, Penny Barron (Syracuse, NY), Dennis and his wife Kathy (Shelburne, VT), Melanie and her husband Chris Olio (Berwick, ME); grandchildren: Sarah (Shackett) Murphy and her husband Moses (Williston, VT), Chris Shackett and his wife Kerry (Williston, VT), Andrew Barron and his fiancé Michael O’Brien (Albany, NY), Emily Barron and her fiancé Andrew Falvey (Katy, TX); great-grandchildren: Finnegan Murphy, Whitaker Murphy, and Kenna Shackett. Bill was predeceased by his daughter Stephanee Shackett, parents Quentin and Clarice and his brother Robert.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the University of Vermont Medical Center for their care and compassion of Bill and Marlene during their stay.
A funeral service to celebrate Bill’s life will take place on a later date with an announcement to follow.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Allen William Shackett hosted by Ready Funeral and Cremation Services.