MIDDLEBURY — On Feb. 12, 2022, Richard Burnett of Middlebury, Vt., left this earthly world at Porter Medical Center after a brief illness.  Born March 14, 1957, to Janice Burnett, Richard was raised by his maternal grandmother, Rachel Burnett, in Vergennes, Vt., where he resided most of his life.

Richard spent his career as a commercial driver in the Middlebury and Burlington areas. He drove dump trucks for S.T. Griswold, but the majority of his career was driving for BETCHA Transit in Middlebury. It  was his passion. He loved hauling kids to and from school, sports, and field trips for the better part of 25 years. After driving a school bus he drove for ACTR in Middlebury, Vt., taking the elderly to doctor appointments.

He is survived by his son Chad Burnett of Canaan, N.Y., and his partner Sandra Bevens and their sons, Alex and Hunter Bevens; and grandchildren Austin Burnett of Rutland, Vt., Logan Burnett of Hudson, N.Y., Samantha Burnett of Bridport, Vt., and Marcus and Jenna LaBarge of Hyde Park, Vt.  Also surviving him are aunts, cousins, caregivers, dear friends, and special people whom he loved talking about food with. Richard was predeceased by his one true love and wife, Cynthia Burnett; his mother, Janice Burnett; his grandmother, Rachel Burnett; his daughter-in-law Krystal Irons-Burnett; paternal grandson, Dawson McGrath; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

There will a celebration of life for Richard at the Middlebury VFW Saturday, Feb. 26, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. This will be a potluck gathering.◊