JOSEPH MONTANA LAMPHERE

SUDBURY — We are heartbroken to share that Joseph Montana Lamphere, 37, passed away following years of chronic illness that took so much from him. Named after a true football legend, he held on with an impressive amount of strength and grit. His caring spirit remained present until the very end; he was most concerned about his children and parents.

Joe was a father, brother, son, cousin, nephew, and friend. His empathy was legendary.

He also had a sense of humor that refused to quit. On one occasion, a nurse walked in to find him in excruciating pain, and his response was to crack a perfectly timed Tommy Boy joke. He could make people laugh in situations where laughter had no business showing up, and we loved him for it.

His early years were spent “getting’ cows with Pa,” which anyone who knows the family understands meant he was Pa’s favorite, riding in the front of the truck and listening to his stories.

Joe grew up in Sudbury, Vt., just a mile from Burr Pond, where as a child he could be found swimming and building sandcastles at Camp, but most likely fishing. He was a happy child whose laughter was contagious.

He graduated from Otter Valley Union High School and later the New England Culinary Institute, with an apprenticeship at the Cliff House in Ogunquit, Maine. He was a talented chef and most recently enjoyed working as a landscaper. He was especially proud of his time volunteering with the Vermont Adaptive Ski Program, where he supported individuals to experience the same freedom he loved on the mountain.

Joe cherished connection, family, friendship, music, and nature. He had a profound thoughtfulness that led him to question the world around him and search for deeper meaning. His curious mind often led him into long conversations and moments of reflection.

Joe had so much love in his heart for his parents and family. As a father, he adored his children, Ava and Oliver. Even when he wasn’t able to be with them, they were always on his mind.

Life threw more at him than anyone should have to carry, but he still managed to leave behind love, humor, empathy, compassion, and a whole lot of memories that we’ll hold onto forever.

He was predeceased by his best friend and grandfather, Bob Nichols (Pa); his grandmother, Ruthie Nichols (Ma); grandparents Lynford and Kay Lamphere; and relatives Rob Nichols, Jim Nichols, Cricket and Rob Greeno, Nick and Amanda Greeno, Taylor Woodward, Michael Lamphere, and Ian Lamphere. He was also predeceased by many friends whom he loved like family.

He is survived by his children, Ava Kay and Oliver Lamphere, and their mother, Katy Foote; his parents, Andrea and Fayette Lamphere; his siblings, Kate and Leigh Lamphere; a niece and two nephews; and a wide network of cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends who stood by him through every chapter of his life. Each of us carries a piece of him in our memories.

We will miss him fiercely and remember him always.

A celebration of his life will be hosted at the South Side Pavilion at Crystal Beach in Castleton, Vt., Aug. 29, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Drop in at any time.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a trust for his children. Please consider donating at www.gofundme.com/f/support-joes-children-ava-olivers-future◊