Hartland, VT – Elroy Gilman “Hezzy” Heselton
September 1, 1935 – August 16, 2025
Elroy Gilman “Hezzy” Heselton, 89, of Hartland, Vermont, died quietly at home on Saturday, August 16, 2025 after a lingering illness. He was born in the family farmhouse on Bridgewater Hill in Bridgewater, Vermont, on September 1, 1935, the son of Ward McKinley Heselton and Gladys Gilman.
He married Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Balch on April 16, 1966. They were married for 59 years and raised two daughters, Caron Gonthier of Hillsborough, NH, and Ruth Heselton of Vermont.
He is survived by grandchildren Jordan Beneze of Windsor, VT, and Shelby Gonthier of Hillsborough, NH, and great-grandson Ignatius “Iggy” Beneze. He was predeceased by grandchildren Benjamin Allen and Chelsea Allen.
Hezzy is also predeceased by all of his older siblings, Hilda Bartucca, Blanche Marro, Joann Nichols, and Leon Heselton.
Over the years Hezzy’s interests ranged from hunting, auto body work, ham and CB radio, to restoring vintage tractors, and collecting firearms. After his retirement, he enjoyed watching the birds in his backyard and stopping for breakfast at Shyrl’s Diner in West Lebanon, where he caught up regularly with old friends. In the early 1980s, he and his wife customized a Ford Econoline van and traveled to van meets with friends and their two daughters.
Hezzy was the embodiment of a classic New Englander-outspoken, loyal, and steadfast in his care for those he loved. He made a habit of calling to check in on friends and family, always asking after their pets, gardens, and latest projects. A lifelong animal lover, he was rarely without a cat by his side, and his faithful companions Titan, Merlot, and Duke will miss his lap dearly.
No funeral or memorial services are planned.
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