Allyn B. Seward

EAST WALLINGFORD — Allyn Bunker Seward, 97, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at his home.

Allyn was born June 11, 1914, in East Wallingford, Vt., the eldest son of Arthur B. Seward and Ella (Bunker) Seward. He spent his entire working life on the same farm and retired in 1980. He received his education in the Wallingford schools and in 1927, at the age of 13, he was a page for the Vermont Legislature in Montpelier. Allyn married Helen Rounds on March 28, 1936.

While farming, he had time to serve 10 years on the select board — three as chairman — was road commissioner for two years and overseer of the poor for four years.

Mr. Seward also served as town lister for three years, fire warden for 20 years, and was a charter member of the East Wallingford Volunteer Fire Department, serving 35 years. He was elected to the Wallingford Fire District #2 Prudential Committee and served in this capacity for 34 years – several as chairman. In 1966, he was appointed to the Maple Grove Cemetery Association and in 1970, was elected president and commissioner. He was active for 46 years, right until the end. In 1938, Allyn was raised a Master Mason at the Mount Moriah Lodge #96 in East Wallingford. He was a past master and was a member for 74 years.

Survivors include two daughters, Anne Matulonis and her husband Iggy of Ludlow and Judy Lidstone and her husband Ted of Wallingford; two sons, Chuck Seward and his wife Judy of St. Albans Bay and Mike Seward and his wife Nancy of Wallingford; one brother, Stanley “Bill” Seward and his wife Carol of East Wallingford; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Allyn was predeceased by his wife, Helen, and two brothers, Roland Seward and Lowell Seward.

There will be a graveside Masonic service on Saturday, April 7, in the Maple Grove Cemetery in East Wallingford at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the East Wallingford Fire Department, c/o Karen Smith, PO Box 254 East Wallingford, VT 05742; or the Mount Moriah Lodge #96, c/o Stanley Seward, PO Box 251, East Wallingford, VT 05742.

Arrangements are under the care of Aldous Funeral Home in Rutland.