Georgia, Raymond R. “Sonny” Bovat, 69 of Georgia died peacefully after a courageous battle with Lymphoma on Friday afternoon, August 7, 2009 in the Vermont Respite House in Williston. Sonny was born January 21, 1940 in Burlington the son of the late Raymond Phillip and Ethel Clary Bovat. He worked on the family farm for a few years, later working for 10 years at the Milton Cooperative Creamery. Following this he went on to be employed for over 32 years as a truck driver with the State of Vermont Agency of Transportation. On June 28, 1964 he married Janet Esposito in Greenville, Rhode Island. Janet predeceased him on May 10, 2006. Sonny loved spending time with Janet at casinos throughout the region, but was just as at home playing golf with his friends at the local club in Milton. (Actually, we’re not sure where he lost more money.) But Sonny always seemed happiest simply working around the house, keeping his own little piece of his family’s heritage in immaculate condition. He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Anne Harnish and her husband, Russell Harnish of Latham, NY; his sister, Beverly Abentroth of St. Petersburg, FL; his sister-in-law, Joyce Minowitz of Fairfax; his brother-in-law, Peter Esposito of Alburg; several nieces, nephews, and cousins, including his special cousins, John and Sharon Palmer of Georgia; and his very special friends, Walter and Kathryn Peno of St. Albans. Sonny’s family would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Julian Sprague of the Oncology Unit and all the nurses on Shepardson 4 at Fletcher Allen, especially nurse Amy and caregiver Sharon from the Professional Nurse Group for the kind and compassionate care they provided Sonny during his recent illness. It was Sonny’s wish that services be immediate, therefore a private graveside service was held on Saturday August 8, 2009 at 1pm in St. Ann’s Cemetery with Fr. John Feltz offering prayers of committal. He was laid to rest alongside his wife Janet. Memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin County Humane Society, 30 Sunset Meadows, St. Albans, VT 05478. Online condolences may be made to the family at
www.minorfh.com.
