Richard "Kettle" Bruyette Sr.

SWANTON - Richard "Kettle" Bruyette Sr., age 81, passed away on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 at the Franklin County Rehab Center in St. Albans.

Richard was born on July 22, 1944 in St. Albans to the late Robert Sr. & Clara (Bohannon) Bruyette. Richard always remained close with his parents and always looked forward to the Sunday dinners with the entire family every week.

Richard spent his life exemplifying hard work and resilience. He worked as a machine operator for Champlain Cable for over 30 years. Richard devoted himself to providing for his family, a commitment that defined his life. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict, serving as a gunsmith while stationed in Germany.

From an early age, Richard developed a love for chocolate, and a passion for the outdoors, finding joy in hunting, fishing, and trapping. These pursuits allowed him to create lasting memories in the duck blind with his sons, Chad and Richard Jr., his nephews, and his cousin, Tiny Brown, and on the water fishing with his grandchildren. The bond he formed with them during these cherished activities was a testament to his love for family, which he held dear above all else. Richard especially looked forward to Walleye fishing every spring. He was also an exceptional waterfowl dog trainer, and cherished his black lab, Smokey.

Richard's legacy lives on through his sons, Richard "Dicky" Bruyette Jr. and his wife Marie of Swanton, and Chad Bruyette and his wife Coleen of St. Albans; grandchildren, Avery Bruyette and his wife Veronica, Tyler Bruyette and his significant other Echo Sampson, Megan Bruyette and her significant other Jason Russell, Kody Bruyette, and Gracie Bruyette; siblings, Clarence Bruyette, Nancy Hemingway, Donald Bruyette and his wife Dorothy, Betty Lang and her husband Danny, Ronnie Bruyette and his wife Patsy, Rosemary Hakey and her husband Donald, and James Bruyette and his significant other Tracy Abbot; and many close nieces & nephews. In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by Linda Bruyette, the mother of his boys whom he loved until the day he died; his brother, Robert Bruyette Jr. and his wife Janet; and siblings-in-law, Pat Bruyette, and Wallace Hemingway.

Friends and family are invited to Richard's life celebration to include visitation from 5-8:00 PM on Friday, August 15, 2025 at the Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, VT. A private funeral service and interment in Riverside Cemetery will be held at the family's convenience.

For those who wish, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to the Franklin County Rehab Center, 110 Fairfax Road, St. Albans, VT 05478.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com