Albert "Sam" Severy

SHELDON - Major Albert Walter Severy, (a.k.a. Sam & Doc) U.S. Army RET. passed away on December 31, 2024.

He was born in Rochester, Vermont on March 12, 1936 to the late Cleon and Kathleen Severy.

Albert graduated from Essex Junction High School with the class of 1954. After working in farming for five years, he chose to enlist in the Army in May of 1959. This began his twenty-one-year career of active and National Guard service to his country. After basic training, he served a tour of duty in Germany as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist. Upon his return from Germany, he obtained an early release from active duty as an overseas returnee in December of 1960. He then began his Army reserve service in the Vermont National Guard. Albert served in the 1st Battalion, 172nd Armored Division of the Vermont National Guard for nineteen years. While serving in the National Guard, he attended the Vermont Military Academy. After completion of Officer Training School, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was assigned as the Medical Officer for the Battalion, although not a medical doctor, but trained as a Field Medical Assistant, he was addressed as "Doc" during his time in the National Guard. Albert progressed through the ranks and was a Major at the time of his retirement from military service on April 30, 1980.

Albert's decorations included The Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, 2nd award, The Armed forces Reserve Medal and the Sharpshooter Pistol Ribbon. Albert a.k.a. (Sam) obtained the name Sam upon enlisting in the Army. Soon after arrival, he was in formation with his fellow attendees. The Sargent, while looking at Albert says, "Sam, go get the flag." No one moved so he repeated the order. Again, no one moved. A fellow enlistee spoke up and advised the Sargent that his name was Albert, not Sam. The Sargent replied, "His name is "Sam" in the Army." And from that day on, for the remainder of his 88 years, he has been known as Sam.

In addition to his National Guard service he embarked on a civilian career at IBM located in Essex Junction, Vermont, in the Quality Control Department. After twenty-eight years with IBM, he retired and then proceeded to work for the Franklin Cheese Plant in Enosburg Falls, Vermont, in the shipping and receiving department for fifteen years, before retiring for good in 2003.

Throughout his life, Albert was active in many fraternal and civic organizations in the Burlington and Saint Albans, Vermont area. Burlington Chapter #3 Royal Arch Masons, GRAND CHAPTER of Vermont; Franklin Lodge #4 St. Albans, Vermont; Order of the Eastern Star; Burlington Council #5 Cryptic Masons Grand Council of Vermont; Burlington Command #2 Knight Templar, South Burlington, Vermont. He was particularly proud of the fact that he performed many Masonic Funerals for his fellow Masonic Brothers in the area. He was a member of the Sheldon Volunteer Fire Department, and the Enosburg Falls Lions Club. The Lions Club International awarded him the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, which recognized him for his many years of outstanding service to the Lions. He was one of the founding members of the Sheldon Historical Society.

Albert was a man of few words. Known as a quiet but very intelligent man by all his friends. He was an avid reader of history, with a love for classical music. He could be found completing three or more crossword puzzles a day. He also enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was driving his Morgan horse under carriage, or hiking and tent camping in the mountains of Vermont. He loved driving his old (at least 25year old) John Deere tractor around his property cutting the grass throughout the summer months.

Albert is survived by his wife Sally of 55 Years and his special companion, their dog Izzy. His sister; Joyce (Donald) Jones and their children; Doris Vorholt and her children. Sisters-in-law; Rosalie Severy, Susan Burnor, Shila Divelbiss, Perlina Jones and their families. Tara and Paul Talley and their family. Shalyn and David Peloubet and their family. He was predeceased by his twin brother Almon, age 12; brother Douglas Severy; brothers-in-law Allen Vorholt, Harry Divelbiss, Francis Burnor, and Alan Jones. Sister-in-law, Sandra Jones.

Albert (Sam) was a true friend to everyone he met and leaves behind a legacy of warmth and kindness.

He walked through his journey of life with gentle strength, touching the lives of everyone he encountered.

As we say our goodbyes to Albert (Sam), let us remember his love, laughter, smile and the precious moments we shared together. May the memories live on in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held at the home of Albert and Sally, 243 Pleasant Street, Sheldon, Vermont on May 24th, 2025, at 11:00 am. Following the service Albert will be interred at their home.

If you would like to make a donation in Albert's memory, he would have loved it to go to the Sheldon Historical Society, P.O. Box 65, Sheldon Springs, Vermont 05485.

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