Hollis C. Ryea, a man whose creativity was as limitless as his stubbornness, passed away April 10, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy as colorful as the East Burke hills, where he was born on October 10, 1941. Hollis was honest, a thoughtful listener and a man of precision. He had particular habits and a mischievous spirit that kept everyone on their toes.

As a young man, he served in the Army National Guard in Enosburg Falls, Vermont. He later moved to southern Vermont where he built a life and a family in the small town of Westminster West with his beloved wife, Marjorie (Sally) J. (Snider) Ryea of 64 years. Hollis was the eccentric heart of his family. To him, a job wasn’t done until it was perfect. He was a trickster who enjoyed a prank and the kind of corny humor that made you groan and smile at the same time.

Hollis prided himself on his strong work ethic. He started his own small business where he served the community as a skilled and reliable carpenter. When not working he found great pleasure in gardening and farming to provide home grown meals for his family.

He was innovative, using nature to create his masterpieces. His imagination was endless, most famously manifested in his “Hollis-sized” projects—like the time his unwavering patience resulted in a massive, towering icicle that stood taller than he did. It was a feat of nature, engineering, and sheer stubbornness that perfectly captured his essence. He did everything with a clever and unique style of his own. Hollis was one of a kind, he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

He is survived by his lifelong partner, Sally, and their children, who carry forward his lessons of hard work and meticulousness: Jennie (spouse, Gary Stoddard), Gail Mattingly, Melanie (spouse, Andrew Atkin) and predeceased by his son, Bradley Ryea.

Hollis was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his grandchildren: Braden Ryea (partner, Melissa Nowers), Joel Stoddard (spouse, Heather), Matthew Stoddard (spouse, Tanya), Jeremy Mattingly (spouse, Rachel), Alison Mattingly, Zachary Mattingly, Kendra Atkin (significant other, Malcolm Coppo), Jared Atkin, great-grandchildren: Reghan and Dean Ryea, Asher and Carson Stoddard, Aubree and Myles Stoddard, Eliza and Lily Mattingly. He is predeceased by his granddaughter, Jessica Ryea. He was one of ten (10) children and is survived by two (2) sisters.

There will be a Celebration of Life on April 18 from 1:00-4:00 PM at the Elks Club at 83C Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, www.parkinson.org ; Bayada Hospice, 1222 Putney Road, Suite 107, Brattleboro, VT 05301; or Westminster Cares, PO Box 312, Westminster, VT 05158.

His final resting place will be in Troy Vermont.

Hollis was one of a kind—a master of his craft, with witty ideas, and a man who proved that being kind and trustworthy was the way to live. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for a clever joke, the saying “measure twice, cut once” and for keeping it old school.​

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.