Wilfred Eugene McAllister, Sr.

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Wilfred Eugene McAllister Sr., who passed away peacefully, in the warmth of his home, with his devoted wife of 57 years by his side, on December 10, 2025.

Willie, as he preferred to be called, was born on January 12, 1949, in Lowell, Vermont, to Stanley and Solange (Pion) McAllister, and until his passing, he resided in his cherished childhood home on West Church Street in Hardwick. He attended Hardwick Elementary School and Hardwick Academy. Through the connections of mutual friends and family, he met his future wife, Claudette Carlow. They married in 1968, just before he embarked on his courageous service in Vietnam.

With unwavering dedication, he served his nation as a rifleman for the U.S. Army, assigned to Company B, Third Battalion, Twelfth Infantry, Fourth Infantry Division. As a frontline soldier, he was bestowed with two service medals, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Purple Heart. Additionally, prior to deployment, he earned the Expert Rifle Badge.

Upon his return home, after being wounded in combat, he built a beautiful life with his wife, Claudette, where they were blessed with two children, Wilfred Eugene McAllister Jr. and Kristine Mildred McAllister.

Throughout his life, he explored various professions, including long-haul driving and paving, but his profound love for animals led him to pursue farming, and he purchased his forever home, Riverbend Farm, located on the road later named after him, McAllister Farm Road. His affection for all creatures—especially his late dog, Pasha, and beloved cat, Tom Brady—was truly heartwarming and inspiring. Though he loved farming, he retired in 2001 and ventured into his own construction company, WMS Construction and Excavating. In 2016, his most ambitious endeavor was expanding the farm and creating a family business, McAllister’s Tree Farm and Maple Syrup LLC, alongside his son, which he passionately pursued until his passing.

He was a nature lover, outdoorsman, and avid hunter who cherished the serenity of quiet mornings, the thrill of wild game, deep conversation, and the profound beauty of the world around him. He loved the land he owned, the tranquility and stillness of the woods, but his true passion was connecting with friends and family—whether at the farm, the Legion, or around his kitchen table. Wherever he was, he always had a story to tell or a valuable life lesson to teach. Everyone who had the privilege of meeting him has a story to share about his inspiring life or how he inspired theirs. Some might describe him as rough around the edges, but those who knew him understood that his tough exterior was a shield for a shattered soul, forged in the fire of war. Beneath that exterior lay a heart of gold, filled with love, kindness, and gentleness—qualities that served him well as Commander of American Legion Post 7, a role he held with passion and dedication for seven years. Serving his community and helping fellow comrades was his calling, and he considered his title as Commander a great honor and among the highest of his achievements, alongside the creation of his beloved family.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Claudette McAllister; his two children and their spouses, Wilfred McAllister Jr. and wife Ruth (Carswell), and Kristine McAllister and husband Joshua Deth; grandchildren, Dennis Mercier Jr. and wife Megan (Lacasse), Kyle Mercier, Alyse Mercier, Wilfred McAllister III and fiancée Marisa (Martin); six great-grandchildren, Chayse Newell, Keyara Mercier, Ada Mercier, Wesley Mercier, Curt McAllister, and Wrenna McAllister; three step-grandchildren, Luther Larsen, Daniel Larsen, and Frederic Larsen; siblings, Conrad McAllister and wife Janelle, Russell McAllister and wife Cheryl, and Gloria McAllister; sister-in-law Trish (Patricia) McAllister; mother-in-law Georgette Carlow; stepmother-in-law Barb Yurgel; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends—so many it is impossible to name them all, but know he loved you all very much.

He was predeceased by both his parents; his brothers, Roaul and Leon McAllister; brother-in-law Rich Leidenfrost; and father- and mother-in-law, Vinal and Mildred Carlow.

Willie will have everlasting peace, having been laid to rest during a private ceremony at a picturesque location carefully selected by his son on his treasured Riverbend Farm property. His lifelong passion will now be his eternal sanctuary, where he will bask in the sun, enjoying the extended views of Vermont’s breathtaking beauty and serenity alongside his family, who will eventually join him and watch over him until their own time comes—thus fulfilling his last dying wish.

Unfortunately, this obituary will post after all services were held. Calling hours were held Saturday, December 13, 2025, at des Groseilliers Funeral Home in Hardwick, and his Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Hardwick American Legion. All who loved him were welcome to attend.

Condolences may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 44, Hardwick, VT 05843, or via dgfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to American Legion Post #7, P.O. Box 472, Hardwick, VT 05843.

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