Tribute & Message From The Family
Loving Father, Successful Businessman, and Proud Veteran
Message From The Family
Thank you for your support during this difficult time.
Please enhance this tribute to Vaughn by adding your memories and photos.
Vaughn M. Newton, 82, passed away peacefully at home with family members December 29, 2020. Vaughn (Von) was born November 4, 1938 in Barre, VT one of six children born to James and Ruth (Celley) Newton. Raised in Littleton, Von will be remembered for his knowledge and passion for automobiles and motorcycles.
Von's interest in automobiles was fostered from a very early age when he helped his dad at the Esso Garage on the Main Street of Littleton. As a youth Von raced soapbox derby cars, an experience that led to his later work with stock cars. After serving three years in the navy, he was the mechanic and pit crew boss for his lifelong friend Ronnie Marvin who started racing at Northeastern Speedway, Thunder Road, Catamount Stadium, and eventually Daytona, Florida.
Other lifetime bonds were made with shipmates Von served with in the navy. At age 17 he enlisted and spent three years on the U.S.S. Orion out of the Norfolk Naval Base. Travel between Littleton and Norfolk was always a challenge due to hitchhiking both ways, but the effort was worth it to see his new love, Rita.
Von was supported in his life's adventures and experiences by his wife of 52 years, Rita (Boulay) Newton who passed away in 2010. Von and Rita grew a large business in Littleton that included Von's Auto, Newton's Trailor Park, and numerous rental properties. Many remember purchasing their first car from Von, a kind and generous person. Willing to lend a helping hand, he personally financed some of the car loans at little or no interest.
Von and Rita raised their family in Littleton with all of their children receiving multiple cars as teenagers, trading them out later when Von returned home from yet another car auction. The family spent many early mornings fishing at Zealand, snowmobiling, outdoor time at Forest Lake, and traveling to visit friends Von had met during his time in the navy. The children were used to their dad always bringing home stray animals, including a racoon.
In his later years he left the daily oversight of Von's Auto to his nephew, Joe Bisson, who assisted Von for over 25 years. Never one to be idle, Von continued to collect cars and motorcycles, buying a Harley Davidson trike only a few years ago. He loved tinkering with machines, playing roulette at the casino, and spending time with his family and many friends.
Von is survived by his four children Ellen Allen (Andy Letson) of Littleton, Richard Newton (Janice) of Littleton, Kathleen Boswell (Michael) of Littleton, and Laura A. Bailey (Dennis) of Pelham. He leaves 12 grandchildren (Joshua, Cortney, Justin, Kevin, Taylor, Spencer, Tyler, Alexa, Korynn, Kiana, Kayla, Brett) and 1 great-grandchild (Avery). He is also survived by his partner Marion Pineo of Littleton, two siblings Edna Walker of Littleton and Betsy Mardin of Lisbon, and many nieces and nephews. Von was predeceased by three siblings Jeanette Bisson, James Newton, and Willard Newton.
Calling hours will be Monday, January 4 at Pillsbury Phaneuf Funeral Home in Littleton from 5-8 pm. There will be a graveside service at the Glenwood Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. on January 5 with COVID-19 protocols in place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of one's choice. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or for more information please visit www.phaneuf.net.
Condolence & Memory Journal
He was such a sweet man, and a great landlord. He will be truly missed. Prayers for the family
Posted by
JANE KEMPF - LITTLETON, NH - Acquaintance January 30, 2021
Although not a close friend, I was fortunate to have had the occasional chat with Von and to be well aware of the true asset he was to the town of Littleton. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family and to those who may cherish and treasure the wonderful memories over the years. He was a kind and caring gentleman. RIP Von.
Posted by
Geoff Blair - Bozeman, MT - Acquaintance January 04, 2021
A True and Loving Person!!!
Posted by
CRAIG BEANE - Whitefield, NH - Friend January 04, 2021
Condolences to Von's beautiful and loving family. Von was and is an outstanding human being who always had a smile on his face , He was a wonderful caring husband to my dear friend Rita his loving wife and he was always ready to help his children and anyone that needed help. You are at peace and pain free racing with the Angels. God Bless all of you.
Posted by
betty mackay - Davenport, FL - Family Friend January 04, 2021
Condolences to the Newton family as well as Vons extended family. He was a kind and generous man who helped many. Rest in Peace, sir.
Posted by
Larry and Debbie Blaisdell - Littleton, NH - Family Friend January 04, 2021
Condolences for the loss of a fine man. May his soul rest in peace and his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Posted by
shirley heath - Littleton, NH - Acquaintance January 04, 2021
Von certainly touched so many of us from his main street garage. But I remembered him as a standout skier at Remick Park rope tow around 1949-50. He was 4 years older than a group of us first grade boys and we all marveled at his pure ability (skis tight together). He gave up skiing so early that many in Littleton never knew how good he was. Later I sold my ski helmit to Von when I was in high school as he wanted the Harley Davidson motor cycle helmet that ski racers used when they were first required.
Posted by
Bryan Whitcomb - Broomfield after Littleton, CO - Acquaintance January 04, 2021
What a wonderful man. RIP Von.
Posted by
Mike & Angie Chase - Lisbon, NH - Friend January 03, 2021
Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to all the Newton Family. Vaughan was a great, kind man and and always wanted to help all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and and we are thinking of you all!
Posted by
Brent and Kim Ruggles - Bethlehem, NH - Family Friend January 03, 2021
Von was a wonderful husband,father and brother-in- law. We had many fun times with him over the years and will miss Von dearly. He was always there for us and many other people that needed help. RIP Von love
Posted by
Linda andMike Boulay - Littleton, NH - Family January 03, 2021
So many great memories of Von over the years. He was a true gentleman.
Posted by
Ken Parker - Lyman, NH January 03, 2021
Our condolences! He was a great man ! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends!
Posted by
Gail and Roger Varney - Concord, NH - Friend January 02, 2021
I had just recently met Mr. Newton. It's wonderful reading about his lovely family, his hobbies and how proud he was to be a veteran. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Posted by
Lisa - Lancaster, NH - Acquaintance January 02, 2021
sorry for your loss. thoughts and prayers are with the family
Posted by
wayne and cindy fenimore - littleton, NH - Acquaintance January 02, 2021
My husband and I are thinking of all of his friends and family at this difficult time. We always enjoyed Von's company. He was a wonderful man. Sincere condolences.
Posted by
April Paye - South Ryegate, VT - Friend January 02, 2021
My sincere condolences to the Von Newton family. Peace be with all of you.
Posted by
Ann C. Wiggett Wiggett - Littleton, NH - Family Friend January 02, 2021
He was a good man
Posted by
Brian Hamelin - Bristol, NH January 02, 2021
iam going to miss you (scrawny butt) vons navy nickname.I served with him on the uss orion,we were best of friends and remained so through life.We use to visit each other quite a bit in our early years.,but 60 70 and 80 slow you down.I will allways remember scrawny and ritas wedding,5of us sailors in littleton raising hell the police locked us up and vons father jimmy had to get us out and keep us at his house for the night,so we be ready for the big day in the morning. well scrawny i will see you on the other side and we will start again.your buddy (scratch) doc foster
Posted by
robert foster - Millis, MA - Served in the Military together January 02, 2021
Our sympathy to Von's family and many friends. Von was a gentleman who helped so many people just by caring and being a decent human being. He will be missed in the community. God bless and keep you, Von.
Posted by
Stephen & Rebecca Hunt - Bethlehem, NH - Friend January 02, 2021
so very sorry for your loss, Von will always be remembered for his big kind heart, God bless
Posted by
Donna Charbonneaau - Carroll, NH - Friend January 02, 2021
My condolences to the family, he was a great person and will be missed by many.
Posted by
Linda King - LITTLETON, NH - Friend January 02, 2021
I will miss you forever my love.
Posted by
Marion Pineo - Littleton, NH - Significant Other January 01, 2021
Bought many cars from Von in 40 years . Bought my first plumbers van from Von , 400.00 paid half down and 50.00 a week after that . Didnt have much money , that was my start . Gonna miss ya .
Frank & Thurita Grammo
Posted by
Francis Grammo - Littleton, NH - Friend January 01, 2021
my thoughts and prayers are with you all !
Posted by
Peter Trombley - Charlestown, NH January 01, 2021
thoughts are with you all. Von was one of a kind. rip Von
Posted by
mike & kim spaulding - littleton, NH January 01, 2021
Very good man . My grandmother-Delia MacKay and my dad-Phil Chase thought the world of him Von never turned a person away. The family and Littleton lost a good man. Bob Chase, Centennial CO,
Posted by
Bob Chase - Centennial, CO - Friend January 01, 2021
I know that you are very peaceful, because here on earth you always did good and you strived to be happy every day of your life RIP Von.
Posted by
Cathy Trombley - landaff, NH - Friend January 01, 2021
My deepest sympathy, bought my first car from him, to find out in some way our families were tied together. Sweet man,
Posted by
Sharon Thomas - St Johnsbury, VT - Acquaintance January 01, 2021
He was a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed.
Posted by
Tom & Kathy Gowitzke - NH - Acquaintance January 01, 2021
RIP Vaughn you will be sadly missed by so many.
Posted by
Carol Ridlon - Littleton NH, NH - Friend January 01, 2021
Time to rest Von. Thank you for all you did for So Many!!!! You touched so many lives.
Posted by
Andrea and Bud Shawney - Littleton, NH - Friend January 01, 2021
I admired Vaughn for his compassion, support and love of his family! He will live in the hears of those he touched. He will be greatly missed ❤
Posted by
Rebecca Pageau - Littleton, NH - Family Friend January 01, 2021
Rest in Peace Von you were Loved dearly by family and friends Gods Peace of healing to the Family
Posted by
Chris Macaulay Macaulay - Franconia, NH - Family Friend January 01, 2021