Dery Funeral Home

Richard Joseph Kowalczyk "Pop", 90 of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully April 15, 2024 at Berkshire Medical Center surrounded by family. Richard was born in Pittsfield, MA on July 1, 1933 to Stella Smegal Kowalczyk and Anthony Kowalczyk. Rich was a 1951 graduate of Pittsfield High School. He served two years in the United States Army during the Korean War, from May 1953 to April 1955. While serving his country, he spent one year in Germany. One of his proudest moments of service was the reliance on his skills to help build a bridge needed by the troops. He was a combat engineer in the 15th Combat Battalion, and he wore his Korean War baseball cap with pride on a regular basis. He married...

Guerrino "Bill" Delmolino, born on April 3, 1922, in West Stockbridge, MA, to Felix and Theresa (Verchilini) Delmolino, peacefully departed this life on April 9, 2024. A dedicated serviceman, Bill enlisted in the Army Air Force in October 1942, serving as an airplane and engine mechanic until his honorable discharge in 1946. Following his military service, he joined GE in Pittsfield, ascending to the role of group leader in the Masonry Department, where his talents shone until his retirement in 1983. Upon retirement he continued to work as a Mason doing freelance work. Beyond his professional pursuits, Bill's passion for sports was evident on the softball field, where he played for years...

Elizabeth (Bennett) Brodeur, 101, of Pittsfield, MA, died at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, MA on April 8, 2024. With Betty's amazing story telling and great sense of humor, it must be a little livelier in heaven. She was born in Bridgeport, CT on August 30, 1922, the daughter of Clark Bennett and Charolette Alling. She graduated in 1940 from Windsor High School. She is predeceased by her husband William Brodeur whom she married on March 21, 1944. She moved to Pittsfield, MA in 1997 after having lived in Avon, Windsor, and Hartford. She was employed by Prudential Life Insurance for many years working in the field office in Farmington, CT. Betty was an avid Western Square...

Janet Lee Marley, 88 of Dalton, passed away April 4, 2024 at Mt. Greylock Extended Care Facility. Born in Peru Massachusetts on January 23, 1936, she was the daughter of Robert and Evelyn Wesley Cornwell. She attended Pittsfield schools. Janet married William Marley, Sr. May 19, 1970. He predeceased her on April 4, 2013. Janet was employed as a machinist at General Electric Ordinance Systems for over 35 years. A communicant of St. Agnes Church, she enjoyed painting and most of all, spending time with her family. She also loved playing cards, especially cribbage and pitch. She looked forward to her annual trips to the casino and scratch tickets. Janet especially loved spending time with...

Lillian Chojnowski, 87 of Pittsfield, passed away on April 2, 2024. She is survived by her daughter Cheryl Provence and husband John; her son Darryll Chojnowski; her brother Louis Theriault and wife Peggy; three grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Her husband Raymond Chojnowski predeceased her.

George Bushika, beloved husband, father and grandpy, died Easter Sunday, March 31, after a short illness, with his loving family by his side. The son of George and Grace Bushika, he was born in North Adams and grew up in Cheshire. He graduated from Adams Memorial Hugh School, where he played basketball and served as president of his junior class. During high school and college, he worked part time at the family business, Bushika Sand and Gravel in Cheshire, and served his country as a member of the Army National Guard. George earned his bachelor and masters degrees from North Adams State College (now MCLA), where he met his wife, Joan. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June...

Rita Ann (Conforti) Kane of Pittsfield died on Friday, March 29, 2024 surrounded by her family at her daughter's home in Westfield, MA. Rita was born in Revere, MA, the daughter of Angelina and Anthony Conforti, and grew up in Revere, Malden, and Everett, MA. She worked as a coast watcher during World War II, was a graduate of Malden High School, and attended Northeastern University before working in Boston for the Liberty Mutual Insurance Company as a statistical supervisor. In 1957, she married Carroll Kane of Alliance, NE, and after living briefly in Braintree, MA, they moved to Pittsfield in 1959. In Pittsfield, Rita started Kane Realty and grew the business until she had her 2...

Julia "Julie" Lorraine Groat, 90 of Peru, MA, passed away March 28, 2024 at home. Born in Pittsfield May 27, 1933 to Larry and Julia Hanson Hubbard. She was educated in Pittsfield schools. Julie was married to Jack V. Groat. He predeceased her in 2017. She was a health care provider for many years. She enjoyed crocheting and crafting. Mrs. Groat is survived by her son, Stephen E. Groat of Stephentown, NY; a granddaughter, Crystal Manning of Pittsfield; two great-grandchildren Madison and Mason; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sons, David and Glenn, as well as her sister Florence Hayford and brother Lawrence Loynes Funeral Notice: Funeral home services...

Erika Marie Wood, 50 of Pittsfield, passed away March 27th at Berkshire Medical Center with her family by her side after an acute brain injury. Born in Pittsfield on Aug 22, 1973, the daughter of Kenneth and Kathleen (Geary) Wood. Erika was a graduate of Pittsfield Public Schools. The eldest of her 4 siblings, she was a natural caregiver. Always willing to provide, support, and help all of those around her. She is survived by her children Eric Honiker and Shelby Honiker (Ryan) of Pittsfield. Sisters Lisa Caesar of Dorchester, Caitlin Banister of Pittsfield, Jenna Wood of NY, and brother Paul Banister of Pittsfield. She leaves behind her beloved grandsons Landon and River Holsborg. Erika...

Rosemary Jean Casey, 81 of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2024 at Berkshire Medical Center with her daughter by her side. She was born in Pittsfield on May 28, 1942 to Caesar and Jean Harper Govoni. Rosemary attended Pittsfield schools. She was an administrative assistant at Crane & Company for many years. She wrote in her high school yearbook that her wish was to travel the world. When she married her former husband, Larry Casey, they shared a military life in the United States Air Force. Her dream came true. She traveled the world. While living in Athens, Greece, she planned a three week driving tour through Europe the old-fashioned way; by using maps to chart the...

Tyler Andrew Demary, 21 of Pittsfield, passed away March 26, 2024 at home. Born in Pittsfield on September 10, 2002 to Douglas W. Demary and Ashley R. Perkins. He attended Pittsfield schools and was a 2022 graduate of Pittsfield High School. Tyler most recently had been employed at Subway. Prior to that, he had worked for Hot Harry's and Burger King. He enjoyed riding dirt bikes, ATV's, playing video games, and spending time with his friends and family. Tyler is survived by his father Douglas Demary and his companion, Kerry DiPietro of Pittsfield; His mother, Ashley Perkins of Pittsfield; two brothers, Austin Demary of Adams, and Douglas Demary of Pittsfield. Two sisters, Brooke Demary...

Timothy Patrick Nelligan, Jr., 37 of Pittsfield, passed away March 25, 2024. He was born in Pittsfield on June 23, 1986 to Timothy Nelligan and Bridget (Cornwell) Nelligan. Timothy was a 2004 graduate of Taconic High School. He was employed at Target as an Asset Protection Team Leader for several years, most recently he was employed in Asset Protection at Home Depot. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing sports including soccer, baseball and football for Taconic High School. He enjoyed watching sports and supporting his favorite teams, Duke Basketball and Detroit Lions football. He loved March Madness and traveling with friends to watch the games. His favorite place to visit was...

David White, born on October 2, 1963, in Pittsfield, MA, left this world on March 23, 2024. He was a beloved father to his daughters Alyssa June White Paige (Michael) and Madyson Ann White. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren Aleah White and Silas Paige. David is also survived by brother Scott White (Bonnie) along with nephews Tanner White, Hayden White, and Cameron White. David's life was filled with passion for music. He found solace in playing the piano and guitar while sharing his beautiful voice with the world. Whether it was at open mics or jamming out with friends over a cold beer, David's love for music knew no bounds. His adventurous spirit led him to the water where he...

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of John P Colwell Sr. of Pittsfield, MA. John left this earth on March 22, 2024. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife Dolores, daughter Mary and son Paul. John was born in Pittsfield, Ma. on June 24, 1934 to the late Arthur and Catherine (Carty) Colwell. He attended St. Joseph Catholic school throughout his primary education where he was known as "Jack" graduating in 1951. He was a dedicated Alter Boy. John participated in theater during his high school years and played the male lead in his senior play. Following graduation, John was eager to serve his country during the Korean Conflict. He joined the United States Navy. He...

Donna Marie Moon, 79 of Pittsfield, passed away March 22, 2024 at Hillcrest Commons Nursing Facility. She was a resident at Berkshire Town until March 1, 2024. Born in Westfield, Ma. June 3, 1944, she was the adopted daughter of Lawrence and Juliette Vigeant Viens. Lawrence passed when Donna was 10. Thanks to Lawrence and Juliette we have fond childhood memories of Summer St. in Adams and the family farm on rte.116 in Adams. With the passing of Juliette, our great uncle Samuel Harold Vigeant and his wife Catherine, our great aunts Stella and Anita all from the Vigeant family, Donna (Mom) embarked on a journey to find her birth parents around 1985. Mom found her birth mother through...

Diana Marcia Filiault, 74 of Pittsfield, passed away March 22, 2024 at home. Born in Pittsfield on July 22, 1949, she was the daughter of Desmond and Yvonne Latulip Plant. She was a 1967 graduate of Pittsfield High Schools and a 1971 graduate of MCLA, from which she received her Bachelors of Arts in Mathematics. She married Edward J. Filiault on May 16, 1975. He predeceased her in 2020. Mrs. Filiault was employed in health care management for many years having worked for nursing homes including Ivy Company. She also was a substitute math teacher and had been employed at K-Mart. A communicant of Sacred Heart Church, she enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family, especially her...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ronald F. Brightman III. Ron, born to Lois and Ronald Brightman, is survived by his brother, Rick Brightman along with his niece Lindsay Brightman (husband Christophe) and nephew Ryan Brightman (wife Danielle and daughter Jade). He was a loving father to his three daughters: Holly Clifford (husband Charlie, daughter Quinn and son Noah), Sarah Van Deusen (husband Tim, daughter Grace and son Rowan), and Emily Turner (husband Jeremy and daughters Piper and Harper). Ron cherished his family and created countless memories with them, especially during their time spent at the family cabin on Goose Pond in the Berkshires. Fishing and catching...

Nicolena Lucy Bigelow, 92 of Pittsfield, passed away March 19, 2024 at home. Born in Pittsfield on January 21, 1932 to Joseph and Victoria Diaco Cencia, she attended Pittsfield schools. She was married to the late Edward F. Bigelow, Jr. He predeceased her in 1985. Mrs. Bigelow was a homemaker. A communicant of St. Joseph Church, she enjoyed doing art and crossword puzzles. She is survived by her children, Charlotte Trombley and husband Thomas of Washington, MA, Louise M. Barnes of Pittsfield, Tina M. Pularo of Pittsfield, Celia M. Forth of Pittsfield, Carol French and husband Donald of Dalton, Marianne E. Santana of Pittsfield, Frank Bigelow of Pittsfield and Leonard Bigelow of...

On March 19, 2024 Salvatore "Sam" Lagrotteria of Pittsfield Massachusetts passed away at the age of 92. Sam was born on April 15, 1931 to parents Serafino Lagrotteria and Antoinetta Lagrotteria Rosati. Sam lived most of his life in Pittsfield. He graduated from Pittsfield High School and attended Boston University. He was a WWII veteran. He served in the Navy for four years, more than a year of that time in Italy. He was employed by the Hotel Corporation of America for many years. Sam is survived by children Jack Degnan, David Lagrotteria, Lisa Brindle, Dean Lagrotteria, Dana Lagrotteria, and Desiree Attix. He was proceeded in death by his daughter Jane Ann, and siblings: Francisco...

On March 18th, 2024 our beloved mother and grandmother, Jeanne Marie Zdanis, died at Fairview hospital after a short illness. Born in Pittsfield on Christmas day in 1947, to Anthony and Elaine (Kocher) Carnevale, she attended Russell school and North Junior High. She was a graduate of Pittsfield High School, class of 1965. At the time of her passing, she was employed at the Hillcrest Campus of Berkshire Medical Center where she began her career in 1973 as administrative coordinator in the office of Eugene Dellea, president. For many years she was also the manager and buyer for Hillcrest's gift shop, Gazebo Gifts Galore, (a destination for many) and director of volunteers. Jeanne was...

Anne M. Flynn, 87, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2024 at Mount Greylock Extended Care Facility. A native of Pittsfield and lifelong resident, she was born on November 18, 1936 to Thomas & Anna Para Flynn. She attended local schools and was a graduate of Pittsfield High School. She went to Becker Junior College to further her education graduating in 1956, Anne worked as an executive secretary at General Electric Company, Martin Marietta, and Lockheed Martin for 40 years. During her time at General Electric, Anne also worked on the GE NewsLetter. Upon her retirement, she took care of her mother Anna until her passing. Anne enjoyed painting, tending to her flower gardens and...