The Berkshire Eagle

Cleante T. "Clem" Caryofilles, age 89, of Pittsfield died Monday, April 15, 2024 at Williamstown Commons. He was born in Stephentown, NY on March 3, 1935. Clem served in the US Army and upon his return home joined the Pittsfield Fire Department in June of 1964. He served as a Firefighter for 26 years before his retirement in August of 1990. Clem's wife, Mary M. "Marge" Caryofilles, died September 23, 2020. He is survived by his sons, Thomas Caryofilles, Bobby Pavin and Jeff Pavin, daughters, Tina Caryofilles, Debbie Pavin and Kelley Graves, 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. He also leaves his sister Alice Niles and many nieces and nephews. Calling...

Charles Anthony Mancivalano died April 14, 2024 surrounded by his family. Born June 13, 1939, son of Michael and Katherine Mancivalano. Charlie attended Pittsfield Public schools graduating in 1958 as class president and a three-sport captain. Charlie's career started in 1961 at O.W. Landergren as a metal spinner where he worked for 44 years. He loved what he did and the people he worked with. Charlie was also a builder and a craftsman. Many things got built in grandpa's workshop. Charlie was known as the guy who could fix anything?relentless once he started in on something. In the unlikelihood he didn't have a tool for the job, he would make the tool. There was nothing that couldn't be...

Shane Anthony Gaetani, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly at Berkshire Medical center on April 13, 2024, just one month after celebrating his 57th birthday. Born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on March 12, 1967, the son of the late Charles and Patricia Wager Gaetani on March 12, 1967, he was educated in the Pittsfield Public Schools. Shane began his career in the meat department working his way up to meat manager at local grocery stores throughout the county. In his spare time, he took up a hobby in karate earning a black belt. Shane was an avid lover of music, cars, trains, flowers, fishing and most recently cats. Throughout the years he taught himself how to play...

Patricia A. "Pat" (Esposito) Garrity, age 86 of Bourne, passed away on April 12, 2024 at her home in Pocasset. She was the beloved wife of the late John O. "Jack" Garrity. Born in Adams, MA she was the daughter of the late Celia and Horace Esposito. As the oldest by many years, she was like a second mother to the younger girls. Music was always a big part of her life. Although she learned to play the piano and accordion, vocal music was most important to her including music of the 30's, 40's, 50's and especially songs from musical theater. Reading was important as well, especially books about travel. She enjoyed taking part in the music program in high school and was finally able to satisfy...

Mrs. Stephanie A. Winslow, of Pembroke Pines, FL, formerly of Pittsfield, MA, passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024, just one month after celebrating her 85th birthday. Born in Pittsfield, MA, on March 12, 1939, she was daughter of the late Steven and Dorothy Stefinak Spasyk, and beloved wife of 66 years of James Winslow. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Stephanie A. Winslow will be Friday, April 19, 2024, at 1pm at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield MA 01201. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. There will be an hour of visitation at the funeral home directly prior to the service, from 12noon to 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephanie's memory can...

Denielle C. VanZandt, age 48, of Pittsfield passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Born in Pittsfield on November 9, 1975, Denielle attended American School for the Deaf and Lee High School. There was never an animal Denielle met that she didn't instantly love. From cats and dogs, to goat and sheep, the smile animals brought to her face will never be forgotten. Denielle also loved showing her creative side and excelled at art. She had a great passion for painting and drawing. She will be deeply missed by her mother and step father, Cindy and Keith Bigelow, her "favorite aunt" Pegi Zerbato (David) and many other aunts and uncles. Denielle also leaves her step siblings, Keith's mother...

Theodore "Ted" Davis Black (93 years old), a long-time resident of Lenox, MA and Clifton Park, NY died on Sunday, February 11, 2024 in Sellersville, PA. Born in a brick house in Albion, IN, Ted was the son of Harry Davis Black and Esther Pauline (Jerls) Black. He was a Purdue University graduate in Electrical Engineering and a drummer in the Purdue marching band. His first job out of college was with the General Electric company in Schenectady, NY and Pittsfield, MA, working on defense systems, retiring after 40 years. Acknowledged for his signature sense of humor, he was master of the shaggy dog story (a long, rambling story or joke, typically one that is amusing only because it is...

Theresa Lorraine (Lemoine) Comeau, 96, of Adams, MA, died Thursday April 11, 2024 at Berkshire Medical Center. She was born in Adams on December 6, 1927 to the late Peter and Antoinette (Leonard) Lemoine. Theresa attended Notre Dame School and graduated from the former Adams High School in 1946. After school, she worked at Bright Water Paper Company for 13 years until retiring to raise her family. On September 18, 1954 Theresa married Francis Comeau. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Theresa was a very active member of the Catholic community churches of Adams. She was a communicant of St. John Paul II at Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church. There, she was...

Norma E. Maroney (Heon), 88, of South Prospect Street in Lee, passed away Wednesday at her daughter's home. She was born in Springfield, MA on May 8, 1935, the daughter of Nelson and Annette Dupuis Heon. She grew up in West Springfield and graduated from West Springfield High School in 1953. In 1955, Norma married William J. Maroney Jr, who predeceased her in 2013. Upon moving to the Berkshires, Norma was a communicant of St. Mary's Church. She was a member of the choir, taught CCD, was a founding member of Friday night Bingo and was involved in numerous other church and school events. Norma was the Director of the Lee Council on Aging for 33 years, retiring in 2012. During this time...

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...

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Gary "Jigger" Storti, age 77, of Great Barrington, MA and Venice, FL on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of helpful service as an electrician and kindly sharing his knowledge to help others in need. Born on September 17, 1946 to Leon and Virginia Storti, Gary grew up in Housatonic, MA and Miami, FL before he made his home in Great Barrington, MA. He graduated from the former Searles High School in Great Barrington, class of 1965. He then graduated from McCann Tech electrical program. Gary owned and operated Storti Electric, always sharing his electrical dedication and experience for over 60 years throughout the...

Raymond A."Ray" Petell, Sr., 94, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, after a short illness. Born in Lanesborough, MA on March 6, 1930, he was the son of Madaline Bradley Noble and Joseph Petell. Ray attended Lanesborough schools until the age of 16 when he quit school to support his mother and three younger siblings. Much of his upbringing was spent on the Bradley Farm in Lanesborough where he was doted on by his loving grandmother, Jenny Bradley. His first job was working for his great uncle "Clayt" on the farm, who was blind and taught him his work ethic for the sum of 10 cents per week. He later worked at the Esso station in Pittsfield and several construction companies. Ray enlisted...

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...

Noreen Blair (nee Jenkins) died peacefully at her home in Richmond, MA on April 7, 2024. She was born on March 22, 1939 in her home town of Augusta, ME. Calling hours at Hope Church, 259 Kemble St., Lenox, MA. from 4pm-6pm Thursday April 18, 2024 followed by a funeral service at 10am Friday April 19, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dr. Russell & Beth White with World Gospel Missions in Kenya, c/o the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240. For a full obituary visit https://www.rochefuneralhome.com/.

Catherine C. Rickard, age 81 of Pittsfield, MA passed away on Sunday, April 7, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Camden, AL on March 13, 1943. She graduated from Camden Academy in 1960 before moving to Pittsfield, MA in 1962. Continuing her education, she graduated from Berkshire Community College with an associates degree in Human Services. Catherine was a loving and caring person. She began her career in Early Childhood Education, where she spent more than 30 years in that profession. Catherine was a lifelong and active member faithfully serving Second Congregational Church in Pittsfield, MA. She served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deaconess and Church Historian. She also had many...

Dorothy H. Rattazzi passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at age 96. She was born in New York City on July 29, 1927 to Arthur J. and Dorothy (Hart) Huether. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Patricia Murphy; her five grandchildren, Raymond, Beth, Chris, Debbie, and Eileen; their spouses; and eight great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her grandson Steven in 2000 and her son-in-law, Raymond Murphy, in 2019. Dorothy was raised in Queens and went to work at age seventeen at Best & Co, where she had a long career at a time when it was rare for women to work outside the home. She accomplished this while raising her daughter as a single mother before there was any acknowledgement,...

Mrs. Sandra Ann Cain, 82, of Richmond, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 6, 2024, surrounded in love by her family. Born in North Adams, MA, on September 8, 1941, the daughter of the late Nicholas and Christine LaCoy Pugliese, she graduated from Drury High School with the class of 1962. While Sandra had various jobs, she last worked as a receptionist for Longview Associates, a job she loved. It was from there that she retired, after many years of dedicated service. Sandra loved to say she worked many a job in her life. Between starting off as a candy striper at her local hospital, to being a factory worker in North Adams, a kindergarten teaching assistant, and even having her own...

Matthew Alexander North, 22, of Pittsfield died at home on April 6, 2024 after a brief illness. Born on July 27, 2001 in Pittsfield, he was the son of Christopher and Brenda North. He attended Pittsfield High School, graduating in 2019. Matthew was formerly employed at Stop n Shop in the Dairy Department. He enjoyed photography, reading, music, and running. Matthew was a kind soul & would help anyone in need. Besides his parents; Christopher and Brenda North of Pittsfield, Matthew is survived by his brother; Lucas A. North of Pittsfield, aunt and godmother; Melissa Guerin, godfather; Richard Piretti, aunt; Lisa Wright, her fiance Scott Miller and her daughters, Alana and Alyse,...

Craig "Woody" Wood, 67, of Saco, ME passed away Friday, April 5, at Maine Medical Center after a brief and courageous battle with COVID-19, complicated by his cancer remission status. Craig was the third of eight children born to Kenneth and Elizabeth (Brown) Wood and raised in Pittsfield, MA. Craig was a proud "Common Boy" who could often be found playing sports and causing good trouble with Herbie, Greg, Jerry, and the rest of the gang. Craig attended Pittsfield Schools and started his career as a plumbing and heating salesman at FW Webb, followed by North Hampton Plumbing Supply after moving to Greenfield, MA and later The Granite Group in Portsmouth, NH. He was grateful for The Granite...

Lee E. Lester, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully with family by his side on April 5, 2024 at Craneville Place of Dalton. Born in Pittsfield, MA, on August 22, 1938, the son of the late Helen (Cebula) Gaetani. Lee graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1957 then went on to serve his country in the US Navy. He married his high school sweetheart, Patricia A (Shea) Lester on November 7,1959, the couple were married for 63 years until her passing in 2022. Together, they created so many wonderful memories within the walls of their Williams St home. Lee was a long-time employee with the US Postal Service util his retirement in the late 90's. He was also a self-taught, Jack of all trades;...

Ronald Joseph Franzoni, 88 of North Adams died on Friday, April 5, 2024 at North Adams Commons. He was born in North Adams on June 22, 1935, a son of the late Claudio Geno Franzoni and Delia (Morin) Franzoni. Ron attended Haskins School and graduated from Drury High School with the class of 1954. He was the proud owner operator of the Mohawk Tavern in North Adams for forty-five years, before retiring in 2013. He also owned Zachary's NiteClub in Lake George for ten years, and prior to the Mohawk Tavern purchase, he owned and operated Ronnie's Grill in North Adams for a decade. Ron and Barbara owned multiple rental properties in the community over many years. A hard worker from a...