Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, Great Barrington, Massachusetts
Shirley Anne Kosakowski
Shirley Anne Kosakowski, 59, of Prospect Street in Housatonic died Thursday morning, June 12, 2003 at Fairview Commons Nursing Home following a courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. She had been a resident at Fairview Commons since 1976.
Shirley was born on February 12, 1944 in Great Barrington, the daughter of Anthony Kosakowski the late Dorothy Supernaugh Kosakowski. She attended local schools and graduated from the former Searles High School with the class of 1961.
Following high school Shirley worked at the former Peter Switzer Mill in Lee for a few years.
She enjoyed working with ceramics and was a member of All Saint's Church in Housatonic.
Shirley is survived by her father, Anthony Kosakowski and her sister Susan Kosakowski, both of Housatonic. She is also survived by the staff at Fairview Commons who cared for her for so many years.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2003 at ten o'clock at Saint Bridget's Cemetery in Housatonic.
There will be no calling hours.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fairview Commons Activities Fund through Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Timothy M. Crandall
Mr. Timothy M. Crandall, 42, of South Main Road in Otis died Sunday evening as a result of a motor vehicle accident.
Born September 16, 1960 in Great Barrington he was the son of June Bliven Crandall and the late Lorn C. Crandall. He attended local schools and graduated from Lee High School with the class of 1987.
Timothy was a carpenter by trade and a traveler by nature. He was proud of the fact that he had visited 48 contiguous states. He was planning a trip to his 49th state, Alaska, later this summer.
He is survived by five brothers, Larry Crandall of Deland, Florida; Charles, Brian, James and Nathan all of Otis, MA and four sisters, Rindalee Akinbobola of Topsham, Maine, Edith Edwards of Queensbury, New York, Shirley Crandall of Otis, MA and Marian Carr of Sandisfield, MA.
He was predeceased by his brother Raymond and his sister June.
Funeral services for the late Timothy M. Crandall will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2003 at ten o'clock at the First Congregational Church in Otis with Rev. Herb Seaver officiating. Burial will follow in the Otis Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 18 from four until seven p.m. at Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Youth Organization of the First Congregational Church of Otis through the funeral home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Arthur Richard MacNeil, II
A memorial gathering for the late Arthur Richard MacNeil, II, of Hillsdale Road in South Egremont who died June 25, 2003 will be held on Friday evening, July 25, 2003 from six until eight p.m. at Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
A service celebrating his life will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2003 at eleven o'clock at Grassy Hill Cemetery in Falls Village, CT.
He is survived by his children, Arthur Richard MacNeil, III, Terri Lynn MacNeil, Rebecca Ann MacNeil, and Bonnie Jo Dupont, six grandchildren, one great granddaughter and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Police Association of Massachusetts, the World Wildlife Federation, the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad or to the South Egremont Volunteer Fire Department through the funeral home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Gertrude G. Raab
Mrs. Gertrude G. Raab, 98, formerly of New York City died July 28, 2003 at Kimball Farms in Lenox.
Born on January 12, 1905 in New York City she was the daughter of Judah and Anna Bush Greenbaum. She attended local schools and after graduation she went on and taught in the New York City Schools for over forty years.
She gave of herself to all she touched. May her eyes behold the splendor of the light of the Lord.
Gertrude leaves her loving family, her son Martin Raab and his wife Gail, her grandchildren Jonathan and his wife Ingrid, Nina and her husband Evan and four great grandchildren Joshua and Sonya Raab and Rachel and Mia Fox.
Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 at ten o'clock at Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington with Rabbi Andrew Klein, officiating. Burial will follow in Ahavath Sholom Cemetery in Great Barrington.
Gavin Jeffrey Crawford
Gavin Jeffrey Crawford died at birth on Wednesday evening, July 30, 2003 at Fairview Hospital.
He was the son of Andrew Thomas Crawford and Hailey Brown, both of Ashley Falls.
Besides his parents, Gavin is also survived by his maternal grandparents Cheryl Brown of Sheffield and Samuel Brown of Ashley Falls, his paternal grandparents Jeffrey and Joy Crawford of New Marlborough; his maternal great-grandparents Sam and Mary Brown of Rhode Island and his paternal great-grandmother Claire Skinner of Lee, MA, along with several other aunts, uncles, great aunts and great uncles and numerous other family members.
A graveside service for Gavin Jeffrey Crawford will be conducted on Saturday, August 2, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. at the Ashley Falls Cemetery on Clayton Road with Rev. Arthur Kaufman officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gavin Jeffrey Crawford memorial fund through Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Ann Rowland Leach Macy
Mrs. Ann Rowland Leach Macy, 78, of Bow Wow Road in Sheffield died at her home early Saturday morning, August 2, 2003 after a long illness.
A native of Sheffield, she was born July 6, 1925 one of two daughters of Ernest B. and Jane Rowland Leach. She attended local schools and graduated Sheffield Center School in 1944. She also was a graduate of the Albany Hospital School of Radiological Technology, class of 1947. For several years she worked for the New York State Department of Health.
Mrs. Macy previously worked at the former Warren & Macchi Contractors and had been bookkeeper at the former Macy's Garage until her retirement in 1987.
She was active in community affairs having been a former board member for many years of the Sheffield Council On Aging. She was a member of AARP chapter 48, the Thursday Morning Club, the Red Cross Blood Bank and volunteered at the former VNA Thrift Shop.
She was a communicant of Our Lady of the Valley Church and a member of the Catholic Womens' Club. Ann had many hobbies in crafts including quilting, knitting and collected dolls.
She is survived by her husband, R. Philip Macy whom she married Dec. 20, 1950 at Christ Church; two sons, David DeVoe Macy and his wife Nancy of Sheffield and Daniel Philip Macy and his wife Constance Rojas Macy of Glen Echo, MD; a sister, Eleanor Curtis of Sheffield; and three grandchildren, Jason, Hilary, Philip Manuel Macy.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Mrs. Ann Leach Macy of Sheffield will be held on Tuesday at eleven a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Church with Rev. John Lis, pastor as celebrant. Burial will follow at Sheffield Center Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Monday from four to seven p.m. at the Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home. Those that desire may make remembrances in Ann Macy's memory to either Our Lady of the Valley Church Memorial Fund or HospiceCare of the Berkshires through the Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Philip Schiffman
Philip Schiffman, D.D.S., of Sheffield entered into rest August 1, 2003.
Beloved husband of Beala Stark Schiffman. Loving father of Stephan, Hank, Peter and Ted Devoted brother of Gerald and his wife Lillian. Dearest father-in-law of Lisa, Georgia, Marilyn and Kathy. Cherished Grandpa of Emma and Mimi. Fondest brother-in-law, uncle and great uncle, cousin and friend.
Graveside Services at Ahavath Sholom Cemetery, off of Route 7,on Blue Hill Road in Great Barrington on Monday, August 4 at one p.m. by Sheldon Rothberg, a family friend
Memorial observance at his late residence
In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Philip's memory may be made to the Jewish National Fund or a charity of your choice.
Morton L. Levin
Mr. Morton L. Levin, 80, of Silver Street in Sheffield died Friday, August 8, 2003 at Fairview Hospital.
Born on September 22, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of Sam and Lillian Gannon Levin. He graduated from Senn High School and went on to Wright City College and then the University of Chicago.
A veteran of World War II, he served with the United States Army Airforce in Europe.
Mr. Levin worked for Kroch's and Brentano's Bookstores in Chicago. In 1966 he moved to New York City, where he was employed by the Viking Press, McGraw-Hill Book Company, and the Hearst Corporation.
In 1981 he and his wife retired to Sheffield, where he was a volunteer at the Berkshire Botanical Garden and for Elder Services of Berkshire County.
He is survived by his wife, the former Susan Belzer, whom he married on October 6, 1943, and their son Peter Levin of Watertown, MA. He also leaves his sister Eileen Belzer of Culver City, CA and his brother Seymour Levin of Highland Park, Illinois.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
There will be no calling hours.
Joseph A. Baldasarre
Mr. Joseph A. Baldasarre, 73, former long time resident, and &uot;barber to the town," of West Stockbridge, died at his home on Wednesday, September 10, 2003. Since his retirement in 1990 he has made his home at 15 Frances Plaza in Pittsfield,
Born at the family home on Main Street in West Stockbridge on March 25, 1930 he was one of nine children of the late Francesco S. and Rosa Mara Bruno Baldasarre. He attended local schools in West Stockbridge and was a graduate of the former Williams High School.
He joined the U. S. Navy upon finishing High School and went to work at the family barber shop on Main St. taking it over upon the death of his father. He closed the shop in 1990.
He formerly attended St. Patrick's Church and was a member of the former Italian American Club. He also was a former member of the Joseph Libardi American Legion Post in West Stockbridge. Joseph enjoyed deer hunting and fishing.
He leaves his four daughters, Bonnie Samford of Arlington, TX, Donna Hawkins of Southwick, Joanne of the state of VT and Carla of the Carolinas. He also leaves behind three sisters, Ann Bristol, Irene Norton and Rosemary O'Connor, all of West Stockbridge, and six grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Rev. William J., Ernest C., and George V. Baldassare, Another brother, Frances S. Baldassare was killed in 1943 in the Pacific during WW II and a sister Theresa J. Pons died earlier.
A private graveside service will be conducted at the family plot in St. Patrick's Cemetery by Rev. Steven F. C. McGuigan pastor of St. Patrick's Church. A memorial Mass will be offered at the convenience of the family.
Edna Ovitt Mansir
Mrs. Edna Ovitt Mansir, 91, of Lumbert Cross Road in the village of Southfield, MA, died Sunday, September 14, 2003 at Geer Nursing Home where she had been a resident the past several weeks.
A native and life long resident of New Marlborough Township, she was born at home on March 3, 1912 the daughter of William and Jessie Sanford King. She was born the last of five children in her family. She attended local schools in Southfield.
Mrs. Mansir took care of her children and grandchildren and was a mother and home maker all of her life. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and knitting for the family. Along with Mr. Ovitt she also had a vegetable garden and canned many of her own preserves.
Her first husband, Ronald S. Ovitt, died in November of 1947. She remarried fourteen years later in 1962 to Edwin Mansir. He passed away in 1996.
She is survived by nine sons, Ronald Ovitt Sr. of Gt. Barrington, MA, Roger Ovitt and his wife Barbara of East Canaan, CT, Raymond Ovitt Sr. and his wife Marie of Falls Village, Ct., Carlton Ovitt Sr. and his wife Margaret of Torrington, CT, Wayne Ovitt, Sr. and his wife Carol of Pittsfield, MA, Brian Ovitt and his wife Alice of Sheffield, MA, Robert Ovitt of Southfield, MA, Jerry Ovitt of Mill River, MA, and Garry Ovitt Sr. and his wife Cheryl of Sheffield; two daughters, Eleanor O. Heineman and her husband Horst of Weathersfield, CT and Joy O. Eichstedt of Southfield, MA; forty grandchildren, seventy great-grandchildren and ten great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind Claudia Humes, wife of her cousin Douglas Humes, and her favorite dog Scruffy at home.
Predeceasing Edna Mansir are her siblings; George King, Mae King-Emprimpo, Charles King, and Donald King, as well as her daughter in law Helen, wife of Ronald Ovitt in 1997.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, September 16, from four o'clock until eight in the evening. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday morning at eleven o'clock at the Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home. Services will be led by Betty Legeyt of the Caanan United Methodist Church, friend of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Geer Memorial or the First Responders through the funeral home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Belle Fried Gaffney
Belle Fried Gaffney, 93, died early Monday morning November 17, 2003 at Great Barrington Rehabilitation & Nursing Center where she had been a resident for the last two years.
Born March 1, 1910, in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Leo and Sally Fried. Shortly after her birth, the family to Bethlehem, PA and lived there until 1922 when the family moved to New York City. She attended schools in New York and graduated from George Washington High School.
She was hired by the former New York Herald Tribune, where she worked for many years and met her husband. She married Harry Gaffney and the couple lived in New York for many years. They bought an old Shaker home in Columbia County where they spent weekends. When her husband passed away she became a full time resident of Columbia County, "God's Country" as she called it.
Belle never had children of her own but, as one of ten children, she was a loving sister who cared for her younger siblings. Belle's greatest joy was tending to her gardens. She was delighted when she could devote her full time to gardening and she savored every moment she spent on them. She was also an avid reader.
She was the "star" at the Great Barrington Home and was loved by residents and staff for her wonderful sense of humor and quick mind.
Despite her modest income, she always managed to help those whom she felt were in need (and there were many). To know her was to love her, and there are many that do.
She is survived by her sister, Miriam Jacoby-Gallant of East Chatham, New York.
Belle will be remembered with great love by her step-children, her many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Her loving spirit and charm will live on in her beloved bird, "Gigi."
There will be no local services.
Donations may be made to the charity of ones choice through Finnerty and Stevens, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Anne B. Rawlings
Mrs. Anne B. Rawlings, 81, of Rowe Road, North Egremont died late Saturday night November 15, 2003 at Berkshire Medical Center.
Born July 14, 1922, in Fort Dix, New Jersey she was the daughter of Brig. General John C.P. Bartholf and Madeline Tomlinson Bartholf. The family traveled with the Army and Anne attended various schools, graduating from high school in New York and attending Beaver College and Drexel College
Anne enter the United States Army on August 9, 1943 where she served with the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASP). As a WASP, one of the planes Anne flew was a B-26 bomber, towing targets for aerial gunnery practice until being honorable discharged on November 28, 1944.
While in the service she met and married 2nd Lieutenant John W. Rawlings, Jr. at Kearney Army Air Field Base, Nebraska on October 19, 1944. After the war Lieutenant Rawlings continued his military career enabling Anne to stay at home and raise their two children along with various pets. After Col. Rawlings' retirement in 1972, the family continued to live in New Mexico until 1985 when they moved to North Egremont.
While the family was living in New Mexico, Anne and her daughter enjoyed showing Morgan Horses. Throughout her life, Anne enjoyed embroidery and sewing, and she was an avid reader. Recently she also took an interest in picture puzzles.
Mrs. Rawlings was a member of the Daedalioans, an association for pilots, the WASP Organization. She also was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Great Barrington.
She is survived by her husband of fifty-nine years Col. (Ret) John W. Rawlings, Jr.; their two children Madeline "Lynne" A. Sjoquist and her husband Frederick of Tucson, Arizona; and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Stephen H. Rawlings and his wife Beckie Gail of Cabot, Arkansas, along with five grandchildren, Michael L. Adams, Joseph Matthew Adams, Stephanie A. Sjoquist, 2nd Lieutenant Lance W.H. Rawlings and Wesley H. Rawlings. She also leaves her sister, Edith B. "Micky" Clark and husband Capt. (Ret.) R.C. Clark of North Egremont and her brother Brig. General (Ret.) John C. Bartholf and wife Patricia of Lusby, Maryland.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 23, 2003 from two until four at the Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
Those who desire may make memorial contributions to the Susan G. Komen Foundation through Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230 or they may be done online at http://www.komen.org/.
Ezra M. Elliston
Ezra M. Elliston, 17, of Green River Road in Alford died on November 20, 2003 at Bay State Medical Center.
He was born on February 18, 1986 in San Bernadino, California. Ezra was one of four children born to Peter and Stella Spiropoulos Elliston. The family moved to Alford in 1984.
Throughout his seventeen years Ezra endured severe handicaps. Because of his courage and joy in meeting his challenges he has inspired those around him.
His family is deeply grateful at all who participated in his care. His courage and joy will continue to be celebrated.
He leaves his parents, Peter and Stella Elliston along with two brother, Matthias and Zachary and his sister Zoe at their home in Alford.
A memorial service for Ezra M. Elliston was held on Saturday, November 22, 2003 at the Christian Community in Hillsdale, New York with Rev. Peter Skaller, officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Rider Stables through Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Jean Finch
Mrs. Jean Finch, 97, formerly of Wayne, New Jersey died on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2003 in Massachusetts.
Born in Scotland on October 5, 1906 the daughter of Joseph and Minna Hamilton Harvie she attended schools in Union City, NJ.
Jean worked as a machine operator for a sewing machine manufacturing company in New Jersey.
She leaves her nephews; Ronald, George and Robert Harvie and her nieces; Wilma Sowpel, June Houston, Ann Heilmann and Wilma Theurer.
She was predeceased by her husband Cyril Finch whom she married in Union City on July 3, 1954.
A graveside service will be held on Monday afternoon at two p.m. at Cresthaven Cemetery in Clifton, NJ.
Contributions in memory her memory may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Paul H. Bynack
Mr. Paul H. Bynack, 69, of Main Street, Monterey died Friday, November 28, 2003 at home.
A native and life long resident of Monterey, Paul was born on January 24, 1934, the son of George and Adeline Hart Bynack. He attended local schools and graduated from the former Searles High School in 1951.
Paul worked as a truck driver in construction until 1965 when he started long haul trucking on the east coast. Following a back injury he drove for Ormsbee School Bus Company in New Marlborough for a few years before returning to long haul trucking, retiring in 1997 because of his health.
He was an avid race car fan. Paul loved to travel and had visited more than 2/3rds of the country. He had also traveled to Germany and Austria.
He is survived by his wife of forty nine years, the former Vivian Reed, whom he married on July 10, 1954 in Hillsdale, New York. He leaves four sons, Michael Bynack and his wife Jackie of Milton, FL; James "Jim" Bynack and his wife Shelley of Monterey; William Bynack and his wife Bonnie of West Stockbridge; and his son Paul Bynack, Jr. of Monterey; three daughters, Susan Bolduc and her husband Jim of Ots; Wendy Strickland and her husband Ray of Otis and Nancy Bynack of Monterey. He also leaves nine grandchildren, Stacey, Jamie, Michael, Todd, Stephen, Jennifer, Melinda, Keri and Cody and one great-grandson Evin.
A graveside service in memory of Paul H. Bynack will be conducted on Monday afternoon, December 8, 2003 at two o'clock at Corashire Cemetery in Monterey.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to either HospiceCare in the Berkshires, St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation through Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
George Daniel Hayden
Mr. George Daniel Hayden, 90, of Park Street North, Great Barrington died Sunday afternoon January 25, 2004 at his home.
A native and life long resident of the area, George was born July 19, 1913 in Housatonic, the son of Dewey Daniel and Frances Murphy Hayden. He attended local schools and was a graduate of the former Searles High School.
George had a passion for working on machinery. He first started working on cars when he was nine years old and would walk home from school, passing a garage. He would stop in daily and help the mechanics put brake bands on the Model T's. During World War II he worked for Hathaway Bakery where his job was to keep all of their trucks running.
Mr. Hayden was a pilot and in the early 1930's he and a friend built an airplane. He became a Licensed Master Aircraft Mechanic. George continued to work on his friends' planes and occasionally would go to the Pittsfield Airport to lend a hand.
In the 1930's George worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps which was established by President Roosevelt to create parks and trails throughout the area. During the 1930's he also joined the Army Air Corps and flew civilian charter flights while stationed in Mississippi. He was honorably discharged prior to World War II.
In 1948 he bought Smith Auto Electric on East Street in Pittsfield. He ran the business until 1982 when he retired and sold it to his nephew. For six years following retirement he and his wife spent a few months during the year in Alamo, Texas.
George worked on all types of engines. He was well known for his fleet of Vintage Corvettes which he would restore and drive. His wife banned him from going to the dump because every time he would come home with another machine or engine. At one time he had 27 lawn mowers in his yard. She also encouraged him to give up his motorcycles.
Another of his talents was woodworking. He built shaker furniture and was constantly working on his house.
He married the former Gretchen Hall on June 6, 1938 in Housatonic. They were members of the former Barrington Players where she would work in the plays and he would do the lighting and props. They also enjoyed square dancing, going to the local theaters, playing cards and reading. They were married for nearly sixty five years when Mrs. Hayden died on March 15, 2003.
He is survived by his daughter Patricia Hayden of Great Barrington, and her longtime companion Rebecca Couch along with his sister Agnes Walker of Housatonic and his grandson Daniel Lahert.
He was also predeceased by four brothers Charles, Harry, John and Marsh and one sister Theresa Hayden.
A Mass in memory of George Hayden will be conducted on Monday, February 2, 2004 at seven o'clock a.m. in the chapel at St. Peter's Church in Great Barrington.
The family will have a memorial gathering in early May.
Donations in memory of George Hayden may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Isaac Bronson James
Isaac Bronson James, 5 month old son of Sarah Binger and Aaron Cooper James died suddenly early Wednesday morning, January 28, 2004 at home on North Undermountain Road, Sheffield, MA.
Isaac was born on August 21, 2003 at Albany Medical Center one of three children of Sarah and Aaron James.
Besides his parents of Sheffield he also is survived by two sisters, Rachel Barbara and Anna Leora Rice James both at home in Sheffield. He also leaves his paternal great grandmother Dr. Loretta K. Selesky of St. Louis, MO; paternal grandparents Henry "Bud" and Barbara L. James of Newmarket, NH; maternal grandmother Susan S. Binger of New York, NY and his maternal grandfather Bronson Binger of Brooklyn, NY and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial gathering for Isaac Bronson James will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2004 at 3:30 p.m. at the Allen Theater on the Berkshire School Campus on North Undermountain Road in Sheffield.
In lieu of flowers donations in Isaac's memory may be made to the Ronald McDonald House in Albany through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Edward L. Mann
Mr. Edward L. Mann, 79, of Castle Hill Avenue, Great Barrington died Sunday evening February 1, 2004 at Fairview Hospital.
Born July 2, 1924 in Vineland, New Jersey he was the son of Edward L. and Maude Devonshire Mann. He attended local schools and graduated from Ocean City High School in Ocean City, NJ. While in Ocean City he was a member of the Ocean City Beach Patrol for three years.
A veteran of WWII he served in the United States Army Air Corps from the spring of 1943 until he was honorably discharged on October 23, 1946.
Following the war Edward returned to school where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Trenton State College in Trenton, NJ. He then went onto earned two Master's Degrees in Business, one from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA and from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ.
He and his wife, the former Matilda Schwertly, moved to the Berkshires in 1967. Together they owned and operated Camp Half Moon in Monterey. Mr. Mann also taught Architectural Drawing and Mathematics for grades 7 12 at Lenox Memorial High School until his retirement in 1986.
Mr. Mann was a member of the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington along with the National Education Association, the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the Western Massachusetts Camp Association.
He enjoyed architecture and woodworking but above all he cherished the time he spent with his family.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Matilda "Tillie" Mann whom he married on August 26, 1950 in Glassboro, NJ. He also leaves five children, Edward L. Mann of Pittsfield, MA; Paul S. Mann of Broomfield, CO; Gretchen E. Mann of Great Barrington, MA; Robert J. Mann of Fort Myers, FL and Rebecca J. Mann of Great Barrington. He also leaves six grandchildren: Alexander, Katie, Abbey, Anais, Lucas and Allyson, and his sister Joan Stenger of Somers, CT.
Funeral services for the late Edward L. Mann will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2004 at four o'clock at Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington with the Rev. Charles VanAusdall, pastor of the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington officiating. Burial will be held on Friday, February 6, 2004 at the Friendship Cemetery in Monroeville, NJ at three o'clock.
There will be no calling hours.
Donations may be made to the Edward L. Mann Memorial Scholarship Fund through the funeral home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. The scholarship will be offered to assist children so they may attend summer camp.
Ruth D. Harris
Mrs. Ruth D. Harris, 62, of Salisbury Road in Sheffield Died Sunday evening at home with her family by her side.
Born December 5, 1942 in Bronx, New York she was the daughter of Milton A. and Leah Kessler Bleier. She was a graduate of Herricks High School in New Hyde Park, Long Island.
She first moved to The Berkshires in the mid-1980's. She was a dedicated long time employee of the K-Mart in Great Barrington.
Devoted mother of Charles and Alan Harris both of Lindenhurst, NY; Paula and David Kaufman of West Hempstead, NY; loving grandmother of Rachel, Samantha, and Gabrielle.
A graveside service was conducted on Tuesday, February 3, 2004 at the family plot in Beth El Cemetery in Paramus, NJ, with Rabbi Andre Ungar, spiritual leader.
Memorial contributions may be made to either HospiceCare in the Berkshires or the American Cancer Society through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Helen Mintz Stalker
Mrs. Helen Mintz Stalker, 85, of Humphrey St. in Great Barrington died on Saturday, February 7, 2004 at Laurel Lake Center where she was admitted this week.
Born in Brooklyn, New York on May 7, 1917, she was the daughter of Gustav and Elina Kouvnen Mintz.
She was a longtime resident of South Berkshire and attended local schools in Sheffield. She had been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed camping, playing cards and listening to country western music.
Her husband Paul Stalker, whom she married February 14, 1939 in North Egremont died in September 1995.
She is survived by her son, Alton Stalker of Great Barrington, her sister, Mrs. Lila Paul of Sheffield, and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral for Mrs. Helen Mintz Stalker will be on Tuesday morning at eleven a.m. at the Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home with Pastor Charles VanAusdall of the First Congregational Church officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.
Those who desire may make contributions in Helen's memory to the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad through the Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Alfred George Bartini
Mr. Alfred George Bartini, 83, of Main Street, Housatonic died Saturday evening February 7, 2004 at Baystate Medical Center.
Born August 4, 1920 in Lee, MA he was one of six children of George W. and Dosolina Angelini Bartini. He attended local schools and graduated from Lee High School where he was a member of the golf team.
A veteran of World War II he served with the U.S. Army Air Corps, 25th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron in the South Pacific Theatre in Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, Philippine Islands, Okinawa and Japan.
Mr. Bartini owned and operated The Shirl Toolin Bartini Insurance Company in Housatonic until he retired and sold it to his nephew in 1988. Prior to that he had been manager of Home Gas plant in Housatonic from 1945 1962.
He was a past commander of the Murphy Leary post # 298 American Legion in Housatonic. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, gardening and photography.
Edward married the former Shirl Tollin on December 1, 1945 at Corpus Christi Church in Housatonic. Mrs. Bartini died February 18, 1997.
He is survived by his nephew, Marc Membrino, with whom he made his home, along with two sisters, Jane Membrino and Madeline Hickey, both of Lee and his brother George D. Bartini also of Lee; a sister-in-law, Constance A. Ingegni of Pittsfield, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two sisters, Agnes O'Laughlin and Rena McCusker.
Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at ten o'clock at Corpus Christi Church in Housatonic with Rev. Anthony Jutt, celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Bridget's Cemetery in Housatonic.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday from four until seven p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
Donations in memory of Alfred Bartini may be made to either the Berkshire Humane Society or Corpus Christi Church through the funeral home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
