All Tributes

Lewis J. Thistle, Jr., 85, of Adams, MA died in his home Sunday, January 10, 2021 after a long, brave struggle with Parkinson's disease. Born on November 4, 1935, he was the son of the late Lewis J. Thistle, Sr. and Josephine Horgan Thistle. Lew grew up in Lynn, MA, graduating from Lynn English High School and Tufts University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He was employed by General Electric for 35 years in Pittsfield, MA. While at GE's Ordnance Division, he worked on...

David K. Nichols, 66, of Pittsfield passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at the Berkshire Medical Center after a courageous five year battle with Alzheimer's disease. Dave was born in Williamsport, PA on December 4, 1954, son of the late Edward and Ruth (Noll) Nichols. He was a 1973 graduate of Loyalsock High School in Williamsport and then went on to earn his Bachelor's degree from Juniata College in 1977. He began his career working for Owens Corning, later joining General...

Mr. William M. Flynn, age 56, of Pittsfield, died Friday, January 1st at Hillcrest Commons. Born in Pittsfield, July 26, 1964, he was a twin son of Marjorie M. Sottung Flynn and the late Attorney William R. Flynn. A 1982 graduate of Pittsfield High School, he was the Varsity Hockey Team Captain and was named to the All Berkshire hockey team, two honors that were very special to him. Billy also kept in shape and refined his skills as a member of the PHS Boys Soccer team and was proudly...

Leona D. Rancitelli, age 73, passed away at Berkshire Medical Center on January 1, 2021. Born in Stafford Springs, Connecticut on January 28, 1947, she was the middle child of Dorothy Cardinal. She married John L. Rancitelli on October 10, 1965 in Aiken, SC. Leona had a love for animals between her many years of rescuing ferrets, to her pet squirrel that she and her husband took care of for 11 years affectionately naming him Mr. Squirrel. Beyond that, she enjoyed reading, knitting, and...

William J. Luzis, age 72 of 82 Oak Hill Rd. Pittsfield, MA died Thursday evening, Dec. 31st at the Berkshire Medical Center. Born in Pittsfield, September 11, 1948, he was the son of the late John and Marjorie Wilbanks Luzis. He attended the Pittsfield schools and was a 1966 graduate of Pittsfield High School. Continuing his education, he graduated from the then, North Adams State College in 1970 and was awarded his Masters in School Administration from North Adams States College in 1974. A...

Marc Allan Griffin passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, MA of acute liver disease at the too young age of 38. His life was short, but he touched many hearts. Marc was born in Pittsfield, MA in 1982 to Ron and Lynne Griffin. He was a 2001 graduate of Pittsfield High School and proudly joined the United States Coast Guard where he served on an ice cutter in Maine. After leaving the Coast Guard, Marc moved to California where he met his...

She was born in Pittsfield, Oct. 12, 1937, the daughter of the late Walter and Frances 'Honey' T. Hall O'Neil. A 1955 graduate of the former St. Joseph's High School, Mary Jane was a Cheerleader there for both her Junior and Senior years. Active with the Yearbook Committee, she also sang with the Passion Choir and the Glee Club there. Mary Jane was awarded her nursing degree from St. Vincent's School of Nursing in Bridgeport, CT. in 1958. Returning to Pittsfield, she...

Mrs. Sally A. Hillard Ottman, age 86 (perpetually 29), of Devonshire Estates in Lenox, a former longtime resident of North Adams, died Sunday, December 13th at her home. Born in North Adams, January 14, 1934, she was the daughter of the late John F. and Mabel Howard Hillard. Educated in the local schools, she was a 1951 graduate of Drury High School where she was involved in many clubs and activities. On June 16, 1962, she married Roger Ottman and was married for nearly 40 years until his...

Mr. Leslie Steven Rist, 59, passed away on December 10, 2020 after a sudden brief illness. He was born in Pittsfield on April 15, 1961, the beloved son of Carolyn Hammer Rist and the late Emil Rist. He attended Pittsfield Public Schools and was employed by City Tire and the Berkshire Eagle over the years. He enjoyed Lebanon Valley Speedway, LP albums, model cars and vintage VW’s. Les is survived by his mother Carolyn Rist, his 8 sisters and brothers, Judi and Gary Salvadori of...

Mr. Arthur J. O’Leary, III, age 62, of 360 W. Housatonic St. Pittsfield, formerly of Agawam, MA, died Monday at his home following a brief illness. He was born at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, July 18, 1958, the son of the late Arthur J. Leary, II and Joan McIntyre Leary. Educated in the local schools, Art was awarded his baccalaureate degree from Westfield State University in 1998. Following his U.S. Navy service, he was employed as a security officer at Westfield State University,...