Paul E. Perachi

The Honorable Paul E. Perachi, Ret., age 82, died at Albany Medical Center on Thursday, September 9, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Pittsfield on July 6, 1939, he was the son of the late State Police Corporal Louis J. Perachi, Sr. and Dorris Otto Perachi. He was a 1957 graduate of St. Joseph’s High School where he served as the Class President and was a standout football and basketball player.

In 1963, Paul earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the former North Adams State College, where he played varsity basketball. While earning his degree, Paul served as the Assistant Program Director at the Catholic Youth Center and worked for the City of Pittsfield’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Proud of his Country, Paul served as a Lieutenant for the US Coast Guard from 1963 to 1966.

“Coach”, as so many knew him, taught algebra at St. Joseph’s High School from 1964-1970. During his time there, he was also a guidance counselor, the Athletic Director, the Varsity Basketball Coach, and an Assistant Football Coach. In 1970, he earned his Master of Education degree from North Adams State College and then began his career as the Principal at Lenox Memorial High School.

Committed to achieving his goals, Paul continued his education at night at Western New England School of Law and earned his Juris Doctor in 1982.

In 1983, he began to practice law, becoming a partner in the firm that eventually became Whalen & Perachi on Wendell Ave. in Pittsfield and continued his practice until 1995, when he was appointed as Associate Justice for the Massachusetts Trial Court.  In 1997, Judge Perachi was appointed as the First Justice for Berkshire Juvenile Court. This was a position he held until his retirement in 2009.

Anyone who knew him, knew that when he committed to something, he committed fully. Over his 82 years, Judge Perachi served on over 20 boards and committees. Many of those boards revolved around education and the betterment of the children in Berkshire County.

Paul married the former Janet Bourassa on August 21, 1965. The two just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Matthew Perachi and his wife Stacie Jordan Perachi of Washington, CT, his daughter Sandra Perachi Taylor and her husband Keith Taylor of Pittsfield, his five grandchildren, Kyle and Evan Taylor and Dominic, Michael and Marissa Perachi, and his great granddaughter, Luna Taylor. He also leaves many nieces and nephews, as well as many dear friends, colleagues and students who will forever miss and admire such a truly wonderful man.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Gloria Ryan, his brother, Louis J. Perachi, Jr. and his infant daughter, Paula Perachi.

SERVICES: Friends are invited to join with the family for visitation on SATURDAY, September 18, 2021 at Sacred Heart Church from 10 AM - 12PM. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will begin at Noon with Rev. Steven Montesanti, Pastor, officiating. All who are attending are asked to please wear a mask and remain socially distanced while within the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to: “The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires” and mailed to the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home, 40 Maplewood Ave. Pittsfield, MA 01201.