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 life long learner, he earned his Masters in Adult Education from Worcester State College in 1977.
Employed as a teacher in the Pittsfield Public School for 42 years, he had been employed initially at Crosby for 16 years. Transferring to the then Herberg Middle School, he taught there prior to teaching at the Adult Learning Center for 16 years.
Teaching was more than a profession for Bill; it was his vocation. Often times Bill would go against the status quo at school meetings. He stood up for the rights and for the benefit of his students as opposed to school ratings, while others lacked the courage to do so. Bill's passion for teaching left lasting impressions on his students, many of which kept in touch with him to his passing day. Bill was always proud of this fact and kept all the thank you letters that past students had sent him over the years, even leaving one such letter framed and hung on his living room wall.
In addition to enjoying the company of his family and friends, Bill loved traveling with his wife Lorraine whom he was fortunate to marry on August 2, 1987. Together they traveled to several continents as well as across the U.S. The many trips to the Caribbean and the trip to Greece, as well as to Montana and the Dakotas with his wife were among his fondest memories. Bill and Lorraine together enjoyed listening to classical music and especially the evenings spent relaxing at Tanglewood to the music of the BSO. Lorraine was Bill's best friend and soul mate and her passing two years ago clearly left him broken hearted until he himself passed.
Bill is survived by his step sons Shaun and Brian Dwyer, as well as his grandchildren, Shaun Francis, Brook, and Ava, all of whom he adored. Bill also leaves many close friends and colleagues from his teaching days, the many students whose lives he had a positive impact on, and his closest friends, Tanya A. Courtney, Eric Greene, Stanley and Madeline Dykes and Kristina and Scott McKnight, all of whom will miss Bill's great conversation and company.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, John Luzis, Jr., who died in 1971 while stationed with the U.S. Army in So. Korea.
Memorial donations may be made to the Berkshire Council of the Jimmy Fund in care of the funeral home.
Bill's family and friends would like to thank John Bresnahan at Devanny-Condron for all his help and professionalism. John was more than a business associate to Bill.... he was his friend and John's willingness to go above and beyond his duty is much appreciated!
MEMORIAL SERVICE UPDATE: The Celebration of the Life for William J. Luzis will take place SATURDAY, March 13th at 12 Noon at the DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME.