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Derek C. Gentile, 62


GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Derek C. Gentile, 62, of Great Barrington died unexpectedly early Monday morning, November 13, 2017, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield.



He was born in Adams on May 28, 1955, son of the late Joseph F. and Margaret A. (Palmer) Gentile. He attended Adams schools, graduating from Hoosac Valley High School with the Class of 1973. He then went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University, Boston, in 1980.



Derek spent over 30 years as a reporter and columnist at the Berkshire Eagle, covering several communities and news departments.



He enjoyed reading, collecting comic books, playing soccer in his youth, and was an encyclopedic music and sports aficionado.



He is survived by his four sisters, Marybeth Chapman and her husband, Edward, of Arlington, Texas, Melanie Gelaznik of Adams, Hilary Gentile of Manchester, Conn., and Karla Ball and her husband, Douglass, of Bennington, Vt.; three nephews, including Kane Gelaznik, Kyle Gelaznik and Nicholas Chapman; as well as several cousins.



Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrating Derek’s life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, at 10 a.m. in Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, McKinley Square (Route 8 8) Adams. Rev. Steven Montesanti, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be private.



Calling hours at the Paciorek Funeral Home, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, will be Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to The Guthrie Foundation, 2 Van Deusenville Rd. Great Barrington, MA 01230.




Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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I first met Derek in 6th grade at Liberty Street School. At our last '73 reunion, a small group of us talked till the wee hours. He was a good guy.
from: Marilyn Lawson Benedicton: 12-07-2017

Sending out heartfelt condolences to Derek's family and friends...especially Melanie and Karla. Derek was an asset to Berkshire county and will be greatly missed. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
from: Heather Boulgeron: 11-15-2017

A very sad day and huge shock. Prayers to a great man and amazing musicologist. We challenged each other from time to time on many topics of song and songwriter. Will miss so much about him and his writings. As Jimmy Buffett might say, "Sail on, Derek."
from: Bruce Whitneyon: 11-15-2017

I only knew Derek from his Adams connection. However, I really enjoyed his journalistic abilities.... sports, music, and most importantly his view and philosophy of life... a very nice man. My sympathy to all of his friends and family.
from: Joe Ryszon: 11-14-2017

Melanie and family:

So sorry for your loss. Derek was one of a kind. I always enjoyed our conversations, and his expertise on music, as well as his articles in the Eagle. He will be missed.

Jonathan Swartz
from: Jonathan Swartzon: 11-14-2017

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