Theodore J. Gontczaruk, 97

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Theodore Joseph “Ted” Gontczaruk, 97, of BerkshireTown Apartments, Pittsfield, died Friday, June 23, 2017, at Berkshire Medical Center.

Born in New York City on April 2, 1920, the son of Stephen and Agnes Widerch Gontczaruk, he was educated in New York City schools.

A World War II veteran, he enlisted with the United States Army on September 14, 1940, served as a Private First Class, and was honorably discharged on June 20, 1945.

Mr. Gontczaruk was employed by Petricca Industries as a truck driver and construction laborer for ten years retiring in 1980. Before moving to Pittsfield, he worked as a truck driver for Union News Company and was a member of the New York City Teamsters.

He had been a communicant of the former St. Mary the Morning Star Church. He enjoyed going to the casinos, watching football, especially college football, and walking the Berkshire Mall.

Mr. Gontczaruk’s wife, the former Angelina Capasso, whom he married April 28, 1945, died March 11, 2000.

Mr. Gontczaruk is survived by three daughters, Susan (and James) LaBrie of Pittsfield, Annette (and Anthony) Jamula of Pittsfield, and Linda (and James) Konig of Pittsfield; a son, Michael (and Mary) Gontczaruk of Agawam; 11 grandchildren, Tiffany, Stephen, Danielle,  Angela, Tracy, Fawn, Shayla, Brandon, Ana, Marissa and Brandy; five great-grandchildren, Landen, Annabelle, Mark, Jr., Blake and Brooklyn; and his companion of 14 years, Marilyn Trainor.

Funeral notice: Funeral services for Theodore J. “Ted” Gontczaruk will be held Wednesday, June 28, 2017, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., at St. Charles Church celebrated by Rev. Michael J. Wood, Administrator. Military honors will follow. 

There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield.