Michael Brian Renzi, 50
RICHMOND, Mass. — Michael Brian Renzi, 50, of Swamp Road died Sunday, Jam. 18, 2015, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield as a result of a tragic automobile accident.
Born in Pittsfield on Sept. 30, 1964, son of Fay Canavan Renzi of Richmond and the late James J. Renzi, he graduated from Taconic High School in Pittsfield with the class of 1982.
The third generation in a line of painters, Mr. Renzi was the sole proprietor of Michael Renzi Painting Co. LLC, serving Berkshire County and surrounding areas. He was first employed at the former Pittsfield Painting Co., owned by his father, a second-generation painter. He began his own painting company in 1987. He was the consummate professional and took much pride in his work and his employees.
He was a charismatic people-pleaser and his clients frequently reminded his family of this with a simple call or a note. Nothing could ever put him or the crew into a hole from which they couldn't climb out. He was a tenacious leader and figured out ways to manage all adversity. It was always important to him that the work that he did was of the highest quality and done with professionalism.
Mr. Renzi lived his life with passion, and was a mentor and coach to many. He loved the game of hockey, and was a coach for 17 years at the Boys & Girls Club, ringing in many banners that now hang as remembrance of his teams' successes and experiences. He was a strong believer in the fruits of education and was proud to send his sons Matt and Jared to Berkshire School; he was a dedicated supporter and fan of its sports teams. He particularly loved watching the boys' hockey team.
Two of his greatest hobbies were hunting and fishing. He shared many of his hunting experiences with beloved friends like Tom Laureyns, Tom Rumbolt and Drew Curry. He also enjoyed his solo trips into the woods, where he could envelop himself in the serenity and comfort of nature. Among his many adventures into the wilderness, he particularly cherished his annual trips to a beautiful ranch in Colorado.
His one personal wish if granted, was to learn more in the musical world. He spoke and talked often about the beauty of music and enjoyed playing his drums. He would often retreat to his personal getaway above the garage and smash away to his favorite music.
He and his wife and soul mate, the former Deborah Borden, were married April 5, 1986.
Besides his wife of 28 years, and his mother, he leaves three loving sons, Michael B. Renzi Jr. of Everett and Matthew J. Renzi and Jared Borden Renzi, both of Richmond; three sisters, Kim Costa and her husband, Horace, and Donna Hayes and her husband, James, all of Pittsfield, and Sheila Aitken and her husband, Robert, of Cheshire; a brother, Mark Renzi of Pittsfield; a granddaughter, Madison Renzi of Pittsfield; his father- and mother-in-law, Earl "Buzz" and Patricia Borden of Pittsfield; his sister-in-law and her husband, Leanne and Matthew Bishop of Pittsfield; and nephews and nieces, Ethan and Brayden Bishop, Danielle Costa, Marley and Nick Aitken, Michael, Shalene and Amy Hayes, and Mark and Jeffrey Renzi.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Mr. Renzi will be celebrated Friday, Jan. 23, at 10 a.m. at St. Mark's Church, 400 West St., Pittsfield.
Calling hours will be Thursday, Jan. 22, from 4 to 7 at the Stockbridge Sportsman Club, 24 West Stockbridge Road (Route 102), Stockbridge. Memorial donations are suggested for the Michael B. Renzi Scholarship Fund for his children through Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St. Pittsfield, MA 01201.