Ransom 'Benny' DeCoigne, 94

ADAMS, Mass. — Mr. Ransom Benjamin "Benny" DeCoigne, 94, of 202 North Summer St. died Tuesday afternoon, June 28, 2016.

He was born in Adams on January 22, 1922, a son of the late Ransom and Irene (Delancey) DeCoigne, and attended local schools.

Benny first worked at the former Berkshire Mills in Adams, until he joined the US Army in 1942. He served with the 82nd Airborne Division in Company B of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and fought all throughout Europe until his Honorable Discharge as a Staff Sergeant in 1945. He was awarded several decorations, including the Purple Heart Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.

After the war, Benny returned to Adams, where he married the former Lottie Ziemba on May 4, 1946. They took up residence at 202 North Summer St., where he lived for the rest of his life. He became a custodian for the Adams School System at the former Commercial Street School, and later at C.T. Plunkett Memorial School, until his retirement.

In his spare time, Benny was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed gardening and caring for his numerous dogs and cats. He was a life member of the Berkshire Lodge of Masons.

His wife, Lottie, died on November 24, 2006.

Benny is survived by his two sons, Ronald DeCoigne and his wife Martha of St. Albans, Vt., and David DeCoigne of Adams; two step-grandchildren, Allen Jacobs of Highgate, Vt., and Amanda Jacobs of St. Albans, Vt.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Wilfred, Frank and Douglas; and his sisters May Biskup, June Morris, Bessie Day, Elizabeth James and Doris, Alice and Albertine.

Funeral notice: At Benny's request, there will be no funeral services. Burial will be private at his family's convenience. There are no calling hours.

Memorial donations may be made to Soldier On, 360 West Housatonic St. Pittsfield, MA 01201. The Paciorek Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.