William J. Kowalczyk, 73

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — William John Kowalczyk, 73, of 40 Ventura Ave. died Saturday, August 13, 2016, at his home, after a short illness.

Born in Pittsfield on February 9, 1943, the son of William and Anna Patricia Dilallo Kowalczyk, he was a 1960 graduate of Pittsfield High School. Mr. Kowalczyk was employed as a crane operator with General Electric Company for 30 years.

He leaves his wife, the former Mary L. Houghtlin, whom he married November 21, 1962; three children, Lawrence J. Kowalczyk and his wife Mary of Windsor, Tina M. Bruneau and her husband Peter of Pittsfield and Donald J. Kowalczyk of Pittsfield; five grandchildren, Brandie, Anthony, Matthew, Christopher, Alexandra; and a great granddaughter, Adrianna.

He was predeceased by a son, William J. Kowalczyk Jr., who died May 24, 2010.

The Kowalczyk family is extremely grateful to Sue & Frank and Robert Houghtlin and to Ed and Reba, and Bill's best friend, Nelson, for all of their love and support; and a special thanks to niece, Tammy Winters.

Funeral notice: A celebration of life for William John Kowalczyk will be held Saturday, Sept. 3, at 3 p.m., at the family home, in Windsor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield.