Francis J. Condron, 82
PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Francis J. Condron of 255 Second St., who served as Pittsfield's city clerk for many years, died Sunday, Jan. 7, 2001, at Berkshire Medical Center. He was 82.
Mr. Condron, who was known as "Tink," was elected city clerk in 1971 and served until 1983. His name last appeared on a ballot in 1977. Under Pittsfield's charter, a city clerk may be granted permanent tenure in the job after being elected to three successive two-year terms. Voters decided that Mr. Condron should be a permanent fixture in the post.
"I always enjoyed working with the [City] Council," Mr. Condron declared on the occasion of his retirement in December 1983. "During 12 years it becomes a part of your life, preparing for the meetings and then the next day trying to make sense of what you heard the night before. But my retirement is irrevocable. I won't be back except as a spectator. I guess I should be thankful that after 12 years of this I'm still sane."
Former City Council President Angelo C. Stracuzzi, who was Mr. Condron's opponent in the 1971 race for city clerk, described him yesterday as "one of the most genuine individuals I've ever met."
After the 1971 election, Stracuzzi said, he and Mr. Condron became close friends.
"He turned out to be a mentor of mine in politics. I learned an awful lot from him. He was an exceptional parliamentarian. He was always extremely helpful to me and he was a good teacher - always willing to answer questions. He did a great job for the city. He was a straight shooter. He'll be missed in this community."
Born in Pittsfield on Jan. 14, 1918, one of eight children of state Sen. Michael H. Condron and Mary Cullen Condron, he was educated in local schools and was a 1936 graduate of Pittsfield High School. He received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University following World War II and attended graduate school at Iowa State University.
He enlisted in the Navy prior to the outbreak of the war and served as a radioman aboard the heavy cruiser USS Quincy. The ship was sunk off Savo Island during the campaign for Guadalcanal. Mr. Condron was in the water awaiting rescue for seven hours and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained.
Upon his return to Pittsfield, he was named a field agent for the Veterans Administration. Following his election as city clerk, he was appointed city treasurer by former Mayors Evan S. Dobelle, Paul E. Brindle and Charles L. Smith. At the time of his retirement, he was one of the few tenured city clerks in the state.
A sports fan, Mr. Condron enjoyed national and local sports. He followed Boston sports, especially the Red Sox. He also closely monitored developments on the political scene at all levels.
He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 448 and American Legion Charles Persip Post 68.
He and his wife, the former Barbara J. Young, celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary Oct. 24. They were married in St. Mary's Church.
Besides his wife, he leaves three daughters, Cheryl A. Grogan of North Adams, Cathy L. Condron of Attleboro, and Tracy J. Condron of Jamaica Plain; a son, Brian M. Condron of Hingham; a brother, Joseph Condron of Pittsfield; five grandsons, and twin great-granddaughters.
A son, Dennis Patrick Condron, died Aug. 11, 1973.
FUNERAL NOTICE - Calling hours at DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME will be Tuesday from 3 to 7. The funeral will be Wednesday at 9:15 from the funeral home, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 at St. Joseph's Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation in care of the funeral home.