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Charles R. Ransford, 77

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Charles Russell “Rusty” Ransford, 77, of North Adams, Mass., died on Saturday, October 13, 2018, at Albany Medical Center. 

He was born in North Adams, Mass., on March 14, 1941, son of the late Charles Henry and Althea (Bacon) Ransford. He attended local schools and graduated from Drury High School with the class of 1959, and the University of Massachusetts, with a BS in mechanical engineering. He also attended MCLA, and earned certification in secondary education from Westfield State University.

Rusty began his career working as a design engineer for Sprague and other area companies, lastly at the age of 27, as chief engineer for Anken Chemical Corp. Rusty holds several patents for machine and mold design. As a businessman, he restored the antique Cider Mill on Church Street, which he operated with his wife Dorothy for over 25 years. Meanwhile, he established and operated Klean Kraft Janitorial Services. 

Rusty was a real estate developer and entrepreneur in Berkshire County, where he was the owner and operator of Ransford Properties. He also maintained and operated the 275-year-old family farm in The Hopper in Williamstown. 

Rusty was a master mason at the Layette-Greylock Lodge of Masons and a member of the Scottish Rite. He was a life member of the North Adams Elks, past president of The North Adams Lions Club as well as the North Adams Eagles, the Doppleganger Motorcycle Club, and the Greylock Community Club. He was a mechanical "genius" and a collector of antique tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles and cars, which he could  repair and restore.  

Rusty loved taking long distance trips on his 1941 Indian Chief Motorcycle. He was a real outdoorsman and a true friend to all he encountered. 

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Linda (Giusti) Ransford, whom he married at St. Anthony’s Church in 1963. He also leaves his son, Charles R. “Randy” Ransford Jr. of North Adams, Mass.; grandchildren Gabrielle Leigh Ransford, Briana “Breezy” Ransford, and MacKenzie Charles Ransford and his wife, Siobhan; and step-grandchildren Mark Cottrel, Adam Cottrel and Heather Morris. 

He was predeceased by his son, Lee Hamilton Ransford, who died in childhood. 

Funeral notice: Calling hours for Charles R. Ransford will be held on Sunday, October 21, 2018, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapel, 521 West Main St., North Adams, MA 01247.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapel, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Donations in his memory may be made to either the Lee Hamilton Ransford Memorial Scholarship Fund at MCLA, or Shriners Hospitals for Children-Springfield.


Obituary Provided By: Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals

Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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So sorry to hear of Rusty’s death. Please remember all the wonderful times you all had. You are all in my prayers.
from: Sue Francison: 10-24-2018

So sorry Dot Randy and family kindness and compassion have been how Rusty and all of you have lived God bless you all.
from: nancy girardon: 10-21-2018

To the Ransford family. Rusty knew my dad and several of my uncles who have past away over these last couple of years. His words and remembrances to me revealed that he shared our family's losses. Please take some measure of comfort in knowing that many people enjoyed Rusty's company and now it is us that share your loss.
from: Al Lescarbeauon: 10-20-2018

My deepest condolences to Dorothy and her family.
from: Enid Shieldson: 10-19-2018

Dorothy,Randy and family. So sorry to hear of Rusty's passing. He was a "good guy". My sympathy to you and yours.
from: Donna Mae Lonctoon: 10-19-2018

Sorry to hear about Rusty's passing.
A great guy who I had many hair-raising conversations with.
My thoughts and prayers to all the family.
from: Dr Bill Koberon: 10-18-2018

Reel sorry to here this. Rusty was good guy. Always fun to have him around. He will be sadely missed by all who knew him.
Owen & Debbie
from: Owen & Debbie (Dunn) Granton: 10-18-2018

Dorthy, Sorry for your lost. We were friends during high school. He was a great guy.
from: Paul Horbalon: 10-18-2018

Sincere condolences to Dot and all if Rusty’s family.7NM
from: Diane Parsonson: 10-17-2018

Rusty may have "Kicked the bucket", as he would say, but it spilled his great smile into the world! Condolences are in order, but rather say, "Life is good," to quote him. Love to all the Ransfords!
from: John Shermanon: 10-17-2018

very sorry for your loss. our thoughts are with you and your family.
from: Betsy and Alexon: 10-17-2018

Dear Dorthy And Randy, We Are So Sorry To Hear Of Rusty"S Passing It Is A Great Loss. May Time Help You Heal From Your Pain. May Rusty Rest In Peace.

Respectfully
Al And Teresa Denault
from: on: 10-17-2018

So sorry Dot and Randy, we were shocked, we just saw Rusty a short time ago, as was talking about getting together at the pub one night. Time slips away. God Bless and take care, you and Rusty are in our prayers, and thoughts in this time of sorrow.Remember the bright and happy Days, it is our solace in this world of hurt! Think the good thoughts, and remember, "It is not a far gap between where ever it is and here" Rest in Peace, Rusty.
from: Patrick and Connie Grayon: 10-17-2018

Rusty was a careing and a gentle man. Always had a smile on his face.
from: thomas ryanon: 10-17-2018

RIP Rusty. Dorothy,Randy and family members, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Many fond memories growing up with such great neighbors.
from: Kathy Reynoldson: 10-17-2018

So sorry for your loss, Dorothy. May Rusty now Rest In Peace.
from: Janice Messeron: 10-17-2018

North Adams was blessed to see Rusty's happy and familiar face shine around town. He was a wonderful person and will be sadly missed. My sincere condolences. God bless his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
from: Carl Villanuevaon: 10-17-2018

BYE, Rusty.and friend. You've had a great run, and had fun along the way!
from: Neil Girouxon: 10-17-2018

Dot, Randy and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Rusty was a great friend to Daddy, Bob and my family for years and years. He will be sadly missed.
from: Shirley Hartwig Fachinion: 10-17-2018

I'm so sorry for your loss .Sending thoughts and prayers to the family . He will be missed by many he was a kind man RIP Rusty
from: Karen Buffkinon: 10-17-2018

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