Jean-Claude "JC" Kergaravat, 68

LEE, Mass. — Jean-Claude "JC" Kergaravat, 68, of Lee died peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 20, 2021.

He was born on Jan. 14, 1953, to the late Wilfred Joseph Kergaravat and Marie Yvonne (LeGuern) Kergaravat in Carhaix-Plouger in the Finistere department in Western Brittany, France.

JC came to the USA with his parents as an infant and grew up in Lee and Stockbridge. He attended St. Mary's and the Stockbridge Plain School. He was a 1972 graduate of the Berkshire School in Sheffield. He attended Monmouth College and Hoftra University.

Mr. Kergaravat served as a troubleshooter for Hallmark and resurrected many stores along the East Coast in the late 1970's-early 1980s. He ran his own card and gift shop, Back Bay Greetings, in the Back Bay Section of Boston for several years.

JC moved back to the Berkshires in the latter part of the 1980s and worked for the state Department of Mental Retardation as a direct care worker for almost 20 years before retiring in 2009.

After his retirement, he joined his wife and became the business manager for Berkshire Pet Pals, LLC. Together they provided pet care services to residents of Berkshire County and the surrounding areas.

JC loved softball and often played in the Monterey pick-up league. He sponsored several local co-ed teams and was always willing to share his insight and knowledge of the sport. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. 

He was an accomplished and self-taught musician. He played guitar for several local country bands including: Eldorado, Southern Cross, and Sierra Pearl. His latest project was playing guitar for local recording artist, Jeannie Romeo. 

He enjoyed doing yard work and relaxing at home with his wife and pets.

JC had a quick wit, sense of humor, and strong traditional values and beliefs. His imitations, skits, and antics would put a smile on everyone's face.

JC was diagnosed with stage IV Merkel Cell Carcinoma, a rare neuroendocrine/skin cancer in 2017. He immediately enrolled and participated in a clinical trial for immunotherapy under the guidance of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and did quite well for 3 years. The last 8 months were a struggle as the cancer gained momentum, but he fought bravely and was always positive and upbeat. He was determined to do his part to help find a cure for this rare form of cancer. He was proud to have participated in the avelumab trial, which is now the preferred first line of treatment for those with this type of cancer.

JC is survived by his wife and best friend of 21 years, Kathy Sue Mullett. He also leaves three adult children: Joel, James, and Brittany and two grandchildren.

As per his request, there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, donations in JC's memory may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in care of the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.

Kathy would like to acknowledge and extend a heartfelt thank-you to JC's dear friend, Earl Scott, for his unwavering support and help through this most difficult time: "Your kindness and compassion mean more to us than you will ever know. Thank-you."

A special thanks to Dr. Guilherme Rabinowits, Dr. Glenn Hanna, Dawn F., Dr. Ayal Aizer, Dr. Manisha Thakuria, and the whole team of Merkel Cell Specialists along with their wonderful support staff at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

Thanks to Dr. DeLeo and his staff at the BMC Cancer Center in Pittsfield and to Hospice Care of The Berkshires.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. To share memories and stories please visit rochefuneralhome.com