Albert P. Denelli

12/25/2005

Albert P. Denelli, 81, of 277 Shadowland Cove, died Sunday morning in Raynham at the home of his daughter. Born on April 4, 1924, in North Adams, son of the late Giovanni and Maria Barbieri Daniele, he was educated in North Adams schools and was a 1942 graduate of Drury High School. He also attended Greenfield Community College, Berkshire Community College and the Massachusetts Fire Fighting Academy, where he took fire science courses. Mr. Denelli had resided in Cheshire for the past 25 years and, prior to that, had resided in North Adams for many years. A decorated serviceman, he served in the Army during World War II with the 734th Field Artillery Battalion of the Third Army in Europe. While in Europe, he fought in four battles, among them the Battle of the Bulge. He became a firefighter for the city of North Adams in 1953, ultimately becoming chief in 1969. He was the last fire chief to serve in that capacity before the position became part of the newly-created Commissioner of Public Safety in 1981, a position he also held until retiring in 1984. Mr. Denelli was a communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Cheshire. He was a lifetime member of the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association and he served on the advisory boards at both Greenfield and Berkshire Community Colleges, helping to implement their fire science programs. He was a corporator of the Hoosac-North Adams Savings Bank and a member of North Adams VFW Post 966. He was also a member of North Adams American Legion Post 125. He enjoyed sports, fishing, traveling, and reading about history. He was a baseball fan and followed the Cincinnati Reds. He wintered in Lake Havasu, Arizona. He leaves his wife, the former Jeanette Talbot of Cheshire, whom he married on April 15, 1950, at Sacred Heart Church in Bennington, Vt. He also leaves his daughter, Deborah A. Dallaire of Raynham, and a granddaughter. FUNERAL NOTICE -- Funeral services for Albert P. Denelli, 81, former Commissioner of Public Safety for the City of North Adams, who died Dec. 25, 2005, will be held on Thursday at 9:15 a.m. from DERY-CHESHIRE FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church. Burial will take place in the spring in Cheshire Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Dery-Cheshire Funeral Home. Mr. Denelli also leaves his granddaughter, Samantha D. Dallaire, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four sisters and four brothers. Memorial donations in memory of Mr. Denelli may be made to the Hospice Outreach or to the Adams Ambulance Service, both in care of the funeral home, North State Rd. Cheshire, MA 01225.

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