John J. "Papa" Pensivy

09/24/2006

John J. "Papa" Pensivy, 94, of Prospect Hill Road died Sunday at Berkshire Medical Center after a brief illness. He was the longest-serving member of the Massachusetts Conservation Commission, from its inception in the early 1960s until his retirement in 2002. In 1998, the board recognized him as its Man of the Year. Born in Stockbridge on Oct. 1, 1911, son of John and Louise Lapont Pensivy, he attended Lenox schools and was a 1930 graduate of Lenox High School. He also attended Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts. Mr. Pensivy was employed by General Electric Co. for more than 30 years as a wirer in both the power transformer and ordnance divisions, retiring in 1973. He also worked as a landscape artist at homes around Stockbridge Bowl. He was a member of the Stockbridge Civil Defense for many years and a union activist for IUE Local 255. He enjoyed working in his greenhouse; raising geese, ducks and chickens, and teaching others about the environment and nature. He also built his own home, where he lived for 68 years. His wife, the former Meredith C. Wood, whom he married July 27, 1941, died March 8, 1998. He leaves a daughter, Sylvia M. Hodges of Pittsfield; a brother, Louis Bellof Stockbridge; three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. FUNERAL NOTICE -- Mr. John Joseph "Papa" Pensivy, who died Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006, also leaves his loving grandchildren, Michael E. Andross II of Pittsfield, Felisa J. Andross of Ludlow and Tahirih L. Dongier of Tampa, Fla.; his great-grandchildren, Dalton J. Andross and Rayah R. Dongier, and his son-in-law, Paul E. Hodges. He was predeased by his sister, Josephine Pensivy, known in religious life as Sister Mary Bernard, in December 2002. A service of remembrance will be conducted Friday evening, Sept. 29, at 7 at ROCHE FUNERAL HOME in Lenox. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Friday from 4 to 7. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Donations in his memory may be made to the Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association, in care of the funeral home, 120 Main St., Lenox, MA 01240.

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John J. "Papa" Pensivy

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