Charles H. Perenick Sr., 89

HINSDALE, Mass. —  Charles Henry Perenick, Sr., 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, December 5, 2022 at Berkshire Place in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
   He was born in North Adams, Massachusetts on September 30, 1933, to Rosalie (Mancuso) Perenick and Salvatore Perenick. He was a star athlete at, and graduated from Drury High School in North Adams. He earned his bachelor’s degree in pre-law from Norwich University, Northfield, VT in 1956 where he also lettered in football and track. He was devoted to the University and was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame and served on the Board of Fellows for many years.
    While a high school student, he joined the Massachusetts National Guard as a Private and subsequently rose to the rank of Master Sergeant. In 1955, hesuccessfully completed Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Ft. Benning, GA and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. From there, he held various command and staff positions during his distinguished military career which spanned 43 years and retired at the rank of Major General.
Upon graduation from Norwich, he served as a member of the Massachusetts State Police (Troop B) and as a teacher in the Pittsfield Public School system. Charlie attended New England School of Law for two years in the evenings. He assisted in restructuring the Pittsfield ITAM Lodge No. 564 which later became the largest Sons of Italy Lodge in the United States. He served as the First Venerable for the ITAM Lodge. His leadership and organizational expertise were recognized by the Order’s state delegates and he subsequently was elected to the
state office of trustee, treasurer, first vice president and State President. As the  immediate past State President, Charlie was honored by the President of the Republic of Italy. He was bestowed the rank of “Cavaliere” (Knight) in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
    Active in Massachusetts politics, he was appointed Administrative Assistant to the  Chairman of the Massachusetts Republican State Committee and Appointment Secretary and Assistant State Service Secretary to both Governors John A. Volpe  and Francis W. Sargent.
   He left the State House in 1971 when he was appointed Clerk Magistrate of the Concord District Court. He served for 21 years until his retirement in 1992.
   Charlie enjoyed traveling and took many cruises and also trips to Italy with friends and family. He enjoyed his winters in St. Croix and his ocean home in Hull, MA. Spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, Nicholas, Olivia, Matthew, Connor, Jack and Alex… which included trips to the Beacon Resort, sports games, dance recitals and more.
Charlie maintained a caring demeanor and always looked out for others. He believed in hard-work and lived by the mantra, “Faith, Family and Friends.” Charlie’s hospitality was legendary as was his involvement in many organizations. Charlie was a member of the following organizations:
FMSTA – Former Massachusetts State Trooper Association
MAITAPO – Massachusetts Association of Italian American Police Officers-where in 1988 he was awarded the Grand Knight Order of Saint Michael the Archangel
American Legion Post 0160, Adams, MA
Yankee Division Memorial Club of Boston
RSCMEA Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association of MA
Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston– past member

   Charlie moved back to the Berkshires five years ago with his companion Elsa. They were both communicants of St. Agnes Church in Dalton. Both enjoyed time at Tanglewood and traveling together. Elsa provided love, care and devotion to Charlie throughout their many years together.
Charlie is survived by his longtime companion, Elsa Murphy. His daughter Kimberley Perenick of Woburn, MA, son Charles H. Jr. and wife Siobhan Perenick of Duxbury, MA, son Daniel and wife Melinda Perenick of Woburn, MA and son Andrew and wife Sarah Perenick of Dalton, MA. He also leaves six grandchildren- Matthew, Connor, Nicholas, Olivia, Jack and Alexander. He is also survived by his brother Francis Perenick of Springfield, MA, sister Catherine Zelazo of Adams, MA, brother William Perenick and sister in-law Betty of Readsboro, VT, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Norman “Nick” Perenick.  His family would like to thank all of the staff at Berkshire Place Memory Care for the love and care that they gave to Charlie during his stay there.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Charles H. Perenick, Sr.,will be celebrated Thursday December 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Agnes Church in Dalton, MA by Rev. Christopher Malatesta, Pastor. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery in North Adams. Calling hours at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-BENCIVENGA FUNERAL HOME, 5 Elm St. Pittsfield, MA is Wednesday from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be sent to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516; Woundedwarriorproject.org or The Charitable & Educational Trust, Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, 85 River Street, Suite 2, Waltham, MA 02453 osia.org To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com