Francis M. Mach, 81

ADAMS, Mass. —Mr. Francis M. Mach, 82, of Adams, passed away on Wednesday, January 10th, at home in Adams, MA. He was born in Adams on March 27, 1942, a son of the late Henry and Anna (Michalski) Mach. He attended Adams schools, graduating from the former Adams Memorial High School in 1960.

He then earned his bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education from the former North Adams State College in 1964 and 1971. He worked at Clarksburg Elementary school from 1966 to 1994, where he taught middle school science and organized the running club and chess club.

He loved teaching, but after retiring early, he was known to gloat when other teachers had to return to school. Francis, known as Poncho, was raised on the family farm and continued many traditions, such as mushroom hunting, growing food for the family (including prize-winning onions), and preserving food. When he was young, he worked as a short-order cook at the Blue Saucer and continued to be an adventurous cook, known for his sourdough bread, homebrew, and kimchi. Poncho had an early passion for motorcycling on- and off-road and was active in the Hoosac Valley Motorcycle Club, along with his wife, Ellen. Staying in shape for motorcycle trail races led him to his next passion, running. Poncho was an avid runner for most of his life and active (along with Ellen) in the Western Mass Athletic Club, where he was the lead organizer of the Savoy Mountain Run for many years and snuck many Far Side cartoons in the treasurer’s report.

He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Mach and her husband Michael Rogus of Chicago, IL; his son, Lawrence Mach and his wife Loretta Mach of Adams; four grandchildren, Fern Rogus, Kimberly Mach, Andrew Mach, and Sylvia Mach; a sister, Carol Lozinski of Pownal, VT, a brother, Fred Mach of Middlefield, MA, as well as several nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Christine Malloy, of Cheshire, and his wife of 59 years, Ellen M. Mach, whom he married on August 8, 1964.

Visiting hours will be from 4:00–6:00 PM on Friday, January 19, 2024 at PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac Street, Adams. Following visiting hours, all are invited to join Poncho’s family at the Boston Seafood Restaurant, 160 American Legion Drive, North Adams, from 6:30 until 8:00 PM to share memories and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sponsoring a rider (details TBA) or making a general donation to The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (https://www.gentlemansride.com/sponsor/). To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com