Lawrence Michalenko, 61

SAVOY, Mass. —

Mr. Lawrence Michalenko, 61, of Savoy, died unexpectedly on Monday evening, February 19, 2024 at his home.

He was born in Pittsfield on April 11, 1962, a son of Cecelia (Biros) Michalenko and the late Aloysius Michalenko. He attended St. Stanislaus Elementary School in Adams and graduated from C.H. McCann Technical Vocational High School in North Adams with the Class of 1980. He then earned his teaching certificate from Westfield State College.

Larry was the department head of the Advanced Manufacturing program at Taconic High School in Pittsfield, where he had taught for the past 26 years. He also spent some time as an adjunct professor for the Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program at Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield. He enjoyed teaching and had also mentored many of his students, helping them to succeed not only in their studies but also in choosing a better path in life. Larry was an advisor for the Skills USA program, a national organization serving students in the skilled trades. Prior to embarking on his teaching career, at the young age of 19 he owned and operated the former Village Restaurant in Williamstown. He then moved on to machining where he worked alongside his two brothers at Pen-Ro Group in Pittsfield.

Following in his father’s footsteps he was a member of the former Boy Scout Troop 56 in Adams, as well as a former member of the Savoy Volunteer Fire Department. From a young age he was a communicant of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Adams.
Larry had a passion for collecting and restoring antique machinery. He instilled in his children his hard-working values and the ability to take trash and turn it into treasure. He was especially good at making things run that others couldn’t. When all else fails, call Larry. He was well known for his sarcastic wit amongst family and friends. His humor extended down to the playful relationship he held with his granddaughter McKinley.
Besides his mother Cecelia (Biros) Michalenko, of Adams, he leaves behind his best friend and love of his life, Sharon C. King, whom he married on May 16, 1987; his four children, Nicholas Michalenko and his wife Kacie of Windsor, MA; Emily Michalenko and her significant other Troy Howes of Cummington, MA; Alexander Michalenko and his fiancé’ Samantha Daniels of Florida, MA and Hailey Robley and her husband Darian of Alamogordo, New Mexico; two grandchildren, McKinley Michalenko and Willa Michalenko; Two brothers, Michael Michalenko and his wife, Sharon, of Adams; and Peter Michalenko and his wife Sherri of Savoy, as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, Feb. 26th at 11:00 AM in St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 25 Hoosac St. Adams. Burial will be held at a later date. Calling hours are Sunday from 2 until 4 PM in the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Savoy Volunteer Fire Department, 17 Center Rd. Savoy, MA 01256.

To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com