Lawrence V. Rosenburg, 87

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  Mr. Lawrence Verne “Herk” Rosenburg, 87, of Williamstown, passed away on Tuesday evening, December 24, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Known to most people as “Herk” and to his family as Verne, he was born in Williamstown on February 10, 1937 to Rachel Lowry and Harold Rosenburg.

He grew up and worked throughout the years on the Lowry family farm with his cousins, Anne, David, Tom, and Sonny Lowry. His uncle Floyd operated Clover Hill Farm and his mother delivered the milk to Williamstown residents. He attended Williamstown Public Schools and graduated in 1955 from Williamstown High School. After high school, he went to work for Sand Springs Bottling Company. From there he began his career as a truck driver, working 17 years for Hayden Oil Company delivering oil. He then drove trucks for 10 years for the Town of Williamstown Highway Department. Throughout those years, he also drove trucks part-time for several Williamstown contractors, including H.D. Moore, John Bottesi, and James Galusha. Then he resumed delivering oil, this time for O’Connell Oil Company, where he worked 12 more years and finally, fully retired from Atlantis Equipment in Adams.

Herk loved being outdoors, mowing lawns and riding on his tractor. For many years, he owned and operated his own business, mowing lawns, tilling, and offering related services. He looked forward to summer when he could swim, visit the beach, go to fairs throughout the county, and walk, when able. Herk loved listening to music and could often be found beside his radio listening to the golden oldies. His upbringing on the farm gave him a lifelong love for farming and throughout the years, he raised beef cows, naming and caring for each of them. Herk made his residence with a stepdaughter, Carol Witek. He enjoyed the time that he spent with his stepfamily, the Witek’s and the Maselli’s over holidays, vacations, and Sunday dinners. He especially enjoyed spending time with his step granddaughter, Jennafer Maselli, and loved her as his own. They shared a love for animals, swimming, and coffee dates, and enjoyed going for rides together in his truck.

His former wife Alice Ziemba Witek Rosenburg died in 2003. He leaves behind a cousin, Anne Grande and nieces and nephews, along with his stepfamily. Predeceased were cousins Thomas, David, and Floyd Lowry, Kenneth Rosenburg, and Debbie Gamari. Herk was a gentle and kind person who will be sadly missed. To know him was to love him and laugh along beside him.

The funeral will be held on Monday, Dec. 30th at 12 Noon at Sherman Burbank Memorial Chapel, 605 Main St. Williamstown. Burial will follow in Eastlawn Cemetery. Calling hours will be held IN THE CHAPEL on Monday morning from 10 AM until 11:30 AM, directly before the funeral.

Memorial donations may be made to the SSK Preservation Fund, PO Box 328, Adams, MA 01220, or to Dorset Equine Rescue, PO Box 92, East Dorset, VT 05253.

The PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, Adams, is in charge of arrangements. To leave a message of condolence, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com