David "Poncho" Nassif Jr., 66

David “Poncho” Nassif Jr., age 66 of Savoy, Massachusetts, died peacefully on Wednesday at Berkshire Medical Center surrounded by family and loved ones, after a hard-fought struggle with lung cancer. Poncho is survived by his wife, Lisa, with whom he built a beautiful life together over 48 years, son John (Nicole) Nassif, son Joshua Nassif, sister Darcy (John) Manos, two beloved grandchildren, Nolan Nassif and Madeline Nassif, brothers-in-law Gary (Barb) Tatro, Jeff (Kelly) Tatro, and Tim F. Tatro, Poncho’s “partner in crime” his “grand dog” Jack, and many close and cherished cousins.

Poncho was born on October 19, 1958, in Niskayuna, New York, to David Nassif, Sr. and wife Frances. Poncho grew up in the Berkshires, where he was raised by his dear great-grandparents, John “Bebop” and Jennie “Nana” Ordyna. Here, he attended area schools and spent much of his childhood hunting and fishing with Bebop while enjoying Nana’s wonderful home cooking. This is also when his avid love of Boston sports, specifically the Boston Red Sox, took hold, listening to many games on the radio with his great-grandparents.

Later, Poncho attended Charles H. McCann Technical High School in North Adams, where he met the love of his life, Lisa. While at McCann, Poncho focused on carpentry, which proved extremely valuable because soon after marrying Lisa in August 1981, he, Bebop, and Timmy built the family home, where Poncho and Lisa lived together their entire lives. Upon settling in Savoy, Poncho served as a volunteer member of the Savoy Fire Department for over 10 years. For work, Poncho started as a metal spinner at the former Berkshire Metal Spinning in Clarksburg, but spent the majority of his career driving big trucks and operating heavy machinery, whether it was at the Savoy Highway Department, Bergeron Construction, or DTK Construction. Later, Poncho finished his career as a member of the former Protech Armored Products in Pittsfield, where he and John both worked for a brief period of time.

In retirement, Poncho found enjoyment in his continued life-long love of Boston sports, NASCAR, building complex and detailed Lego kits, cooking daily meals for his wife, babysitting for his “grand dog” Jack, and spending time with family, most of all with his two treasured grandchildren, Nolan and Maddie. It was through his relationship with Nolan and Maddie that Poncho found a renewed excitement for life, sharing many family vacations, birthdays, and love over his favorite holiday, Christmas.

A wake for Poncho will be held on Saturday, March 22, from 8:30 AM – 11:00AM at Flynn and Dagnoli Funeral Home CENTRAL CHAPELS, 74 Marshall Street in North Adams. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will follow immediately after at St. Elizabeth Of Hungary Parish at 11:00 AM Following the funeral service, there will be a reception to celebrate Poncho's life. Details of the reception will be shared by the family following the services.

The family requests that any donations be made to the Savoy Volunteer Fire Department or Pop Cares. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.