Berkley P. Marchione, 84
NEW MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Berkley Parsons Marchione, 84, Mill River, died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009, at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington following a brief illness.
Born in Bristol, Conn., on March 26, 1924, son of Frank and Tess Parsons Marchione, he was a graduate of Bristol High School and the University of Connecticut's animal husbandry program. He moved to Mill
River in 1955.
Mr. Marchione began his career in farming, first in Winchester, Conn., with his uncle Joseph Marchione at River Dell Acres, where he was a member of the Winchester Grange, and later at Crystal Hill Farm in Mill River. He later established a custom pool cue manufacturing business, Berk Built Products, which sold as Mali Cue in New York. After retiring in 1981, he operated a saw mill at his home and built custom furniture for many years.
His favorite pastime was riding out into the fields in his Willy's Jeep to cut firewood and enjoy nature or share a cup of coffee and reminisce with his many friends. After his retirement, he spent every day with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all live close by.
He and his wife, the former Gloria Galaise of Torrington, Conn., would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.
Besides his wife, he leaves a son Michael Marchione and his wife, Barbara, of New Marlborough; three daughters, Kim Peretti and her husband, Tom, of Canaan, Conn., Kathy Andrus and her husband, Tom, and Joely Snyder and her husband, John, all of New Marlborough; a sister, Jean Savoy and her husband Joseph, of Great Barrington; a brother, Dale Parsons Marchione of Winchester, 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren
He was predeceased by two daughters, Jennifer Marchione Pederson and infant Bonnie Lee Marchione, as well as two infant great-granddaughters, Sarah and Sandy Swaller.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A service celebrating the life of Mr. Marchione will be conducted on Friday, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m. at United Church of New Marlborough in Southfield by the Rev. Brian Care.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 4 until 7 at Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Church of New Marlborough, the New Marlborough Volunteer Fire Company or to HospiceCare in the Berkshire through the funeral home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.