Mr. Edward J. Powers

Mr. Edward J. Powers, 60 of Pittsfield, MA, died Friday November 30, 2012 surrounded by his family. Born in Pittsfield on June 11, 1952 the son of Edward and Carolyn Powers and Adrien Chalifoux, he was a chef, educator, and tireless advocate for those less fortunate. A graduate of Taconic High School, Ed attended Essex Agricultural School and Westfield State University to obtain his culinary arts and teaching credentials. He founded and for 25 years led one of the preeminent culinary arts programs in the country at Pittsfield High School, inspiring hundreds of students to pursue a culinary career while emphasizing the importance of community service. Ed dedicated thousands of hours to organizations throughout Berkshire County and was honored as one of the Boys and Girls Club of America’s Service to Youth award winners. An accomplished chef and educator, Ed was inducted into the Albany, New York chapter of prestigious Les Amis d’ Escoffier Society of New York and was an active member of the American Culinary Federation. Ed was also the proud owner of Powers Catering and the Madison Café. Ed was predeceased by his son, Brandon, and parents Edward Powers and Carolyn and Adrien Chalifoux. He leaves his wife of 32 years, Carol; son E.J. and wife Gina of Manchester, NH; sisters Anna Miller and husband Terry of Pittsfield, MA and Doreen Horton and husband Dave of Windsor, MA; parents-in-law Louis and Angelina Lausier; and several brothers and sisters-in law, cousins, nieces and nephews. FUNERAL NOTICE : Funeral services for Mr. Edward J. Powers will be Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 9 a.m. from the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Charles Church, celebrate by the Rev. A. Peter Gregory, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be, Tuesday, December 4, 2012 from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Friends of Renal Dialysis – FORD, care of the Dwyer Funeral Home in his memory. Please visit www.dwyerfuneral.com to leave condolences and remembrances. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ON THIS WEBSITE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home

Mr. Edward J. Powers

June 11, 1952 - November 30, 2012