Mr. John "Garz" Garzone

John “Garz” Garzone, 75, of Pittsfield, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2017, at home, after a prolonged illness. Born in Pittsfield on June 4, 1942 the son of Steve and Jeanette Glowacz Garzone, he was a 1960 graduate of Pittsfield High School and later attended Berkshire Community College. After service in the Army during the Vietnam War, John first worked in retail, and then for 21 years at General Electric in Pittsfield. "Garz” was an active and popular coach in Pittsfield youth sports for many years and is fondly remembered by players he worked with. He was an avid reader and enjoyed karaoke and dancing as a member of Elks Lodge 1511 in Bradenton FL, until his return to Pittsfield in September of 2016. The passion to which he devoted the greater part of his time over the past 20 years was honing his writing skills and collaborating with the writers' group begun at the State College of Florida in Manatee County, serving the last years of his time there as moderator and director. Among the products of his endeavors are 5 published detective novels in his "Mike and Myra" series, set in Pittsfield, and short fiction. He was delighted to have won the 2016 certificate and cash award from the national Ageless Authors short story competition. Besides his wife of 19 years, Margaret, John is survived by three daughters and their families: Jennifer Mendel and husband Mark, Julie Giardina and husband Peter, Jeanna Giardina and husband Paul. Grandchildren Jake and Rebecca Mendel, Amy Jimenez and Stephanie Giardina, and Alexis, Mia and Talia Giardina. He will also be greatly missed by his step children: Ernesto Burden, Ana Wolf, Catherine Jordan and James Burden as well as many nieces, nephews and step grandchildren in Florida and Massachusetts. He also leaves behind a brother, Joseph Garzone of Florida, and two half-sisters in Ohio. His eldest brother, Steve Garzone, predeceased him. Funeral Notice: Calling hours will be held at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield MA from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday, July 28, 2017. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church and interment service with full Military Honors to follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HospiceCare in The Berkshires, Inc., care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, in his memory. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. John "Garz" Garzone

June 4, 1942 - July 20, 2017