Mr. Joseph M. Lavelle

Mr. Joseph M. Lavelle, 92, Pittsfield, passed away at his home on Friday, January 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Pittsfield, MA to Joseph E. and Laura M. (Boyer) Lavelle, July 20, 1932. He grew up in West Pittsfield and graduated from Pittsfield High School, Class of 1950. Joe was a fine baseball and hockey player at PHS and continued playing as an adult. He was a proud member of the 1950 semi-pro Tyler Aces. Joseph was a Korean War Veteran. He proudly served his country as a Staff Sargent in the United States Air Force from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1956. For the majority of his career, Joe was employed by IBM, where he worked as a customer service engineer. It was from there that he retired after 30 years of dedicated service. In retirement, he volunteered his time and programming skills to help The Berkshire Athenaeum archives set up their genealogy program. He also enjoyed fly fishing, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, listening to music, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, bird watching, helping people research their ancestry, and most of all socializing with and taking care of his family. He especially liked family getaways, a favorite spot being the Adirondacks. A man of few words, Joe was a very caring, generous Dad and grandfather and was always there when we needed him. Joe is survived by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 71 years, the former Fern E. O'Donnell, whom he married on December 12, 1953. He leaves behind his children, Kim E. Lavelle of Dalton, Karen Sondrini (Michael) and Susan Lavelle (Thomas Hoover) of Pittsfield, Michael Lavelle of Salt Lake City, and Jane Lavelle (Kent Allen) of San Francisco, as well as grandchildren Dominick Sondrini (Lindsey), Matthew Sondrini, David Sondrini (Caitlyn), Abigail Sondrini, Mark Lavelle, Christopher Jackson, and Althea and Cassady Allen, and great grandchildren Stella and Everett Sondrini. Besides his parents he was predeceased by siblings Edward, Richard, Alfred, Charles, Mildred, Constance and Anna. Funeral Notice: A private service for Joe is being held. A public celebration of his life will be at a later date, notice of which will be published when details are finalized. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory can be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires, 877 South St, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Mr. Joseph M. Lavelle

July 20, 1932 - January 17, 2025