Mr. Sylvester N. Peniuk

Sylvester N. Peniuk Lanesboro, MA – Sylvester N. Peniuk, age 80, died on January 5, 2017, in Pittsfield, MA after a brief illness. Sylvester was born in Ludlow, VT, the son of Stella and Nickolas Peniuk. He graduated in 1954 from Black River High School in Ludlow where he played the sousaphone. He attended North Adams State Teacher’s College, now MCLA, and obtained a degree in physics. Syl worked for 40 years for General Electric in Pittsfield first as a toolmaker, then a submarine ordnance systems engineer for missile systems on the Polaris, Poseidon and Trident submarines. Syl also served seven years in the Army Reserves. Syl married Virginia Boivin Peniuk on Nov 18, 1995, at St Joseph’s Parish in Pittsfield, MA. Syl was well known and loved in his community. He was a very active and involved father and grandfather who loved to tell stories to his daughters and grandchildren. He loved to take his grandchildren on trips, including Cape Cod on spring break and the Adirondacks; build snow forts, and teach them to snow ski. He and his wife loved caring for their grandchildren and participating in their school functions. Syl was an active member of his church and a leader at the St. Joseph Parish Food Pantry for 15 years. He was a former member of the Pittsfield Camera Club. Syl was an avid skier at Jiminy Peak and enjoyed snowmobiling in Ludlow, boating on Pontoosuc Lake and golfing with family and friends. Syl enjoyed the lively arts, especially plays, musicals and concerts, which he attended in New York City, Saratoga, NY, and Pittsfield, MA. He and his wife enjoyed visiting California, Florida, and taking cruises. Like his father, he loved vegetable gardening and cooking and made pesto, golabki and pirogis as specialties. Syl is survived by his loving wife, Ginny; daughter Sherri Lea Peniuk of Mercer, ME; Elizabeth Joan Williams nee Calderwood and son-in-law Chris Williams, of Pittsfield; and his four grandchildren of Pittsfield: Cody Barber, Dean and Gianna Parise, and Jayden Williams; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Syl was previously deceased by his parents and his sister, Jeannette Tillotson. FUNERAL NOTICE - The funeral Mass for Mr. Sylvester N. Peniuk will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Church on North Street, Pittsfield, with Monsignor Michael Shershanovich, officiating. Entombment will follow in the St. Michael of the Archangel mausoleum in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours will be Monday from 4-7 PM at the WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. In lieu of flowers, please provide financial support to the St. Joseph’s Food Panty, 414 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Please visit www.wellingtofuneralhome.com to leave condolences and remembrances for his family.