Mr. Paul J. Smegal

Mr. Paul J. Smegal, 37, of Pittsfield, passed away at Berkshire Medical Center on November 7, 2016 due to undiagnosed heart disease. Born in Pittsfield on March 10, 1979, the son of Paul S. Smegal and Deborah (Maynard) Brunelle, he was a 1997 graduate of Wahconah Regional High School. While in high school, Paul played football and later, while attending Norwich University in Vermont, played rugby. Paul enjoyed spending time with lifelong friends made in high school and college. In 2006, Paul moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where he worked as a self-employed contractor. After spending seven years in Charlotte, during which time he formed many close relationships, he returned to Pittsfield in 2014 to re-join his family and reconnect with friends. He continued working as a residential contractor creating high-quality, custom carpentry. Paul was always a hunting, fishing and outdoors enthusiast, even from a young age. After moving back to Pittsfield, Paul shared this passion with his friends and family, particularly fishing and kayaking with his oldest nephew, Aiden, and sister Jaclyn. Paul enjoyed spending time with his family. He was loyal to the friends he made throughout his life and many consider him their brother. All who knew Paul will recall his talent for telling stories (which included minor embellishments and amusing reenactments), his infectious laugh and his smile from ear to ear. Paul could light up a room, and was known to serenade friends and family while playing guitar (self-taught) or belt out songs by Pearl Jam, Crash Test Dummies, Kid Rock, Guns N’ Roses, Aaron Lewis, Wilson Pickett (“Mustang Sally”), and more at karaoke or family events. He liked to hijack the microphone wherever he could and would sometimes talk with Uncle Vito late night on PYX106. Paul was also an incredible dancer who tore up the dance floor, especially at family weddings. There was no containing him when a Michael Jackson song came on. Besides his parents, Paul is survived by his girlfriend, Theresa Vallera of Connecticut and his stepfather, James Brunelle, of Southampton. He is also survived by his sister, Sarah Smegal, her husband, Jeffrey DaCosta and their daughter, Samantha, of Boston; his sister, Jaclyn Alibozek and her son, Aiden, of Pittsfield; and his brother, Jason Smegal, his wife, Katie, and their son, Wyatt, of Pittsfield. Paul is further survived by his maternal grandparents, Richard and Janet Maynard, of Lanesboro and his maternal aunt and uncle: Lynn (Maynard) Gajewski of Lititz, PA and Stephen Maynard of Lanesboro. Paul is also survived by his many paternal aunts and uncle: Joan (Smegal) Johnson of Pittsfield; Patricia (Smegal) and Ronald Bordeau of Pittsfield; Bruce and Brenda Smegal of Stephentown, NY; Cynthia (Smegal) and Patrick Pepper of Lumberton, NJ; Barbara (Smegal) and John VanDyke of Minneapolis, MN; and JoAnne (Smegal) and Rob Christman of Falmouth, ME. Paul also leaves behind many beloved cousins, extended family members, and friends. Paul is pre-deceased by his paternal grandparents, Joseph S. Smegal and Alice (French) Smegal; his paternal uncle, Joseph P. Smegal; and his maternal uncle, Jonathan Maynard, all formerly of Pittsfield. He was also predeceased by his dog and faithful companion, Birdman. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Paul J. Smegal will be held Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Charles Church, 89 Briggs Ave., Pittsfield, celebrated by Rev. A. Peter Gregory, pastor and concelebrated by Paul’s cousin, Rev. John Smegal. Calling hours at the Dwyer Funeral Home will be held Friday, November 11, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. If friends desire, donations may be made in Paul’s memory, payable to Jaclyn Alibozek in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home to offset final costs.

Mr. Paul J. Smegal

March 10, 1979 - November 7, 2016