Mr. Richard Joseph Biernacki

Mr. Richard Joseph Biernacki, 80, of Pittsfield, passed away Tuesday morning, January 16, 2018 with family by his side. Born in Webster, MA May 29, 1937, the son of the late Francis and Julia (Marszalkowski) Biernacki, he attended local schools and received his B.S. from North Adams State College. Richard was a proud member of the U.S. Army Reserves, serving with the 959th Engineering Battalion from 1959 until 1965. He worked for General Electric Power Transformers in Pittsfield for nearly 40 years, retiring as Manager of Claims in 1994. After retiring, he also worked as a tutor for the Pittsfield Public Schools for several years. Richard was an avid Red Sox fan. In addition, his interests included gardening, traveling and music, as well as going to casinos to play his favorite game of video poker. Most of all, Richard was devoted to his family, especially his grandchildren, for which he read many stories, attended numerous sporting events, and just listened and loved them. Richard is survived by his wife, the former Margaret Elizabeth Schneider, whom he married on July 16, 1960. They had been married for 57 years. Besides his wife, Richard leaves behind his children, Richard Biernacki Jr. of Webster, Kevin (Kathleen) Biernacki of West Yarmouth, and Maria (James) Halse of Pittsfield; four grandchildren, Joshua, Abigail, Jonathan and Daniel; his sister and brother-in-law Mary and Fuad Ameen; his brother Raymond (Nancy) Biernacki of Wells, Maine; and his sister-in-law Irene Biernacki of Dudley, MA. He was pre-deceased by his brother Francis Biernacki. Richard also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and doctors at Albany Medical 5 North and St. Peter’s Hospice for their incredible care. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mr. Richard Joseph Biernacki will be held Friday, January 19, 2018 at 7 p.m. at the Dwyer Funeral Home, with Rev. A. Peter Gregory, officiating. Calling hours at the funeral home will precede the service from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Jimmy Fund (gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute), care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201, in his memory. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE BUT MAY BE MADE THROUGH THE FUNERAL HOME.

Mr. Richard Joseph Biernacki

May 29, 1937 - January 16, 2018