Rev. William "Bill" Furey

Rev. William David Furey, 77, of Cheshire, who, through his ministry and friendship, helped countless families cope with the loss of loved ones, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, on Friday, February 21, 2025. Born in Pittsfield, MA, on August 6, 1947, son of the late Howard and Geraldine Davis Furey, he attended Cheshire and Adams Schools, and graduated from Pittsfield High School with the class of 1966. Bill lived a life of service, always dedicated to helping others. In 1968, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country as a Senior Corpsman in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. In 1974, he was honorably discharged with ribbons acknowledging: Combat Action, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy/Marine Achievement (star and valor), Meritorious unit commendation, Vietnam Cross of Galantry, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, Navy Reserve. Bill worked at GE in Pittsfield for twenty years, from 1970 to 1990. He was an Ordained Baptist minister, serving as Pastor of The First Baptist Church in Cheshire, MA, from 1974 until 1998. At the time of his death, Bill was the Pastor of Berkshire Union Chapel in Lanesborough, MA. Reverend William D. Furey just completed his 50th year in the ministry of Jesus Christ. For 9 years Bill also worked at Whitney’s Farm Market in Cheshire, MA, where he made the salads, salsa and guacamole. He loved his time working in the kitchen with all the “young people.” Bill also served on the Cheshire Board of Health in the 80’s and served as Cheshire’s Veterans Agent in the late 90’s. In 2005, God called Bill to Burkina Faso West Africa to help escort and transfer young children with medical conditions to USA hospitals. This led to another 10 trips to Burkina Faso to assist children to get medical help here to the USA. Bill started African Integrity Missions, a 501C3 Non-Profit mission. Bill is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, the former Anne Marie Drummond, whom he married on August 11, 2007. He leaves behind his beloved children and grandchildren; Wyatt D. Furey and his significant other Donna Krutiak, Timothy W. Furey and his wife Angela, Luke H. Furey and his wife Amy, and their 3 children, Alexander Furey, Robert Furey and Jonathan Furey. Bill is survived by two step-daughters, Ayla A. Carr and her husband Jordan, Annie L. Sumner and her husband Zackary, and their children, Amelia Sumner and Annabella Sumner. He also leaves his beloved sister, Carol A. Francesconi and her husband Richard, niece, Maria Francesconi and grand nephew, Dominic Puntin, nephew Thomas Francesconi and his wife Michelle and grand nieces, Mia and Sofia Francesconi. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Patricia Furey and niece, Kimberly Furey. Additional, Bill is survived by his African family of 20 years, Henri Bienvenue Nacko and his parents, Gustave and Sidonie Nacko, as well as Ikwuyatum Ijegwa Owoicho, Philomene Apouho Owoicho, Tutilo Manuel Ijegwa Owoicho, Adejo Gideon Ernest Owoicho and Galahad Oche Daniel Owoicho, and Pastor Philip and his congregation. He also leaves his former wife, Kathleen J. Furey. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Robert V. Furey, as well as his 3 beloved canines, Zeusboy, Nakota and Gretchen. To know Bill was to know of his lighthearted spirit, his honest generosity, his loving kindness, and his heart of gold. While he will be sorely missed by those who were blessed to have known him, we take solace knowing that Bill has completed the race and has gone to his Eternal Home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Funeral Notice: Funeral services with full military honors for Rev. Willam “Bill” Furey will be Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11am at St. Mary’s Church in Cheshire, MA, officiated by the Rev. Donald Gray former pastor of Adams Baptist Church and Bill’s lifelong friend. Burial will be in the late Spring in Cheshire Cemetery. Calling hours will be Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 3pm to 6pm at the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home in Pittsfield, where Bill was thought of as family, 220 East St, Pittsfield MA 01201. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory can be made to Cheshire Volunteer Fire Dept or Berkshire Union Chapel or African Integrity Missions, in care of the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home.

Rev. William "Bill" Furey

August 6, 1947 - February 21, 2025