Lenox’s large funerals

Editor’s Note: This is a good time to recall those special funerals that brought many people to Lenox.

Within the last 34 years, Marine Lance Cpl. Roger W. Muchnick, Jr.’s funeral two weeks ago was probably the largest military-keyed funeral for Lenox.

The other largely attended funerals were for the late owner and operator George J. Bisacca, whose contingent with horse-drawn wagon with coffin went from the Church on the Hill to the Lenox Cemetery with 1,000 people in step.

As Eastover’s general, he had a large following locally and around the northeast for his ability and willingness to help visitors, the community and Tanglewood.

Mr. Bisacca, who died on Oct. 30, 1983, was a community supporter and Civil War buff who made Eastover more than just a place to stay. Eastover was a part of the fabric of the community to countless Berkshire County residents.

In addition, Eastover supplied the cannon that the Boston Symphony Orchestra used during its performance of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” at Tanglewood on Parade during the third Thursday in August every summer.

The sudden and untimely death of Peter J. Piretti on Oct. 26, 1987 at a young age brought sadness to the community and respect for not using gasoline inside one’s house no matter the purpose. At the time of his death, he was a local realtor and investor in real estate.

Then there was Edward “Cap” Conklin, longtime assessor and former fire chief, who became a hero in the Shadowbrook fire, as he was the first responder and was able to save several lives. Mr. Conklin died on Dec. 9, 2000.

Kevin Hall, 61, who was on the zoning board of appeals, instrumental in the operations of the town and drove an old Model T around town, brought out a lot of parishioners to his service following his death on July 25, 2002. He had worked for many years at Key Bank in Albany.

Also, Mark Huber died last Nov. 20, unexpectedly, at a young age. He, too, had a large funeral delegation who turned out to pay their respects.

Countless others have been remembered as community leaders and family members, who have suffered illnesses. Others who have died in an accident were honored by this community.

Posted by George C. Jordan III on April 11, 2013. Filed under Opinion,View from the Tower. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry