Obituary for Alan J. Bongini
Alan J. Bongini, 78 of Hinsdale, passed away March 8, 2023, at Berkshire Medical Center.
Born in Pittsfield on April 13, 1944, to Alfred and Elizabeth Bongini. After graduating from PHS in 1962, he built beautiful cabinets in houses being constructed on Crane Avenue. Entering the Army in January 1965, Alan served in Germany. He was honorably discharged in December of 1966 receiving the Expert Rifle and Expert Howitzer 105 awards, as well as the National Defense Service Medal and Army Occupation Medal (Berlin). After his service he was employed at General Electric for 34 years in the Transformer Division.
Even as a young boy Alan’s interests lay in nature. He caught many a fish for supper in the brooks on Dalton Avenue. Hunting and fishing with his Grandpa were little Alan’s greatest joys. Anything with Grandpa and Grandma made Alan happy.
With a gift from his Grandpa upon his passing, Alan bought a piece of land in Peru where he and Grandpa had often hunted white rabbits. Using his building talents, he alone built a beautiful hunting camp. His old jeep and little trailer hauled many loads of green lumber up to that little spot in the woods that became a peaceful refuge for Alan.
Staying close to nature, Alan loved hunting and fishing. He traveled with old friends to Silverton Colorado on a hunting trip and made numerous trips to Canada to visit old friends and fish for walleyes. Most hunting and fishing, though, was done close to home. Knowing the terrain, sitting silently, patiently waiting and just being one with nature was very satisfying for Alan’s soul.
Although many of Alan’s lifelong friends have gone before him, taking their places in God’s great forests and fields, Alan had a gift for making new friends. He loved to tell his stories of hunting and fishing and could keep your attention throughout, clapping his hands, laughing and just being happy. Many stories were told around the wood pile. Alan’s woodpile was a great source of pride and joy. Beautiful stacks, a shed full and lots of kindling were essential for winter warmth.
Through the years Alan planted many apple, pear, oak, and last year, chestnut trees to feed the forest creatures. Each spring brussels sprouts were planted for the deer, zinnias for the hummingbirds and sunflowers for all. The fish and turtles near his home also devoured many loaves of bread.
A ride through the woods on his 4-wheeler, a discovery of some old ruins, some tasty mushroom finds, a new visitor on the wood’s camera and the sun’s warmth made his heart happy.
Alan would fix most anything mechanical. He liked the challenges of Virginia’s mower, baler, and the old Massey Ferguson, which recently needed a new radiator and water pump, twice. Good and sometimes unusual ideas made for successful outcomes.
Alan was a very independent, meticulous, and generous man, always willing to give and expecting nothing in return. He used to jokingly say life goes on with or without you. That’s true, but it’s never quite the same. We’re leaving the light on for you, Alan.
Mr. Bongini is survived by his life partner, Virginia Lynn of Hinsdale, her daughter Samantha and sisters Nancy and Diana. He leaves his son Eric Bongini and wife Misi of Pittsfield and their children Joseph Bongini, Mia Ferrarin and Anna Bongini, and son Joel Bongini of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Among the many left behind with fond memories are his old friends John and Louie, his new friend George, and his constant companions Meg, Pepperoni and Dusty.
He was predeceased by his brother, Daniel Bongini.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services will be held, Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 6 p.m. at Dery-Foley Funeral Home, 890 E. Main St, Dalton. Calling hours will precede the service from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of the funeral home.
Born in Pittsfield on April 13, 1944, to Alfred and Elizabeth Bongini. After graduating from PHS in 1962, he built beautiful cabinets in houses being constructed on Crane Avenue. Entering the Army in January 1965, Alan served in Germany. He was honorably discharged in December of 1966 receiving the Expert Rifle and Expert Howitzer 105 awards, as well as the National Defense Service Medal and Army Occupation Medal (Berlin). After his service he was employed at General Electric for 34 years in the Transformer Division.
Even as a young boy Alan’s interests lay in nature. He caught many a fish for supper in the brooks on Dalton Avenue. Hunting and fishing with his Grandpa were little Alan’s greatest joys. Anything with Grandpa and Grandma made Alan happy.
With a gift from his Grandpa upon his passing, Alan bought a piece of land in Peru where he and Grandpa had often hunted white rabbits. Using his building talents, he alone built a beautiful hunting camp. His old jeep and little trailer hauled many loads of green lumber up to that little spot in the woods that became a peaceful refuge for Alan.
Staying close to nature, Alan loved hunting and fishing. He traveled with old friends to Silverton Colorado on a hunting trip and made numerous trips to Canada to visit old friends and fish for walleyes. Most hunting and fishing, though, was done close to home. Knowing the terrain, sitting silently, patiently waiting and just being one with nature was very satisfying for Alan’s soul.
Although many of Alan’s lifelong friends have gone before him, taking their places in God’s great forests and fields, Alan had a gift for making new friends. He loved to tell his stories of hunting and fishing and could keep your attention throughout, clapping his hands, laughing and just being happy. Many stories were told around the wood pile. Alan’s woodpile was a great source of pride and joy. Beautiful stacks, a shed full and lots of kindling were essential for winter warmth.
Through the years Alan planted many apple, pear, oak, and last year, chestnut trees to feed the forest creatures. Each spring brussels sprouts were planted for the deer, zinnias for the hummingbirds and sunflowers for all. The fish and turtles near his home also devoured many loaves of bread.
A ride through the woods on his 4-wheeler, a discovery of some old ruins, some tasty mushroom finds, a new visitor on the wood’s camera and the sun’s warmth made his heart happy.
Alan would fix most anything mechanical. He liked the challenges of Virginia’s mower, baler, and the old Massey Ferguson, which recently needed a new radiator and water pump, twice. Good and sometimes unusual ideas made for successful outcomes.
Alan was a very independent, meticulous, and generous man, always willing to give and expecting nothing in return. He used to jokingly say life goes on with or without you. That’s true, but it’s never quite the same. We’re leaving the light on for you, Alan.
Mr. Bongini is survived by his life partner, Virginia Lynn of Hinsdale, her daughter Samantha and sisters Nancy and Diana. He leaves his son Eric Bongini and wife Misi of Pittsfield and their children Joseph Bongini, Mia Ferrarin and Anna Bongini, and son Joel Bongini of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Among the many left behind with fond memories are his old friends John and Louie, his new friend George, and his constant companions Meg, Pepperoni and Dusty.
He was predeceased by his brother, Daniel Bongini.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services will be held, Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 6 p.m. at Dery-Foley Funeral Home, 890 E. Main St, Dalton. Calling hours will precede the service from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of the funeral home.