: Edward J. Fields, 81, retired Pittsfield Police Officer, of 52 Essex Street, Pittsfield, MA died Friday at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. Born on February 3, 1928 in Pittsfield, MA he was a son of the late Arthur J. and Delphine Boyer Fields. A longtime Pittsfield resident, he was educated in Pittsfield schools and was a 1945 graduate of Pittsfield High School. He married his wife, the former Jean Durkee Fields on April 3, 1948 at St. Mark Church in Pittsfield. She died on April 25, 2008. Mr. Fields was employed as a member of the Pittsfield Police Department for 34 years having served as a motorcycle squad officer. He retired from the police department in 1982. After his retirement he joined O.W. Landergren of Pittsfield in the maintenance department where he was still working at the time of his death. Prior to joining the police department he had been employed for a few years at General Electric. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus. A devoted father and family man, Mr. Fields was an avid motorcycle rider and wood smith. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing early on. He leaves a son; Robert E. Fields and his wife Diane of Pittsfield, MA. Two daughters; Deborah J. Fields and her companion Mike McLaughlin of Pittsfield and Kathleen A. Christman and her husband Gary of Glastonbury, CT. He leaves three sisters; Elaine Rapkowicz of Pittsfield, Alice Boivin and her husband Larry of Albuquerque, NM and Mary "Gerry" Woitkowski of Pittsfield. A brother; William A. Fields and his wife June of Pittsfield and three grandchildren; Shannon R. Fields and his wife Melissa of St. Louis, MO, Angela J. Fields of San Diego, CA and Ashley E. Christman of Glastonbury, CT. He also leaves a great grandson; Samuel E. Fields of St. Louis, MO. He was predeceased by a son; the late Steven A. Fields who died January 9, 1995.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services and police honors for retired Pittsfield Police Officer Edward J. Fields, 81, of Pittsfield who died May 22, 2009 will be Wednesday at 8:15 AM from the DERY FUNERAL HOME in Pittsfield followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:00 Am at St. Mark Church in Pittsfield celebrated by the Rev. John Salatino, pastor. Burial will follow in Pittsfield Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 4 to 7 PM at the Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St. Pittsfield, MA 01201. Memorial donations in memory of Mr. Fields may be made to the Berkshire County Association for Retarded Citizens in care of the funeral home.

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