My Dad, Jake Barnini, died peacefully on Friday, September 4th at age 98 after a short stay at Craneville Place. My mother and I were at his side.
A lifelong resident of Pittsfield, many people knew Jake from his sports prowess in town and school sporting events, and many more knew him and worked with him in his career as Assistant Clerk of Courts (the final and most satisfying job of his life). He was well liked and highly regarded by all his colleagues there, from janitors to judges. He believed in second chances, and practiced the spirit of the law over the letter of the law, especially for first time youthful offenders.
He loved his family, his friends, his town. He also loved to golf. Although his iron play was suspect, he compensated for this with a magical touch around the greens and could be found for decades at Waconah Country Club, battling it out in his trusty foursome of Judge Frank Cimini, Billy Marko and Vinny Monteleone. Later, in his dotage, he looked forward to the annual R.M. O'Connell charity golf tournament each summer even when his participation had become mostly ceremonial. You see, Jake loved the stage!
His trips to Tuscany, his parents' birthplace, with his beloved brother, John, and their wives were another source of great enjoyment. My father knew his way around the kitchen, too. Never one to use measuring spoons, he nearly always got it right by sight and taste. His palate was limited to a few Italian specialties but at those he was a master. He truly had the touch.
He often seemed larger than life, but he was as down to earth as they come, and truly an "every man's man", devoting himself to the service of others, his hometown and most of all, his family.
I'll always remember that quick smile and jaunty step of his, as well as the sartorial touches he wore so well: an ascot tied at his throat, a stylish cap on his head, an endless supply of jackets (most of them prizes from golf tournaments he'd been in). And of course, the twinkle in his eye! With a laugh and handshake for everyone he met, Jake was a charmer with a huge heart and boundless energy. He touched a lot of lives along the way, and will be missed and remembered by many.
He is survived by his elder brother John, his wife of 68 years Germaine, his son Michael and daughter-in-law Kate, and a large network of family and friends. Ciao, Dad!


FUNERAL NOTICE: The Barnini family will receive friends and family at Mazzeo's Ristorante 1015 South Street, Pittsfield on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 from 10 AM to 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Pittsfield Boys & Girls Club, where Jake was nurtured from an early age and for which he had the greatest admiration.
Memorial donations may be made in care of the DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford St. Pittsfield, MA 01201 which is handling arrangements.

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