Obituary for Jean Palmieri
Jean “Jeanne” F. Ferrero Palmieri passed away surrounded by her loving family on September 14, 2022, at Mt. Greylock Extended Care Facility, where she had been a resident since November, 2021.
Jean was born in Pittsfield on June 6, 1940, and spent the first twenty years of her life in the Lakewood neighborhood of Pittsfield, where she was a devoted member of All Souls’ Church, singing in the choir and participating in many parish activities.
She attended local schools, graduating from Pittsfield High School, class of 1958. While in high school she worked part-time at Riseburg’s Clothing Company and at the candy counter of Newberry’s Five & Dime. After graduation she was employed by Prudential Insurance, until her marriage to Michael J. Palmieri on September 3, 1960. After her children were grown, Jean worked at Big N and K-Mart department stores, as well as at Pittsfield District Court’s Probation office, the Ralph Froio Senior Center, and for many years at the Pittsfield Fire Department. She often said, she was never as happy as when she was serving the hard-working, dedicated Pittsfield firefighters. They remained true and loyal friends.
Jean and Mike moved into their new home on East St. in1962, where they lived for over 60 years. There, she became a talented vegetable gardener, specializing in her favorite, “Honey Delight” yellow tomatoes and planted scores of beautiful rose and hydrangea bushes. An avid birdwatcher, she filled her feeders, religiously and was always on the lookout for hummingbirds and Monarch butterflies. Jean enjoyed outdoor activities, such as biking and walking many New England trails, strolling the Marginal Way and enjoying the beautiful beaches in Ogunquit, Maine. Most of all she enjoyed being with her grandchildren and planning family activities where she cooked traditional Italian foods.
Jean became a faithful member of St. Agnes Church in Dalton, MA, in 2008, when her beloved All Souls’ Church was closed. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Ida Gozzelino Ferrero, and her older sister, Barbara Ferrero Avanzato Junkins. She is survived by her loving husband, Michael J, Palmieri; her younger sister, Diane M. Ferrero; daughter, Pamela J. Belli and husband, Mitchell; sons Michael R. Palmieri; and Joseph F. Palmieri, and wife Teresa; as well as grandchildren: Brian, Briana and Danielle Palmieri, and her God-daughter, Lisa Avanzato-Ushkurnis.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Annie, Missy, Holly, and Natalie of Hospice Care of the Berkshires, as well as the entire staff of Greylock Extended Care for all of their care and kindnesses.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held, Monday, September 26, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, celebrated by Rev. Christopher Malatesta, Pastor. The family requests that masks are worn. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Calling hours will precede the service from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of the Berkshires, in Jean’s name, in care of the funeral home.
Jean was born in Pittsfield on June 6, 1940, and spent the first twenty years of her life in the Lakewood neighborhood of Pittsfield, where she was a devoted member of All Souls’ Church, singing in the choir and participating in many parish activities.
She attended local schools, graduating from Pittsfield High School, class of 1958. While in high school she worked part-time at Riseburg’s Clothing Company and at the candy counter of Newberry’s Five & Dime. After graduation she was employed by Prudential Insurance, until her marriage to Michael J. Palmieri on September 3, 1960. After her children were grown, Jean worked at Big N and K-Mart department stores, as well as at Pittsfield District Court’s Probation office, the Ralph Froio Senior Center, and for many years at the Pittsfield Fire Department. She often said, she was never as happy as when she was serving the hard-working, dedicated Pittsfield firefighters. They remained true and loyal friends.
Jean and Mike moved into their new home on East St. in1962, where they lived for over 60 years. There, she became a talented vegetable gardener, specializing in her favorite, “Honey Delight” yellow tomatoes and planted scores of beautiful rose and hydrangea bushes. An avid birdwatcher, she filled her feeders, religiously and was always on the lookout for hummingbirds and Monarch butterflies. Jean enjoyed outdoor activities, such as biking and walking many New England trails, strolling the Marginal Way and enjoying the beautiful beaches in Ogunquit, Maine. Most of all she enjoyed being with her grandchildren and planning family activities where she cooked traditional Italian foods.
Jean became a faithful member of St. Agnes Church in Dalton, MA, in 2008, when her beloved All Souls’ Church was closed. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Ida Gozzelino Ferrero, and her older sister, Barbara Ferrero Avanzato Junkins. She is survived by her loving husband, Michael J, Palmieri; her younger sister, Diane M. Ferrero; daughter, Pamela J. Belli and husband, Mitchell; sons Michael R. Palmieri; and Joseph F. Palmieri, and wife Teresa; as well as grandchildren: Brian, Briana and Danielle Palmieri, and her God-daughter, Lisa Avanzato-Ushkurnis.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Annie, Missy, Holly, and Natalie of Hospice Care of the Berkshires, as well as the entire staff of Greylock Extended Care for all of their care and kindnesses.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held, Monday, September 26, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, celebrated by Rev. Christopher Malatesta, Pastor. The family requests that masks are worn. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Calling hours will precede the service from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of the Berkshires, in Jean’s name, in care of the funeral home.