John L. Friederick, age 93, died peacefully at Berkshire Medical Center on Thursday, May 6, 2021,
surrounded by his family. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was known by
family and friends as a man defined by his strength of character and generosity of heart. (Jack, Sonny,
Capt.)
Born in Pittsfield on January 25, 1928, to the late Henrietta Boule Friederick and John Friederick, John
grew up at "Chapman Corners" and was a life-long resident of Pittsfield. As a youth, he was employed as
a horse groomer for the former Pittsfield Riding and Polo Club, and eventually, went on to play polo
locally. His experiences with the horses and polo were among John's fondest life memories, along with
tending his family farm until his retirement years. He is also predeceased by his brother, Arthur C.
Friederick.
He attended local schools and served as a Private First Class in the United States Army during WWII and
received his Honorable Discharge in 1947. He was a truck driver for six years with Peter Francese & Son
before being appointed to the Pittsfield Fire Department in 1952.
He is pre-deceased by his wife, the former Elizabeth Ann “Betty’ Goddeau, whom he married on April 11,
1953, at Sacred Heart Church in Pittsfield. John cared for his wife Betty for 27 years after she became ill
with Multiple Sclerosis. John was a communicant of St. Agnes Church in Dalton, MA where he proudly
passed the collection basket.
John was a proud Captain of the Pittsfield Fire Department, retiring in 1983 after 32 years of service. He
was also a skilled carpenter building houses with Charles Martin Construction. John was a soul that will
continue to speak volumes in the hearts of all those who were blessed and privileged to have him be
present in their lives.
He is survived by his three daughters, Dianne Dudek (Michael) of Pittsfield, Karen Schoenrock (Frank) of
Portsmouth, NH, and Sharon Coe (Timothy) of Pittsfield; five grandchildren, Michelle Dudek (Carlos Vera,
fiancé) of New Jersey, Kimberly Buckley (Garrett) of Maryland, Beth Schoenrock of New Hampshire,
Lindsey Coe, and Ethan Coe both of Pittsfield; two great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Jackson Buckley;
and sister-in-law Lillian Friederick of Pittsfield as well as his nephew and five nieces. John also leaves his
companion Betty Sullivan and family. He also leaves his extended neighbor family of Wealthy Avenue. He is predeceased by his brother.
He adored being with his grandchildren and attending their athletic games and dance recitals. He loved
attending the local fairs and traveled to attend Eastern Draft Horse Association events. He also enjoyed
part-time employment at Eastover in Lenox, Ma, maintaining the flower gardens.
The family would like to thank the staff at Mount Carmel Care Center and BMC for their care,
compassion, and support.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for John Friederick will be Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at Saint Agnes Church, 489 Main St., Dalton MA. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Pittsfield. Calling hours will be held Friday, May 28, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.