Joseph James Mangiardi, Sr., 87, of 999 Pecks Road, Pittsfield, Ma. died Friday, March 15, 2013 at his home. Born in Pittsfield, Ma. on October 1, 1925 a son of the late Nicholas and Elizabeth Chichetto Mangiardi. He attended schools in Pittsfield. He had worked as a heavy equipment operator for Petricca Construction Company for many years. A dairy farmer his whole life he was an expert in the knowledge of animals and the land, he owned and operated with his sons Sunny Valley Brook Dairy Farm a large farm which he operated for many years. Joe, also owned and raced Standard Breed Horses at Sunny Valley Farm that were raced at Saratoga. He could fix anything from machinery to plumbing and electricity. He was genuine and true to himself. He was accepting of everyone unless they gave him reason not to be. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his animals. Being strong in body and spirit he was the Patriarch of a large and loving family of which he adored. He was a communicant of Saint Mark Church. His loving wife the former Angelina L. Salatino whom he married April 29, 1950 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church died February 4, 2009. He leaves two sons, Joseph J. Mangiardi, Jr. and his wife Cynthia Crispen Mangiardi of Richmond, Ma. and William A. Mangiardi and his wife Sherry Goodrich Mangiardi of Pittsfield, Ma. Two daughters, Kathleen L. Fabrizio and her husband Michael Fabrizio, M.D. of Richmond, Ma. and Bettyann Mangiardi Walak and her life partner, Marja J. Robinson of Peru, Ma. Two Brothers, Frank Mangiardi of East Greenbush, NY and Nicholas Mangiardi and his wife Laura of Malta, NY. A sister, Frances Y. Mangiardi of Stephentown, NY. 12 adored grandchildren, Jason Chamberland and his girlfriend, Hanna Harbour, Jessica Korte and husband Matthew, Justin Chamberland and partner, Brad Sims, Michael J. Fabrizio and finacee, Nicole Sims, Mia Fabrizio, Joseph J. Mangiardi III, Christopher A. Mangiardi, Krista A. Mangiardi, Angelina E. Mangiardi, William J. Walak and wife Barbara, Andrew J. Walak and girlfriend Diana Shin and Alessandra K. Walak. He was predeceased by a daughter, Theresa C. Mangiardi Chamberland on September 4, 2004 and by two brothers Ralph and Richard Mangiardi and by two sisters, Angie Murphy and Theresa Borden.

Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Joseph J. Mangiardi Sr. will be held Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at 8:15 a.m. from the DERY FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m. at Saint Mark Church, celebrated by his nephew Rev. John A. Salatino, pastor. Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours at Dery Funeral Home will be Monday from 4 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers memorials in his memory may be made to Berkshire County 4-H in care of the funeral home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield.

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