Peter Francis Vacchina, 91 of Connecticut Ave., Pittsfield, passed away on Saturday August 26, 2017 at Fairview Commons, in Great Barrington, MA. Born August 8, 1926, he was the son of Peter Vacchina and Josephine (Barosso) Vacchina.
A lifelong resident of Pittsfield, Pete attended Crane School and graduated in 1944 from Pittsfield High School where he played baseball and hockey. On his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the Navy Seabees being stationed in Davisville, RI. Deployed to the USS Bon Homme Richard, he traveled through the Panama Canal to Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Sasebo, Japan and Guam to participate in rebuilding these war torn territories. He was Honorably Discharged in 1946 and remained a proud veteran attending man national reunions.
Peter was predeceased by his loving wife the former Louise Ptak after 49 years of marriage on August 15, 1987. They were wed June 7, 1947 at All Saint’s Church in Housatonic. Together they greatly enjoyed polka dancing, weekend picnics with their extended family, and summer vacations to Atlantic City and Lake George. Following and participating in their children’s sporting events was their greatest pride.
Pete worked for General Electric in the Tank Shop, Bldg. 14 as a blacksmith for over 35 years. He also spent many years forging for local contractors. A blacksmith by trade, taught by his father, his work is recognized at Hancock Shaker Village where he gave teaching demonstrations and was instrumental in the restoration of the Round Barn, forging replicas of hinges, handles and latches. On October 19, 1979, the Berkshire Eagle featured an article about Pete and his time-honored craft. His ornamental iron work can be spotted throughout Berkshire County on local homes and country mansions.
Peter was the Founder of both the Pittsfield Parks and Recreation Youth Hockey League in 1960 and the Pittsfield Boys’ Club Youth Hockey League in 1962. He volunteered many years as a coach, organizer and skate sharpener. In 2000, he was honored for dedication to the Boys Club Hockey program by being named on the outside mural celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the organization.
As an avid hockey player, he played for the Brass Rail Amateur team outside on the Common ice rink. For Several years, he was also the varsity hockey coach at the former Cranwell Prep School in Lenox.
Until the age of 84, Pete enjoyed playing golf with his friends at the GEAA and bocce at the Italian American Club where he was honored as the Member of the Year in 1999. He was also a member of UNICO (working as a balloon wrangler in the 4th of July parades), Make A Wish Foundation, the GE Pensioners and Quarter Century Club, the Berkshire County Blacksmith Association, the ITAM Lodge, VFW Post 448, The Italian War Veterans – Father Cantino Post 75, the Greylock Ski Club and various bowling and softball leagues.
Peter leaves his sons, Peter F. Vacchina, Jr. of Pittsfield and Paul K. Vacchina and his wife Ronnie (Collins) of Lenox, a daughter Candace McLear and her husband of Swansea, MA. He leaves six grandchildren: Lori Vacchina Broderick, Amy Vacchina, Holly Vacchina, Wendy Vacchina, Elise McLear and Ryan McLear, and five great-grandchildren. Pete is survived by his brother David Vacchina of Warwick, RI. He was predeceased by his sister Angelina Massaconi.
The family of Peter expresses their sincere appreciation to his home caregivers for their many years of care, love and companionship. They also would like to thank the medical staff of Fairview Commons for their professional and compassionate support.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for Peter Francis Vacchina, 91 of Pittsfield a communicant of the former St. Mary the Morning Star Church will be held Wednesday, August 30, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m., at St. Charles Church celebrated by Rev. Michel J. Wood, Administrator. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours will be held prior to the funeral service from 830am to 945am at the DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 BRADFORD STREET, PITTSFIELD. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Berkshire County ARC, in care of the funeral home.

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