Joseph A. Banach, 75 of Shunpike Road, Sheffield, died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at Fairview Commons Nursing Center. He was born June 3, 1943, in Great Barrington, the son of Aleksander and Louise M. Piontek Banach. He attended local schools, and also attended Berkshire Community College for computer courses. He worked as a color matcher for Mead Paper Company. Joseph was a communicant of Our Lady of the Valley Church, Sheffield. He was an antique car enthusiast, and enjoyed restoring cars.
He leaves his wife, the former Dorothy “Dotty” Capasse Banach, whom he married July 3, 1976 in All Saints Church, Housatonic; brother Thomas Banach of Housatonic; one sister: Cecelia “Celka” Laviolette and husband Dave of Richmond; his mother-in-law: Dorothy J. Capasse of Ashley Falls; his godfather, Walter Samuels of Housatonic; five godchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Joseph was also predeceased by brother John “Janek” Banach.
Funeral services for Joseph A. Banach will be held Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Church, Sheffield, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial with the Rev. Peter Naranjo officiating. Burial will follow in St. Bridget’s Cemetery, Housatonic. The family will receive friends Wednesday, Jan. 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Birches-Roy Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Joseph’s memory may be made to the Our Lady of the Valley building fund in care of the funeral home at 33 South St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
