Lawrence Donald “Larry” Tonini, born September 29, 1945, died April 16, 2024. He was born in Great Barrington to Lawrence F. Tonini and Lera Harrington.
Beginning his lower education in Great Barrington schools prior to graduating from the former Williams High School in 1964, Larry continued his education at Stockbridge School of Agriculture. On August 13, 1966, he married the love of his life, Barbara Russell, and started his family, which he was ever so proud of in his hometown of West Stockbridge.
Larry was employed by the Lane Construction Corporation, retiring as safety manager for the corporation in 2013 after 47 years. After retirement, he continued to meticulously oversee and supervise the many projects done around his home and the lodge. Larry also strived to maintain a perfect lawn, while Barbara cared for the gardens throughout the yard.
Larry served with the West Stockbridge Fire Department from 1968 to 2003, rising through the ranks. Larry was in one of the groups to first obtain EMT certification in Berkshire County, the last 20 years of his membership leading as fire chief.
Brother Tonini was initiated into Wisdom Lodge on April 16, 1970, exactly 54 years before his passing. He was raised on June 18, 1970. He also belonged to Cincinnatus Lodge in Great Barrington, New Moon Lodge in Pittsfield, and Union Lodge in Norwood, Mass.
Larry was installed Master of Wisdom Lodge in 1977 and was quickly recognized for his talent and effort. In 1979, he was appointed Senior Grand Deacon, his first Grand Lodge position. M.W. J. Philip Berquist, Grand Master (1981–1983), installed him as District Deputy Grand Master of the Pittsfield 16th Masonic District, in 1981 and 1982. At the December 14, 1983 Grand Lodge Quarterly Communication, Brother Tonini was elected Junior Grand Warden, a position he held in 1984. He was awarded the Henry Price Medal, the highest Masonic honor in Massachusetts, that same year. He was a Grand Lecturer from 1985 through 1987, and Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of China (Taiwan) from 1986 to 1989.
Larry was also proud to continue to serve the community of West Stockbridge in many capacities. Larry was a member of the Capital Planning Committee from 1987 to 1992, the Emergency Planning Committee from 1987 to 2005, and as a Select Board member from 1996 to 2005.
Larry enjoyed travel through the United States, Italy, and Ireland; he was eager and willing to share the pictures and stories from the each “expedition.” Sunday dinners were a time to get the family together to enjoy time with children and grandchildren, taking time to assist the grandchildren in their endeavors and goals.
Larry leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Barbara; his daughter Carmen Morse and her husband Larry; his son Christopher and his wife Shayna “Rocky”; his beloved four-legged companion and buddy, Benson; five grandchildren, Josh Morse and his wife Samantha, Bailey McNally and her husband Jake, Amanda Morse and her significant other Cameron, Brocque Tonini and his fiancé Taylor, and Logan Tonini; two great-grandchildren, Trinity and Acadia; and many cousins from the United States and Italy. He was predeceased by his parents and his many aunts and uncles.
From Larry’s family:
On Tuesday evening our family lost our father! He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and Masonic brother! The countless memories will live on within all of us! We don’t have enough words to say what he has meant to our entire family!
Dad, may your travels to the celestial stars above be a peaceful and wonderful journey! May you look down upon all those who knew you, knowing that you were loved and respected and made a difference to all of us!
We will forever love and miss you!!!!!
Masonic services, which are open to the public, will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. Calling hours will proceed the service, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Both the service and calling hours will be held at the Pittsfield Masonic Building, 116 South Street, Pittsfield, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be in Larry’s memory to the Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee in care of Wisdom Lodge, P.O. Box 461, West Stockbridge, MA 01266, or to the Berkshire Humane Society directly or in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family, please visit the funeral home’s website.
