Sheffield — Paul S. Batacchi Sr., 89, of South Main Street in Sheffield passed away early Thursday, November 6, 2014 at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield.
A native and lifelong resident of Sheffield, Paul was born August 24, 1925 the son of John and Maria Polastri Batacchi. He attended the former Sheffield Center High School.
A veteran of World War II Paul enlisted into the U.S. Army on July 12, 1944. During his tour he served with the Infantry in Ardennes, Central Europe and Rhineland, and received the Eame Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal and was honorably discharged on July 5, 1946.
Paul was employed in 1948 as a plant engineer for Lane Construction before starting his own paving and landscaping business.
He was a life member of the Sheffield Sportsman’s Club and was a past member of the Sheffield American Legion, Post No. 340.
He enjoyed working in his garden and raising bird dogs. Above all else Paul cherished spending time with his family and friends.
Paul is survived by his wife of 55 years Theodora Jost Batacchi whom he married on June 13, 1959 in New Marlborough. He also leaves four sons Robert Lee of West Stockbridge, Paul Batacchi of Ashley Falls and Peter and Theodore Batacchi both of Sheffield, two daughters Bya Kakley and her husband Neal of Warner Robins, Ga., and Patricia Percy and her husband Michael of Clearwater, Fla., as well as his brother Arthur Batacchi of Sheffield and his nine beloved grandchildren. He was predeceased by his three sisters.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME in Great Barrington, conducted by Deacon Ed Shaw. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Sheffield Center Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 10, 2014 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home in Great Barrington.
Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to the American Red Cross through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances may be sent to his family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.
