William H. (Bill) Pikett entered into God’s presence Monday, March 9, 2020. He was 96 years of age. Bill was born Oct. 20, 1923, in East Aurora, New York. Upon high school graduation, he joined the Army Air Corps in 1942. He served in World War II (Pacific theater) from 1942-45. After an honorable discharge, Bill earned an associate degree on the G.I. Bill. He worked for General Electric for 35 years, 30 of those in Pittsfield.
Bill moved his family to Dalton in 1958. He faithfully served his church and community, including coaching Little League in Dalton for several years.
Anyone who knew him would say “he was of all men, most honorable.” After his retirement from GE, he spent 24 years in his hometown of East Aurora before moving back to Berkshire County in 2011. William and his wife of 70 years, Vivian, resided at Melbourne Place in Pittsfield at the time of his death.
Bill is survived by his wife, Vivian W. Pikett; and six children: Suzanne Barker of Pittsfield, William H. Pikett Jr., (Sandy) of Waco, Texas, Betsy Blair (Tom) of Peru, Nancy Beach (Tim) of Stratford, Connecticut, David J. Pikett (Cheri) of Summfield, North Carolina, and Daniel E. Pikett of Goshen. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Being a very humble man, Bill’s wishes were to have no public service or burial. Mrs. Vivian Pikett continues to live at Melbourne Place. Bill’s desire was to have memorial donations given to (nondenominational) American Bible Society, in care of the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main St., Lenox, MA 01240. To share memories and stories, visit rochefuneralhome.com.
