Richard D. Barzottini

1927 - 2023

Richard D. Barzottini, 96 of Pittsfield, MA died on Friday, April 21, 2023 at Laurel Landing in Lee. He was born on April 18, 1927 in Pittsfield, MA a son of the late Dante and Natalie (Botto) Barzottini. He was educated at Hibbard Elementary, Central Jr. High, St. Joseph's High School and Berkshire Business College.

He joined the Navy while attending his junior year at St. Joseph's High School in 1945 and served on the famous aircraft carrier "The Saratoga" which they sank in the Atom Bomb Test in 1946.

Richard started work early at his uncle and father's grocery store business. He worked at General Electric from 1950-1954 and then joined the Pittsfield Police Force from 1954-1986. For 32 years, while employed in the Police Department he performed other duties such as head clerk, dealing with payroll, court assignments and daily reports. After retirement, he became a school bus driver for Central Berkshire Schools from 1986-2012.

Richard was an outstanding athlete. After returning from the Navy in the late 40's, he started his own football team that played other independent teams. He also played softball and won most valuable player in the annual Jimmy Fund Police vs. Firemen Softball games in his first year as a policeman playing centerfield and then again, a few years later. Richard also held a high average in candlepin bowling in different leagues such as the Eagles and the GE League. He accumulated many trophies and served as the Secretary-Treasurer. While a member of the Fraternal Eagles on First St, known to have very difficult lanes, he bowled 387 total for scores of 116-157-114 which was the highest score there at the time in over 50 years. A favorite of the family was the Italian American Club where he won many tournaments in Bocce.

In recent years, he enjoyed visits from Maury accompanied by his bulldog, Henry.

Richard leaves his children, Lynn Lavelle (Charles), Deborah Matteodo (Maury) and Mark Barzottini (Sue); 6 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Richard was predeceased by his wife Thelma of 70 years in 2022; a brother Tino in 2009; father Dante in 1973 and mother Natalie in 1997.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services to celebrate the life of Richard Barzottini will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 10-12 Noon at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-BENCIVENGA FUNERAL HOME, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, MA. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery in Lenox. Memorial donations may be made to the Italian American Club in care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.