Francis Baumgartner

PITTSFIELD -- Francis J. Baumgartner, 85, of 48 Preston Ave. died Saturday at Berkshire Medical Center.

Born in Lenox on April 2, 1920, son of Eugene and Josephine Bontell Baumgartner, he was a 1938 graduate of St. Joseph's High School.

A decorated Army veteran of World War II, he served as a staff sergeant and communications specialist with the 38th Armored Infantry, participating in the battles of Naples Foggia, Rome Arno, Rhineland, Anzio and the Bulge.

Mr. Baumgartner was employed for more than 40 years as operations manager of the former Robbins & Gamwell Co. and its successor, F.W. Webb Co. He also owned and operated a dishwasher repair business.

A longtime communicant of St. Teresa's Church, he enjoyed ham radios and the Red Sox.

His wife, the former Dorothy A. Legge, whom he married June 17, 1950, died July 1, 1995.

He leaves two daughters, Ann M. Baumgartner of Hinsdale and Jean F. Desrosiers of Pittsfield, and two grandsons.

FUNERAL NOTICE -- The funeral for Francis J. Baumgartner, age 85, who died Sept. 24, 2005, will be Wednesday at 10:15 from DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 at St. Teresa's Church celebrated by the Rev. John J. Varley, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery in Lenox. Calling hours will be tomorrow, Sept. 27, from 4 to 7 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Catholic Charities Katrina Relief Fund in care of the funeral home. He was predeceased by a brother, Albert Baumgartner, and by his sisters, Josephine Baumgartner, Marjorie Cencia, Evelyn Kushi and Ameil Fenwick. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his two grandsons.