Gennaro Michelangelo "Jinx" Principe

1930 - 2024

Gennaro Michelangelo "Jinx" Principe, a long-time Pittsfield public school teacher and teachers' union leader, passed away December 18, 2024 at the age of 94. Gennaro was born in Pittsfield, MA on May 6, 1930, the son of Italian immigrants Matthew and Maria Masulli Principe. He grew up in an Italian neighborhood on Fenn St., in Pittsfield, attended local schools, was an altar boy at Mt. Carmel Church, and spent his summers at Camp Russell where he acquired his lifelong nickname "Jinx". He was a 1949 graduate of St. Joseph's High School where he was a standout football player. He continued his education at North Adams State Teachers' College, spent a year serving in the U.S. Army, and graduated from North Adams State in 1954.

Mr. Principe spent his entire 45-year teaching career in Pittsfield beginning at Rice Elementary School (1955-1957). He taught math at North Junior High from 1957-1981 and then at Pittsfield High School from 1981 until his retirement in June 2000. He continued to serve as a ticket taker and site manager at PHS athletic events for several years thereafter.

Mr. Principe was a member of the Pittsfield Federation of Teachers, serving as its president from 1972-1989. He also was a board member of the Massachusetts Federation of Teachers for many years.

Jinx was gifted with a quick wit, an irreverent sense of humor, and the ability to tell a story. He was happiest when he had an audience and the classrooms of the Pittsfield schools and the local bars provided him with a stage throughout his life. He seemed to know everyone (or everyone knew him!) and when he traveled would invariably run into a former student in a foreign country.

In his retirement Jinx enjoyed traveling, was a regular patron of Barrington Stage theater productions, and enjoyed years of Sunday night pizza at the East Side with his buddies. He was a faithful supporter of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their athletic, artistic and scholastic endeavors.

Jinx is survived by his daughters - Elizabeth Principe, Judith Dobson (Dean), Frances Maillet (Richard Mendez), and Joanne Hayes (Richard), and his son Robert Principe (Lynn). He was a devoted Grandpa to Sharon Dobson Wong, Lisa Dobson, Michael Dobson, Daniel Maillet, Robert Hayes (Talia), James Hayes, Caroline Hayes Basore (Nicolas), Andrew Principe (Valentina) and Claire Principe. He was Great Grandpa Jinx to Kara, Abbey, Brooke and Caylee Wong, Jackson Bagnera, Brock Schilling, Carter Smith, and Reyden Hayes. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Mary McSweeny Smith, and his brother-in-law, Roger Bowlby, along with several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Jinx was predeceased in June 2000 by his wife, the former Elizabeth McSweeny, whom he married February 23, 1957, his brothers Louis and Joseph Principe, and his sisters Libera Duryea and Rosemary Doucette.

Funeral Notice:

Funeral services for Gennaro Michelangelo "Jinx" Principe will be Saturday, December 28, 2024, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 am at Sacred Heart Church, celebrated by the Rev. Steven Montesanti, Pastor. Burial will be private and at a later date.

Calling hours will be Friday, December 27, 2024, from 3pm to 6pm at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201.

If friends desire donations in Mr. Principe's name may be made to any of the following organizations that Jinx felt made a positive impact on his life - The Boys & Girls Club of Pittsfield, The Sisters of St. Joseph, and the Supportive Day Program at the Ralph Froio Senior Center. Donations may be made in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Please visit www.dwyerfuneral.com to leave condolences and remembrances.