Kenneth Paul Mastroianni

1939 - 2022

Kenneth Paul Mastroianni of Cheshire, MA, passed away unexpectedly August 5, 2022 at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by his loving wife and son. He lived a very full 82 years that were brimming with music, the natural world he respected so, and much love.

He was born in Adams, MA on November 22, 1939, the son of Leo and Alvina Lanoue Mastroianni, third in a family of four brothers. Growing up, he attended schools in North Adams, before going on to earn his undergraduate degree at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and his Master of Education from North Adams State College.

He married the former Ann Callahan on April 15, 1967, and for most of the 55 years of their marriage, they lived in Cheshire in a home surrounded by trees where Ken spent much of his time tending to his beloved gardens and plants. In 1989, they traveled to Chile where they adopted their son Brian. Ken was the most devoted and caring father.

Mr. Mastroianni was a teacher for many years in the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District, where he taught general science and biology at Plunkett Junior High, the former Adams Memorial High, and, ultimately, Hoosac Valley High School. Over the course of his career, many of his former students would go on to be teachers themselves, something in which he took immense pride.

Perhaps his favorite activity was being a member of the Berkshire Hillsmen for the past 21 years. He loved nothing more than rehearsing with his fellow chorus members, performing throughout Berkshire County - most recently on a float at the Pittsfield 4th of July parade - and sharing his love of music with his friends. Music was central to who he was. If he wasn't singing, he was constantly listening to and discovering artists of all genres. It brought him joy.

He is survived by his wife Ann Mastroianni of Cheshire and son Brian Mastroianni of New York, New York. He also leaves two brothers, William (and his wife Joyce) Mastroianni, of Belchertown, MA, and James (and his wife Linda) Mastroianni of Clifton Park, NY. He also leaves his brother-in-law Thomas Callahan of West Melbourne, Florida and his family, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and former students. He was predeceased by his brother Leo Mastroianni, Jr.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours will be held Friday, August 12, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Dery-Cheshire Funeral Home, 121 N. State Rd, Cheshire, MA, with a funeral service beginning at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Cheshire Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Adams Ambulance Service, Inc., or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and mailed to Dery-Cheshire Funeral Home, PO Box 445, Cheshire, MA 01226.