Louis J. Oggiani

1951 - 2025

Louis ("Lou") James Oggiani passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025, after a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma. Born October 2, 1951 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, he was the only child of Peter R. and Helen G. Oggiani. Although his father died young, Lou had a happy childhood, with a kind, hardworking mother, an extended family of cousins, and the Gilligans, a neighborhood clan who embraced him as their own. After attending local schools, he graduated in 1973 from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, and in 1977 from Suffolk University Law School in Boston. He then returned home to Great Barrington, where he practiced law as a solo practitioner for nearly 50 years. Lou took pride in engaging in the general practice of law, becoming a specialist in many areas, including real estate, estate administration, criminal defense, and adoptions.

In 1981, Lou married Joan Pultorak Oggiani, the love of his life and his complement in disposition. Together they had twin sons, Michael and Peter, who were the joyful heart of their lives from the moment they were born.

Lou possessed an abundance of good will and energy, and gave much to many during his lifetime, leaving a legacy of selfless service to a multitude of charitable and civic organizations. In 1978, he became an Emergency Medical Technician, thereafter spending over 40 years as a director/member of the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad, two decades as an EMT at Bousquet Ski Area, and years as a volunteer EMT at both Tanglewood and County Ambulance. He remains the Emergency Management Director of the Town of West Stockbridge.

A devout Catholic, Lou served as a Eucharistic minister, lector, and catechism teacher at both All Saints Church and Blessed Teresa Church over the course of his life.

A lifetime athlete, Lou was a 40-year participant and recurrent Board member of the Josh Billings RunAground. His love of sports extended to local youth and high school games, where he was an official scorekeeper and track and field assistant at Monument Mountain High School.

A born storyteller with a phenomenal memory for detail, Lou was also an occasional thespian, acting in plays to benefit the Fairview Hospital Auxiliary and the Berkshire Bar Association, and directing plays to raise money for the James P. Dohoney Scholarship Fund, on whose Selection Committee he served. He likewise served on the Town of Stockbridge's Scholarship Selection Committee, and was a member of the Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Joan, sons Peter J. Oggiani (Jordan) and Michael L. Oggiani (Anna), granddaughter Penelope "Poppy" Oggiani, many cousins, and the Gilligans.



A wake will be held at 9am Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at the Church of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, 1085 Main Street (Corner of High & Main), Housatonic. Following the wake, at 10am, a funeral mass will be held at Church of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, 1085 Main Street (Corner of High & Main), Housatonic. After the service, burial will be at St. Bridget's Cemetery, Corner of Oak Street & VanDeusenville Road, Housatonic.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Inc., 31 Lewis Avenue, Great Barrington, MA 01230, or to HospiceCare in The Berkshires, Inc., 877 South Street, Suite 1W, Pittsfield, MA 01201, both in care of the funeral home, Birches-Roy, 33 South Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.