Paul Joseph Ferdyn

1967 - 2023

Paul Joseph Ferdyn passed away on December 16, 2023 after a long health struggle. He was fifty-six years old.

A lifelong resident of Pittsfield and graduate of Taconic High School, Paul worked in the restaurant and hotel business with long stints running the banquet departments at the Berkshire Hilton Inn and Cranwell Country Club. Then for many years he was easy to find as the main bartender at La Cocina. He later worked at the Pontusuc Lake Country Club where he did everything from greens keeping to bar tendering to running tournaments.

For most of his life Paul was a serious golfer and one of his favorite parts of his job was squeezing in a quick nine holes alone after the course was closed for the day.

He was a good fisherman from a young age and it wasn't uncommon for him to be late for family dinners because he lost track of time while standing on the lakeshore. His loving, but frustrated, parents learned to accept Paul's forgetfulness when in pursuit of fish.

He loved live music and going to concerts. He rarely missed a show of his favorite bands including Rush, Tony Bennett, Neil Young, and especially The Grateful Dead. It was a sad time for him this past year when his health kept him from attending some shows.

Paul's biggest passion was his garden. He absolutely loved working with plants, mostly different flowers and ornamental shrubs. Although he did keep a few tomatoes and pumpkins, it was the flowers that he most cherished. He found solace in the long hours he spent puttering around surrounded by his blooming yard. As his health deteriorated it was what kept him active.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, Frances and Anthony, as well as his brother Michael. He is survived by two brothers, Mark and Tony, and by his nephew, Marcus.

As per Paul's wishes there will be no services at this time. A celebration to commemorate his life will be held at a future date.