Peter F. Menard

1930 - 2024

Peter Francis Menard, 94, of Windsor, died Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Berkshire Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Born in Dalton on April 17, 1930, the son of Felix and Josephine Laframbois Menard, he was educated in Dalton schools and was a 1948 graduate of Dalton High School.

A Korean War veteran, Mr. Menard enlisted with the United States Navy on October 5, 1948, served two years overseas, and was honorably discharged with the rank AE 2 on October 4, 1952.

Mr. Menard was employed by General Electric Company where he was a Component Specialist for the Naval Ordnance Systems Department. He retired in 1990 with over 36 years of service.

Mr. Menard was a well-respected public servant. His long and distinguished career began as a member of the Windsor Board of Selectman for 18 years, a member of the Berkshire County Selectmen's Association, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association. He served 16 years as a Berkshire County Commissioner, 5 years as the Town Manager of Becket, Chairman of the Governor's Local Advisory Commission, and he even ran a great race for Senate in 1984.

Mr. Menard was ever mindful to support others as a "Voice of The Berkshires" and well-remembered as "a leader in cutting government cost, lowering utility rates, reducing auto insurance rates, control of government bureaucracy, creation of employment by curtailing the $150.00 handyman license fee, environmental protection, hazardous waste disposal, acid rain, and road standard improvements."

Mr. Menard was a life-long communicant of St. Agnes Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Windsor Historical Commission and Dalton Lions Club.

Peter enjoyed cooking for his family on holidays. He also loved hosting picnics with his wife Susan at his home in Windsor for his neighbors, friends, and family. He was an avid outdoorsman.

Peter's greatest passions were the United States, Massachusetts, Berkshire County History, Politics, and flying his Piper Cherokee 140 airplane with his wife Susan.

Mr. Menard married the former Susan J. Callahan on May 14, 1955. Together they raised three sons and one daughter. He was proceeded by his wife Susan Menard and daughter Monique Menard. He is survived by their three sons, Donald J. (wife Gail Broderick) Menard of Pittsfield, Lawrence A. (wife Susan) Menard of Greer, S.C., and Paul Menard of Windsor; as well as six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services with military honors for Peter Francis Menard will be held Friday, November 22, 2024, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Agnes Church celebrated by Rev. Christopher A. Malatesta, Pastor. Burial will be in Hill Cemetery, Windsor, in the Spring.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, November 21, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., at DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 BRADFORD STREET, PITTSFIELD.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that those who wish to do so may make memorial contributions to St. Agnes Academy in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield.