Roger Fachini

Roger Fachini 1943 - 2009 WILLIAMSTOWN Roger John Fachini, 65, of 189 Stratton Road, died Thursday, June 25, at Albany Medical Center following cardiac arrest on Friday, June 19th, while on the 11th hole of his beloved Taconic Golf Course in Williamstown. Roger was born Oct. 6th, 1943, in North Adams, to John J. Fachini and Rena Colo Fachini of Williamstown. He was a member of the first graduating class at Mt. Greylock Regional High School in 1962. Roger proudly served in the National Guard for seven years. He attended the Williams College School of Banking and the Robert Morris School of Commercial Lending at the University of Massachusetts. In the 1970s Roger worked for the First Agricultural Bank in North Adams, and went on to spend more than 15 years in various management roles in the land development industry. In 1995 he was appointed Assessor and Chairman of the Board of Assessors for the City of North Adams, a position he held until his retirement in 2006. He was active in the Berkshire County Assessors Association, serving as Vice President from 1998 to 2000, as President from 2000 to 2002, and as a member of the executive board until his retirement. He was respected and loved by his co-workers. Never one to sit for very long, Roger then renewed his real estate license and joined long-time friend, Tom Elder, at Elder and Associates Real Estate in Williamstown. He was the current President of the Stratton Hills Association Trust and served on the board since moving there in 2005. Roger had a passion for golf, snowshoeing, walking, fly-fishing, and anything that got him outdoors. He was a long-standing and supportive member of Taconic Golf Club, and a regular at Williams College football games, Clark Art events, and Board of Trade functions. He was a true native son of Williamstown and had a deep and abiding appreciation for the beauty of The Berkshires. Roger's favorite role was that of a loving, proud, and devoted father. The times he cherished most were spent with his daughter, Jennifer Helies, and her husband, Brad, whether at his home in Williamstown, or with them in New York City. Roger was also a generous and loyal friend, ready to lend a hand, do a favor, offer thoughtful advice, an honest opinion, and always armed with a quick-witted and humorous comeback. He counted his family and friends as his richest treasures. He was greatly loved in return and will be missed by all who knew him. He leaves his daughter, Jennifer Helies, and son-in-law, Brad Helies, of New York City, ex-wife, Judith Dawson Fachini, of Bennington, Vt., and numerous cousins throughout the area. FUNERAL NOTICE: A celebration of Roger's Life will be take place Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 4 p.m. on the lawn at his home at 189 Stratton Road, Williamstown, with the Rev. Mr. Bruce Ziter, Deacon of St. Elizabeth Church officiating. A reception will follow at the Orchards Restaurant. In Lieu of Flowers are suggested for the Village Ambulance service or The Fund for Williamstown through the FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA.