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BORN
1943
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
James Meaney Obituary
He was educated in North Adams Schools and was a 1961 graduate of St. Joseph High School. He then went on to receive his Bachelor's degree in secondary education and his Master's degree in education from North Adams State College.
Jim married his high school sweetheart, the former Louise Soderstrom on June 25, 1966.
Mr. Meaney had a passion for education. He was the Vice-Principal for Drury High School from 1988 through 1993. Prior to that, he had worked in the Pittsfield Schools, primarily as a Social Studies Teacher at Taconic High School.
A communicant of Sacred Heart Church, he was an avid golfer and enjoyed all sports. He was also a High School Golf and Basketball Coach for many years.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Louise Meaney of Lenox. He also leaves his children, James Meaney, Jr., and his wife Sharon of Bow, NH, and Deborah Diehl of Pittsfield. Two brothers, John Meaney, Sr. and Gregory Meaney, both of North Adams. He was a fun-loving Papa of five beloved grandchildren, Ryan, Caitlin Cassandra, Connor and Cameron, and two great-grandchildren, Lennox and Hewitt, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Meaney, Jr., and two sisters, Mary Ellen Perreault and Anne Carruth.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held, Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, celebrated by Rev. Steven Montesanti, Pastor. Entombment services will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or to HospiceCare in the Berkshires and mailed to Dery Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Meaney
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
Deane Christopolis
October 29, 2024
Louise and family, we are so sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. I remember our years at Taconic as we developed friendships within the Social Study´s department. I looked forward each morning to Jimmys arrivival, knowing controlled chaos was about to begin. We laughed a lot at his antics and provocations. Jim was a great teacher and well respected by students and faculty. Anne and I remember our trips to Wildwood with our families and how much fun we had each year. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Deane and Anne
Mark Quadrozzi
October 29, 2024
To the Meaney family,
My thoughts go back so many years to Taconic High School when Jim played such a huge role in the education and development of so many students in West Pittsfield. He will be missed, and always remembered as a friend. So sorry for your loss.
Wayne lemanski
October 26, 2024
In the late 90s, I was chairman of the building project for LMHS. At the time there was much opposition to the proposed auditorium. Jim was a great help in selling the addition by describing how an auditorium was like the family room in your home. I would run into Jim at Price Chopper and chat with him and admire his dignity as he navigated with his walker.
Tracie Blei
October 25, 2024
Jim was a wonderful and great man, he was a surely an inspiration to many and always will be. He will always be messed and always in my thoughts and prayers. Prayers go to the family for a loss too soon. I will miss him.
Missy Boldyga Whitman
October 23, 2024
Debbie and family so very sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Rosemary Messer
October 23, 2024
Sharing your loss. Mr. Meaney, may you rest in peace.
June
October 22, 2024
Love from all of the Roy Girls!
Steve Haile
October 21, 2024
My condolences to Mr. Meaney's family, I learned he wasn't just a teacher but a friend to his students also. Always good to see him & chat when we could. May God be with you & guide you through these times. R. I. P. Mr. Meaney God Bless!
Mitch Herrick
October 21, 2024
A wonderful man and educator. He was a great example for kids at Taconic. Many of us idolized him. RIP Jim. "Mr. Meaney"
Shawn Kirchner
October 20, 2024
My condolence go out to the family. What a great all around person, all were lucky to have met such a quality man. Rip Jim.
Richard Shakar
October 20, 2024
Greg and John: condolences and prayers coming your way. Sorry to hear about passing of your brother.
Rick Shakar
Dr. Charles Bashara
October 19, 2024
Very sorry to learn about Mr. Meaney´s passing- and also for not taking the time to tell him what a great guy he was, and how much I enjoyed his class and the class trip we organized to NYC to tour the UN. May Mr. Meaney rest in peace, and may his family be consoled by the good life he led among us. Thanks, Mr. Meaney! Charlie Bashara, THS Class of 1977. Go Braves!
John Potash
October 19, 2024
Debbie - I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers - John
John Farrell
October 19, 2024
A wonderful Teacher, Coach and Friend. My love to the Meaney Family
Judy Coughlin
October 19, 2024
Mr. Meaney was my favorite teacher at Taconic High School in 1974. I loved history, especially US history because of him.. My condolences to his family.
Gary M Lagarce
October 19, 2024
very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lenox Police Department
October 19, 2024
Please accept our condolences.
Doreen Rushbrook
October 19, 2024
Dear Louise and family, may the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Sending love and prayers to you and your family.
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