Lawrence J. Rotti

1943 - 2024

Lawrence J. Rotti died peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Sunday, September 8th. Born on August 19, 1943, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to Silvio and Yvonne Rotti and was raised on the family dairy farm on Fort Hill Avenue.

Larry met his loving wife Margaret (nee Hermann) through their shared affiliation with 4-H groups throughout their teen years. They were married at St. Mark's Church in Pittsfield on June 15, 1968, and celebrated 56 years of marriage.

His connection with 4-H continued throughout his high school and college years. Larry attended the Vocational Agriculture Course at Williams High School in Stockbridge, graduating in 1962, and was very involved in the Future Farmers of America program, holding all the offices of the organization throughout his high school years, and was awarded Degree of State Farmer for Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Association of FFA in 1962. He continued his agricultural studies at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass, then transferred to the University of Wisconsin, and received an Agricultural Short Course Certificate in 1964.

He won several competitions during these years including winning the Blue Seal Challenge Trophy in Berkshire County as Grand Champion in Fitting and showmanship for baby beef, three years in a row, and retiring the trophy. He was also winner of the Eastern United States 4-H Tractor Operating contest at the Atlantic Rural Exposition in Richmond Virginia in1963. Throughout his life, he enjoyed being a part of agricultural competitions, including winning third place in the Giant Pumpkin contest at the Topsfield Fair in 1998.

After working at the family farm, Larry worked for Petricca Construction as a Teamster, serving proudly as Steward of the Local Unit 404 from 1976 until retiring in 2005. After retirement, Larry and his wife formed a nursery and landscaping company. His hard work was not only respected but made clear by the fact that he was still making deliveries and doing small projects until two weeks before his death.

The neighborhood and friends have comforted the family with countless stories about how helpful Larry always was. Someone who was always there. Someone they could count on. Someone who taught so much to others.

Along with his wife, Larry leaves his son Rick and his wife Jenine of Pittsfield, MA, as well as his daughter Rebecca Tougas and her husband Twice (George) of Marion, MA. He also leaves his grandsons Camden and his wife Audrey Tougas and their expectant son, as well as Luke Tougas, all of Marion, MA. Larry also leaves his sisters Patricia Pritchard of Pittsfield, MA; Linda Rotti and Thomas Porter of Griffin, Georgia, Janet Iwanowicz and husband John of Shelburne Falls, MA and Jean Rotti of Pittsfield, MA. As well as brother-in-law Robert & Mary Ann Hermann of Savoy, MA. He leaves many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Along with his parents, he will join his brothers-in-law Kurt Hermann, Bertram Pritchard and Francis Mangiardi. He was godfather to six godchildren.

A special acknowledgment for Sheena Kelly who took care of Larry and bonded with him over the past year, a true angel. As well as his countless friends who stood by his side throughout life and his final days. The family would also like to acknowledge the care given by HospiceCare in the Berkshires.

Funeral Notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Michael Shershanovich, Pastor. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held, Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the HospiceCare in the Berkshires or to St. Joseph Church in care of the funeral home.