Saverio Walter "Sully" Garofano

Saverio "Sully" W. Garofano passed away on Friday, July11, 2025. He was surrounded by family who loved him dearly and they loved him into his next life.
Sully was married over 50 years to his wife, the former Mary Eileen Green. He leaves his children, Derek Garofano and Melissa Garofano, granddaughters Carly Rousseau (Brandon) and Mya Desautels and his great-grandson, Rowan Rousseau, of Pittsfield. He was predeceased by his brothers, Ernest Garofano (Hazel), Craig Garofano (Jeanne) and brother-in-law Gerald "Chuck" Green. He also leaves behind his brothers-in-law, James Green (Eileen), Kevin Green (Sergio) and Shaun Green (Susan), and many nieces nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and their families. In addition, he leaves his beloved caregivers for 5 years, Joan Fields and Alicia Cook of the A-Team.
Sully was born in Adams, MA on September 10, 1930. He was the son of Pelligrino "Percy" Garofano and Blanche Lemanski Garofano. Sully attended schools in Adams, graduating from Adams High School in 1948. He was a star athlete in gymnastics at the Turn Hall and attended University of Indiana on a gymnastic scholarship. After a year there, he returned to Adams. He taught gymnastics at the Adams Turn Hall while attending the former Bliss business college (MCLA) and then transferred to University of Connecticut and received his certification in banking and insurance. He briefly worked at the John Hancock Mutual Insurance Co. in North Adams before settling at Northern State College in South Dakota, where he completed his degree in Sociology and Psychology in 2 1/2 years. While in South Dakota, he was a desk sergeant on the Pierre Police Force. He was the handler for their K-9, Baron. He then moved to Los Angeles, California and worked as a psychiatric social worker with the Big Brothers organization while attending the University of Southern California's Graduate School of Social Work. He transferred to Boston University to complete his Master's degree, working as a clinician at the Greater Lynn Child Guidance Clinic. Upon completion, he returned to Los Angeles as a supervisor at the LA Bureau of Adoptions. Several years later he finally returned to the Berkshires as Director of Casework services for Family and Children's Services in Pittsfield and 2 years later moved to become Director of Social Work and Psychosocial Services at Berkshire Rehabilitation Center and Berkshire Medical Center. He retired from Berkshire Medical Center in 1995.
Sully was a lecturer and assistant professor in the School of Social Work at SUNY Albany and also field instructor for Smith College School of Social Work. He taught at St. Luke's School of Nursing in Pittsfield. His varied experience helped him to be an effective teacher and advisor. He was proud of his contributions. Awards and plaques are numerous. However, it was his family whom he treasured most: His son, daughter, granddaughters and then his great-grandson son. They are his legacy. He felt so proud and so blessed.
In retirement, Sully and Mary traveled numerous times to Italy and Europe. His culinary skills became epic. Sully continued to volunteer his time, expertise and his boundless energy to agencies which supported our communities. He also continued to volunteer. Sully served as a Board member and Board President for The Pittsfield Family YMCA, Elder Services of Berkshire County, and HospiceCare in the Berkshires. He believed in their missions and in the good they provided our community.
Visiting hours will be at Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, 5 Elm St. Pittsfield on Thursday, July 17, 4:00 to 6:00 PM. On Friday, July 18, 2025, a Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church on Elm St. Pittsfield at 11:00 AM.
In keeping with his wishes, family requests that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Pittsfield Family YMCA, Elder Services of Berkshire County or HospiceCare in the Berkshires, Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Homes will accept them on behalf of the family. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com