Robert R. Pitoniak

Mr. Robert Ralph Pitoniak, 73, of 125 Friend St. Adams, died Tuesday morning at his home. He was born in Adams on September 30, 1932, a son of the late John and Margaret (Blasczak) Pitoniak. He attended Adams schools, and graduated from the former Adams High School in 1950. He was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving with the US Navy in the European Theater, until being Honorably Discharged as a Machinist's Mate First Class in 1955. Following his discharge, Mr. Pitoniak returned to Adams and worked as a pipefitter and steamfitter with the local Plumber's and Pipefitter's union. He then worked for Honeywell Corporation for 20 years, and, in 1980, founded his own business, Conserve Thru Control, Inc. which he operated until retiring and turning the business over to his son, Matthew Pitoniak, in September of 1994. He remained on as a consultant to the business until 2 years ago. Throughout his career, he maintained certifications in refrigeration, steamfitting, construction supervision and general contracting. He was a communicant of the Parish of Notre Dame and St. Thomas Aquinas, Adams. He was a member of the Adams Lions Club; the Adams and North Adams Lodges of Elks; Frank R. Stiles Post 125 American Legion, North Adams; Dr. George L. Curran Post 996 Veterans of Foreign Wars, North Adams; the Fraternal Order of Eagles, North Adams; the Bennington, VT Lodge of the Loyal Order of Moose; and the Plant Engineer's Association. He was a former member of the Plumber's and Pipefitter's Union, and of the Adams Town Meeting. He also was a Red Cross Blood Donor for many years. He enjoyed cooking, birdwatching, and working in his yard. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, the former Marian A. Ouellette, whom he married on November 26, 1955, in St. Francis of Assisi Church, North Adams; 1 Daughter - Michele Crawford, and her husband, James, of Westford, MA; 2 Sons - Michael Pitoniak and his wife, Beth, of Townsend, MA; and Matthew Pitoniak and his wife, Tina, of Adams; 2 Brothers - Harold Pitoniak of Alfred, Maine; and Edward Pitoniak of Adams; 2 Sisters - Margaret Balardini and Elizabeth Balardini, both of Adams; 7 Grandchildren - Connor, Sean and Ryan Crawford, all of Westford; Christopher and Sarah Pitoniak, of Townsend; and Nathan and Stephanie Pitoniak, of Adams; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces & grandnephews. He was predeceased by 2 Children - Robert and Marie Pitoniak, in infancy; and by 2 brothers - John and Ralph Pitoniak. The funeral will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9th, at 11:00 AM from the AUGE-PACIOREK-SIMMONS Funeral Home, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 12 Noon in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Adams, celebrated by Rev. Daniel J. Boyle, Pastor of the Catholic Parishes of Adams. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the American Red Cross through the funeral home.

Robert R. Pitoniak

September 30, 1932 - September 5, 2006