Russell Battis

Mr. Russell Battis, 83, of 165 West Road, Clarksburg, formerly of North Adams, died Tuesday afternoon, July 4, 2006, at the home of his daughter in Adams, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born in Clarksburg on August 6, 1922, a son of the late Purcell John and Agnes Helen (Laporte) Battis, and attended the former Houghton School in Clarksburg. Mr. Battis was a self-taught local carpenter and roofer who took great pride in his work for many years. He was a member of Carpenter's Local 193 and worked on many local projects, including buildings at local colleges, the mount Equinox Monastery in Vermont, Clark Art Institute, the Bear Swamp Hydroelectric Plant and the Pittsfield Parking Garage. In his younger years, he worked on several large projects in Clarksburg, including the Ice House at Mausert's Pond, the Town of Clarksburg Highway department and the former Strong Hewat Co. as a weigher and measurer of dyes. He also worked on many projects throughout Berkshire County and the State of Florida. He finally retired from the former Arnold Print Works in Adams as a back tender for many years. While working there, he had the pleasure of meeting Grandma Moses during a visit she made to the print works to see how the printing of her famous "Maple Sugar" painting was being reproduced on cloth. He loved his home and garden and was proud of his "green thumb". He took pleasure in sharing the bounty of his garden with family and friends. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved berry picking. He loved playing harmonica and singing the songs of yesteryear. He loved to reminisce with family and friends about the old days and was quite a historian. In his later years, he enjoyed playing bingo and Keno, and lived life to the fullest. He is survived by 2 daughters - Nancy Biagini and her husband, Mickey, of Cheshire; and Kathy Williamson and her husband, Max, of Adams; 1 Sister - Shirley Maxwell of Spring Hill, Florida; 6 Grandchildren - Michele Biagini of Adams ; Michael Biagini of Cheshire; Jason Soha of North Adams; Matthew Soha of San Diego, CA; and Jesse and Joseph Soha, both of Adams; 4 Great Grandchildren - Dillon Biagini, Timothy Biagini and Haley Morgan, all of Adams, and Nathan Biagini of Cheshire; Many Nieces & nephews, including Ronald Battis of Stamford, VT; and several cousins, including Fred Cole of North Adams. He was predeceased by 5 Brothers - Francis, Edward, Nelson, Sterling and Robert Battis; and by 2 sisters - Betty Rarick and Ruth White. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 14th, 2006, at 1:00 PM in the AUGE-PACIOREK-SIMMONS Funeral Home, 13 Hoosac St. Adams. Rev. William D. Furey, Pastor of Berkshire Union Chapel, will officiate. Calling hours are Friday, July 14th, from 12 Noon until the service. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the VNA & Hospice of Northern Berkshire, or to Boy Scout Troop 38 of Adams, through the funeral home.

Russell Battis

August 6, 1922 - July 4, 2006