Lawrence J. Konefal Passes at Age 64

The following obituary was published in the Berkshire Eagle:

Mr. Lawrence J. Konefal, 64, of 34 Elaine Drive, died Saturday, December 1, 2012 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Middletown, CT, on October 11, 1948, the son of Andrew and Evelyn Dykas Konefal, he graduated from Gannon University in Erie, PA with a Baccalaureate degree in Sociology.

Mr. Konefal worked as a Pension Analyst for Guardian Life Insurance Company, retiring in 2011.

Larry was a member of the Hoffman Bird Club and the Knights of Columbus.

He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church and a former communicant of St. Joseph Church where he was a Eucharistic minister. As a Eucharistic minister, he enjoyed bringing friendship and solace to those in the hospital and nursing homes.

Larry was a quiet family man who loved his children and many pets. He was the household chef and enjoyed cooking meals for family and friends.

Growing up in the country, he enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing, birding and hiking. He was also a licensed private pilot.

Larry was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor two years ago and was considered a "long term survivor." Sadly, there is still no curative treatment for this under publicized cancer. Larry accepted his illness and lived and died with grace and dignity.

Besides his parents, Larry leaves his wife, the former Marilyn Urban, whom he married on May 14, 1977; two children, Allison K. Andrews and her husband Ryan of Medford, MA; Matthew Konefal and his fiancee Marielle MacDonald and their two sons, Patrick and Kevin Konefal, all of Pittsfield; a brother, Andy Konefal; many nieces, nephews, cousins and his cherished pets. Mr. Konefal was predeceased by his sister, Christine Foss and his beloved little Sheltie, Amber.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Mr. Lawrence J. Konefal will be Friday, December 7, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, celebrated by the Rev. James K. Joyce, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association or to the National Brain Tumor Society, care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield MA 01201 in his memory. Please visit www.dwyerfuneral.com to leave condolences and remembrances