PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Chandonnet "Charlie" Louis Pelletier, 89, of Pittsfield passed away at home on Tuesday, January 24, 2017. 

Born in Salem, Mass., on December 8, 1927, the son of the late Louis and Eva Lebel Pelletier. Charlie was educated in local schools and was a graduate of Pittsfield High School. After high school, Charlie enlisted in the United States Army and was a member of United States Army Signal Corps (USASC) stationed in the Philippines on the island of Luzon. 

A mechanic for 37 years, Charlie worked at Rees Central Service garage on North Street and also for Shapiro Motors. Charlie was also the manager and assistant superintendent and director of the physical plant at Berkshire Community College, a position he held for more than 19 years. He also helped set up the first satellite campus for B.C.C. in Great Barrington. 

He was the secretary of the local council of St. Jean the Baptiste Insurance Company and he was a member of the American Institute of Engineers, as well as a former member of the Berkshire Community Action Council (B.C.A.C.) Charlie also worked and supported many candidates in the city council and wrote many articles in the editorial section of the Berkshire Eagle. Charlie was always quick to assist anyone in need and enjoyed volunteering for his neighbors. He also worked in the Share Program for B.C.A.C. 

He loved to play guitar, which he shared with his family, and friends and played for many different occasions, mostly Country Western. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and motorcycling. He was a well-known and respected auto mechanic, as well as a licensed fireman and a driving instructor, he taught at the Reynolds Driving School. 

Charlie is survived by his wife of 66 years, the former Lauraine T. Dupuis; his three daughters, Constance A. Griswold and her husband James of Grafton, Mass., Rose M. Shaw and her husband Michael of Pittsfield, Mass., and Laureen T. Pelletier of Huntsburg, Ohio; two grandsons, Marcus J. DelGreco of Alton, N.H., and Michael W. Shaw Jr. of Pittsfield, Mass.; two great-grandchildren, Abigail L. DelGreco and Marco L. DelGreco, both of Alton, N.H.; several step-grandchildren; and a sister; Fleurette Puyia of Pittsfield, Mass.

Charlie was predeceased by his son-in-law, Walter Whitney; a sister, Murial Pelletier; and a brother; Ludavic Pelletier.

Funeral notice: Funeral services for Chandonnet "Charlie" Louis Pelletier of Pittsfield, who died January 24, 2017, will be held Monday, January 30, 2017, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph Church celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Michael A. Shershanovich. 

Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Sunday evening, January 29, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield.