Richard Louison

Richard Louison Obituary

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Age - 89

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October 8, 2023

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Great Barrington, MA

Richard John Louison, "Rit", 89, former Selectman for the Town of Great Barrington died Friday, October 6, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. A native and lifelong resident of Housatonic, MA, he was born April 1, 1934 at home, the son of the late Arsene and Elizabeth (Cleary) Louison. He was a 1953 graduate of the former Searles High School in Great Barrington followed by two years in the U. S. Army. Rit married his wife the former, Barbara Majewski, on December 27, 1958 at the former All Saint's Church in Housatonic, MA. Together Rit and Barbara created a home where everyone was welcome. Rit was happiest having a full house and spending time with his large extended family. Following his discharge from the Army he began working for the former Barrington Electric Company where he stayed until their closing. At which time he began working as a custodian at Berkshire Hills Regional School District where he remained for 24 years (17 of those years at Searles Middle School) retiring in 1999. He was also a longtime cherished employee at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home for well over 40 years. An active member of his community, Rit served as a Selectman for the Town of Great Barrington from 1981-1998. He was a former President of the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad, a member of the Housatonic Volunteer Fire Department and served as a Special Police Officer. He was a Communicant of Corpus Christi Church in Housatonic. Rit is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Barbara Majewski Louison, along with their six children, Cynthia Troiano and husband Michael of Houstonic, MA, Rick Louison of Windsor, CT, John Louison and wife Jody of Merrimack, NH, Ellen Beckwith and husband Luke of Lee, MA, Ann Kinne and husband Matthew of Gold Canyon, AZ and Chris Louison and wife Amanda of Housatonic, MA. He also leaves his sister Mary Edmundson and sister-in-law, Katie Louison, eleven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, his beloved "Lnn aka lil' norfin noodle" as well as numerous extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Arsene and Elizabeth Louison, his brothers John (Janet) Louison, Robert Louison and their sister Elaine Shea (Tom). SERVICE - Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish at Corpus Christi Church, Main St. , Housatonic, MA with Father Brian McGrath, Celebrant. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 9, 2023 from 3-6 PM at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St. , Great Barrington, MA. Donations in memory of Richard J. Louison may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St. , Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family please go to www. finnertyandstevens. com

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