The Passing of Roger Pedercini

To the Williams community,

I write to share the sad news that Roger Pedercini, who began his career at Williams in 1991 and retired in 2006, has passed away. Roger died on June 8, at age 81, at Williamstown Commons.

A dispatcher and switchboard operator known for his understated and gentle manner, Roger touched the lives of many in the college community. During his 15-year tenure at Williams he took time to get to know many students, particularly those who worked in the office, with whom he relished long conversations that spanned a wide range of topics.

Born in 1938, Roger attended schools in North Adams, including St. Joseph Parochial High School, where he was a standout member of the varsity basketball team. A proud member of the U.S. Marine Reserves, he had had a full career prior to joining Williams. As a young man he was a welder at Lipton Steel Metal Products in Pittsfield and later became a plant maintenance supervisor  at Cornish Wire and General Cable Fiber Optic Division, where he was recognized for his ingenuity and his engineering ability to resolve almost any problem. The company took advantage of his talents by sending him abroad to assist in the establishment of new factories.

An avid Boston sports fan, Roger especially loved the Celtics. Those who knew him well remember him as a comedian, philosopher, teacher, advisor, singer, parental figure, counselor, storyteller and, most of all, a friend.

Roger is survived by his children, Debora Niles of Richmond, Va., Craig Pedercini of Williamstown, Lisa Dubendorf of Williamstown, and Keith Pedercini of Pownal, Vt.; his brother Ronald; his longtime partner, Hilda Fitzpatrick of Pittsfield; and several grandchildren, including Nicole Pedercini in the Williams Controller’s office. He was predeceased by two sisters, Mildred St. John and Dorothy Mason.

A wake will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Flynn and Dagnoli Funeral Home, West Chapel, in North Adams.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Roger Pedercini will be held tomorrow,  Tuesday, June 12, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Berkshire Humane Society.

Our thoughts are with Roger’s family and many friends.

Sincerely,

Tiku Majumder
Interim President