Raffaele Frieri Obituary

It is with both honor and sadness that we share the passing of our loving husband, father and "nonno" Raffaele Frieri. Raffaele went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 9, 2024, at the age of 92.

Born on March 15, 1932, in the small, mountain village of Cairano, Province of Avellino, Italy to Martino and Colomba Frieri, Raffaele grew up in the old country with his two sisters, helping his parents with farm chores, fetching water at the spring down the hill and ringing the church bell tower for the community. Educated in local schools, fixing bicycles as a way to earn some money as a teenager, and apprenticed under his "zio" (uncle) who was the village doctor, Raffaele entered preparatory school in Verona at age 15 to prepare for the priesthood. But his desire to have a family eventually changed those plans.

With eighteen dollars in his pocket at the age of 20, Raffaele traveled to America in search of new opportunities. He entered through Ellis Island in New York City, but he wanted more of that "country feel" and decided to settle in the Berkshires, staying with his Zio Pasquale and Zia Marianin Iorio. As a young man, he worked at the old St. Luke's Hospital in Pittsfield and Brown's Trucking Co., while studying English at Pittsfield High School in the evening and training for his pilot's license in Great Barrington. Raffaele was later employed by General Electric Co., where he worked forty years until his retirement.

Raffaele served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War for four active years, and for an additional 40 years in the Air Force Reserve, stationed at Loring Air Force Base in Maine and Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee; he earned the rank Master Sergeant and was a Surgical Technician. During the time he served his country, he also cooked in the officer's club, serving delicious meals to pilots and other personnel.

In 1962, he met the love of his life, Martha A. Marino and they married on July 11, 1965. Together they raised three sons, of whom he was so proud: Martin "Tim", Peter, and Raffaele, Jr.

Raffaele's number one priority was his faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, serving and telling others about God. His second priority was his family. He was a loving, hardworking man with a servant's heart. Known for his chivalrous character, often called "a country gentleman" by many; all who knew Raffaele knew of his wonderful heart for others. He would do anything to help.

Raffaele and Martha's home always had an open door for anyone to just stop in and visit; the coffee pot was always on. Many pastors, missionaries, family and friends have been blessed by Raffaele's cooking, hospitality, listening ears and Biblical truths. "Ralph" also served as a deacon at Christian Assembly Church for many years and was vital in the hands-on construction of the church building on Williams Street. He taught Italian Sunday School, served Communion, visited the sick in hospital, and was committed to keeping the church building in good repair by trying to fix anything he could. If he came across something he didn't know how to fix; he was not afraid to take on a challenge.

In 2006 and 2008, he became the proud "nonno" of his two grandchildren, Anthony and Anna. He loved playing soccer and catch with Anthony in the backyard (even at age 85), picking mint leaves in the garden with Anna, and attending baseball games, gymnastic shows, school and church events for his grandchildren - and, of course, making them pasta and meatballs every Sunday.

Raffaele leaves behind his loving wife of 59 years, Martha Ann (Marino) Frieri and three sons, Martin Timothy Frieri, Raffaele Frieri, Jr., and Peter Leonard Frieri with wife Michelle (Shelly) and two grandchildren, Anthony and Anna. Raffaele leaves behind one sister, Maria Teresa DiMilia of Florence, Italy. His other sister, Angela Alifano, passed away in 2021. He also leaves behind five nieces and their families in Italy and many, many friends and "paisans" both here and in Italy.

FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral for Raffaele Frieri will be Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Christian Assembly Church, 850 Williams St., Pittsfield, MA. Burial will follow in Pittsfield Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday, October 16 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-BENCIVENGA FUNERAL HOME, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, MA. Memorial donations may be made to Visiting Angels of the Berkshires or Christian Assembly Church in care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit

www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com