David Pranaitis succumbed to his battle with cancer and passed peacefully at Baystate Medical Center on November 1, 2024. David was Born October 15, 1960, son of Charles and Teresa Pranaitis and grew up in Bondsville.
He graduated from Pathfinder Regional High School, served his country in the Air Force before he proudly started his career and service to his community for 38 years with Palmer Fire Department as full time Captain. David retired in 2017 as Deputy Fire Chief and was honored as “Fire Fighter of The Year”.
David will always be remembered by many as “Cappy” and his distinctive handlebar mustache. David took great pleasure sharing his love of the outdoors and hunting in NY where he spent as much time as he could. As a carpenter by trade, he loved nothing more than lending a helping hand whether you needed a hand with a weekend project or needed your entire house rebuilt. David was always there to help. He was most proud of all the projects he did with his daughter Katie at her house, especially the Koi pond they built by hand together.
He will be greatly missed by his mother, Teresa Pranaitis of Bondsville, his 2 brothers and their families, Paul and Mark Pranaitis both of CT, his daughter Katie Pranaitis, of Palmer, his life partner, Maria Donato, of Palmer, his former mother-in-law Alice Smith of Palmer, many friends, caregivers and beloved dogs. David is pre-deceased by his former wife Debra Pranaitis and his father, Charles Pranaitis.
Services are private and in lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to: Massachusetts Vest A Dog, PO Box 113, Mendon, MA 01756; MCVFA Massachusetts Call Volunteer Firefighters Association MCVFA Fund, Inc., PO Box 60659, Florence, MA 01062; or The American Cancer Society
Williamsburg Funeral Home in Haydenville MA was entrusted with his cremation.
Katie,
I’m so very sorry about the loss of your Dad. He clearly loved you very much. His love will live on and will always be with you. May all of your special memories bring you some comfort during this difficult time. I’m here if you need anything.
Dena