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Jerry Phillip Ovitt

NEW MARLBOROUGH — Jerry Phillip Ovitt, 59, of Hartsville-Mill River Road in New Marlborough, Mass., died Aug. 17, 2007 at his home.

Born in Great Barrington on May 28, 1948, he was the son of Edna (King) and Ronald Ovitt. He attended local schools and graduated from Mount Everett Regional High School in 1967.

Mr. Ovitt was a self-employed carpenter. His professional workmanship revealed a gifted and aesthetic mind that enabled him to bring every project to a serviceable yet visually satisfying conclusion.

He loved the outdoors, especially when the weather was warm. He enjoyed fishing, world travel, his unique Mill River residence, much of which he built and maintained, and his house in Greece, which he shared with his partner, David Johnson, and their dear friend David Walker-Price. Mr. Ovitt cherished his beloved family and friends.

His warmth, singular humor and wit plus his humility made him a joy to be with. Everyone who was privileged to know him will miss his healing presence. There will always be only one Jerry Ovitt.

In addition to David Johnson, his partner of 16 years, he is also survived by his sons, Raymond Ferrin of Dalton and Jeffrey Ferrin of Lee; three daughters, Brenda Ovitt and Elizabeth Carpenter, both of Pittsfield, and Theresa Harris of Clayton, N.C.; seven brothers, including his twin, Garry P. Ovitt Sr. of Sheffield, and Robert F. Ovitt of Mill River, Wayne B. Ovitt of Pittsfield, Brian R. Ovitt of Sheffield, Roger D. Ovitt and Carlton J. Ovitt both of North Canaan, and Raymond E. Ovitt of Falls Village; two sisters, Eleanor M. (Ovitt) Heineman of Newington, Conn., and Joy Ann (Ovitt) Eichstedt of Easton, Mass.; his former wife, Beverly J. Ovitt of Pittsfield; and his grandchildren, Joseph and Zachary Carpenter, Raymond, Christopher and Jonathan Ferrin and Heather, Shawn, Rachel and Rebekah Ferrin.

He was predeceased by his brother, Ronald W. Ovitt; and his stepfather, Edwin C. Mansir.

A service of remembrance will be held on Thursday, Aug. 23, at 3:30 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church in Great Barrington.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jerry P. Ovitt Memorial Fund through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.

Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to finnertyandstevensfuneralhome.com.

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