PITTSFIELD, Mass. —  

Raymond Frederick Meisberger, 84, passed away on December 25, 2021, after a long illness. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Mary Ann, in 1996, who he loved to the end of his days.

Ray was a self-made made man who held several patents for products he created during his time as owner of Bruce Lake Steel in Pennsylvania from 1968 to 1979. Originally from Pennsylvania, Ray moved with his family to Williamstown in 1979, where he and Mary Ann opened a bakery and an antique store. In 1988 he and Mary Ann purchased Different Drummers Kitchen and transformed it from a gift store to a gourmet kitchenware store, expanding from a single location to three stores in Massachusetts and New York.

Ray had a fondness for 18th-century American furniture and ran Clark-Frederick Antiques with Mary Ann. In 1988, they purchased the Holcombe Homestead, an early 18th-century farmhouse in Stephentown, and meticulously restored it to its original condition.

A member of Berkshire West Athletic Club until he became too ill to exercise, Ray developed a circle of friends wherever he went. He was friendly, kind, generous, and known throughout the community for his positivity. He was a lifelong learner who shared his passion for reading with friends and family.

He is survived by his son Andrew Meisberger (Courtney), his daughter Pam Tworig, and his son Erich (Laura Webb), as well as his grandchildren, Maggie and Shannon Meisberger and Stephen Tworig IV. He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched.

There will be a memorial service in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Berkshire Human Society or Hospice Care of the Berkshires in his name.

To share memories and stories please visit rochefuneralhome.com