Berkshire County District Attorney Gerard Downing has died. He suffered an apparent heart attack early this morning while shoveling his driveway. Downing was only 52 years old.
He reportedly collapsed in his driveway around 6:30 a.m. Monday after getting up early to shovel snow.
Downing has been the county's top prosecutor since being elected district attorney in 1990, taking office in January 1991.Prior to that downing served as assistant district attorney since August 1983.
Downing presided over many high profile cases in the county, but was probably best known for prosecuting Lewis Lent who was convicted in the murder and kidnapping of Jimmy Bernardo and later Sara Anne Wood.
Downing was known to throw himself into his cases.He was also known for the love of his family.Downing leaves behind his wife Pamela and their four children.
"He was a family man -- thought a lot about his family. Very personable. You could call him any time of the day or night," said Pittsfield Police Capt. John O'Neil."We're all going to miss him very deeply."
Calling hours are Wednesday from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Theresa's Church.The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday.