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 Michael J. Chalifoux, 71
 June 25, 2018
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Michael Joseph Chalifoux, 71, of North Adams, Mass., died Monday, June 25, 2018, at his home with his daughters by his side.
He was born in Pittsfield, Mass., on June 22, 1947, son of Jean Major Chalifoux and Catherine Clare "Kitty" (Coyne) Chalifoux. He attended North Adams schools and graduated from St. Joseph's High School. He also attended St. Anselm's College and graduated from UMass Amherst.
Mike was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in the U.S. Army. He was devoted to his fellow veterans and spent much of his time over the years supporting them and helping veterans get their pensions and other VA benefits.
He was always active in his community, looking out for the public’s best interest by being very vocal with residents and town officials. He always stood up for what he believed in. In recent years, he worked diligently to keep his hometown of North Adams clean by personally employing residents to pick up trash and participating himself as well.
Survivors include two daughters, Caitlin Fairneny and husband Ty of Hopkinton, Mass., and Nora Chalifoux of Chapel Hill, Tenn.; and two grandchildren, Colin and Alana Fairneny.
He was a devoted father and grandfather. He is very loved by his family and will be missed greatly.
He was predeceased by two sisters, including Mary Ann Chalifoux on May 29, 2013, and Catherine A. Chalifoux on April 9, 2018. His sister Cathy left us not long ago and died peacefully at home under Mike’s care. Taking care of her was his greatest mission in life and he was so proud to have had that honor.
Funeral notice: A service to celebrate the life of Michael Chalifoux will be held on Friday, June 29, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, Mass. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Friday from noon to 1:30 p.m.
| So sad to hear about him passing. He was the best man! Having worked for him and being a friend was a great privilege. Heaven sure got an angel. He will be missed on earth tho... condolence to his family. | | from: Carl and Kerry | on: 07-04-2018 |
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| So sad to hear about him passing. He was the best man! Having worked for him and being a friend was a great privilege. Heaven sure got an angel. He will be missed on earth tho... condolence to his family. | | from: Carl and Kerry | on: 07-04-2018 |
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| I am very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. We met when the Vietnam Vets Club was being established. He led an active life and was a familiar face seen driving all around town. Please accept my sincere condolences. | | from: Carl Villanueva | on: 06-30-2018 |
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| To all the Chalifoux family.SO SORRY to hear of the passing cousin and fellow VIETNAM VETERAN MIKE!He always wanted to help and make an improvement to all the projects that he took on! R.I.P.the battle is over! LOVE YOU MIKE! ED DENAULT | | from: Kathy Denault | on: 06-29-2018 |
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Nora,
So very sorry about you fathers passing my thoughts and prayers are with you and your sister
Love Roberto | | from: Robert Dollmatsch | on: 06-28-2018 |
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| Nora, we are so sad to hear of your father's passing. May he rest in peace and may you know how much he was loved by so many people. | | from: Skip and Noreen | on: 06-28-2018 |
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| So sad to learn of the death of my former neighbor and good citizen, Mike. My sincere condolences to his family. The caring, sharing man will surely be missed by many. | | from: Diane Parsons | on: 06-28-2018 |
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| My condolences to Mike's family. His love of people and creation showed in his tender loving care toward Catherine and his buddy Monty, the friendly chocolate lab who was always at his side, as well as in his work providing food for the community and cleaning the streets of litter. Mike was also a man of conscience and fought for economic justice, always speaking truth to power. We need more men like Mike. Rest in peace, friend. | | from: Enid Shields | on: 06-27-2018 |
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| I have known Mike for many years and have always enjoyed talking with him and knowing how he put himself out to help others. RIP. You will be missed. | | from: Bill Malone | on: 06-27-2018 |
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I am so saddened, I just saw an article about Mike on facebook and commented, on what a good person he is. I had given him my song The Man from Viet Nam, I even performed it at the vets center on river st some years ago! I place it here in Mikes memory! “ He’s the Man from Viet Nam” D G A cpy., P.gray, cmm.,irm.
He’s the Man from Viet Nam, let him walk let him stand
Though his legs are bent and borrowed he’s the best in the land
Let him walk with his head held high, let his memories march in the sky
He is one of many and his tears will not dry, we all march with the nightmares gone by
He’s died to keep men holy, He’s died to keep men free
He’s carrying out the message let you and I be free
(Chorus): He’s the man from Viet Nam, let him walk let him stand
though his legs are bent and borrowed, He’s the best in the land. (Change to A)
They say it was useless, they say it wasn’t right,
Korea and the World wars were fighting for our lives
And those that can’t stand it let them take heed and leave
Take a plane, hit the road man you’ll never understand!
(Chorus) He’s the man from Viet Nam let him walk let him stand
though his legs are bent and borrowed. He’s the best in the land! (To G)
He has died to keep men holy, He had died to keep men free
He’s carrying out the message let you and I be free.
(chorus fade) with taps out
Patrick Gray singer songwriter pjgray1@verizon.net 102 North county Road
Florida, Ma. 01247 copyright Cmm irm Bmi
"Rest in Peace Mike"
| | from: patrick Gray | on: 06-27-2018 |
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Rest in peace fellow Nam Vet and fellow UMass-Amherst grad. And thank you for everything you did for your fellow veterans, some of whom I grew up with in Adams during the 1950s.
In sympathy,
Former Marine Sgt. Hank Frydel | | from: Hank Frydel | on: 06-27-2018 |
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| I am so sad for the loss of my friend and brother . I salute you for all you have done . May you Rest In Peace Mike | | from: Edward R Coody Sr | on: 06-27-2018 |
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| Went to St.Joe high school with Mike. What a great guy. Sorry to hear of his passing. | | from: Al J Mancuso | on: 06-27-2018 |
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| Condolence's and prayers to the children and family of Mike...your father was an admirable man, respected and admired by many. Now, his fight is over... | | from: S. Heelan | on: 06-27-2018 |
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Nora we are so sorry to hear about your dad.... may your memories help you through this difficult time
The Marko Family | | from: Marko Family | on: 06-27-2018 |
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