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.