John Daniels, 78

CHESHIRE, Mass. —  John Daniels, 78 of Cheshire, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, from complications due to COVID-19 and COPD with his loving family by his side.

John was born Oct. 1, 1945, in North Adams to the late Harvey and Laura Daniels.

John was a well-known local businessman for more than 62 years. He started his first business, J & D Auto Sales, in his late teens. He later started Cheshire Mobile Home Sales, branching out into general contracting, building and remodeling homes in Berkshire County as Future Homes Co. with his son, John Jr. He also bought and sold real estate in Massachusetts and Vermont. While doing all this, he continued to help his parents maintain and run the family farm at Rolling Acres Farm in Cheshire.

He lived on Cheshire Lake for 49 years and eventually moved to his beloved farm, where he resided until the time of his death. John loved his farm and tractors and every year planted the most beautiful sunflower field and fruit trees.

He was so proud of his talented daughter, Jackie, and his five grandchildren, that he had them paint a mural on his barn and silo, so he could enjoy looking at it as he sat on his porch. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing on his farm and at his camp in Vermont.

In July 1966, John married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Emerson, and enjoyed 58 wonderful years as best friends and partners in the businesses they built together.

John leaves his wife, Elaine; daughter Jackie; son John Jr.; five grandchildren, Marina, Christopher, Henry, Paul, and Nadine. He also leaves his "sister" and sparring partner Carol Daniels, in-laws Robert and Lynn Martin and Shirley Emerson, several nieces and nephews, and so many friends he considered family.

He is predeceased by his parents; his sister, Grace; and his brother, James Daniels of Alabama.

FUNERAL NOTICE: In place of calling hours, John would like family and friends to continue visiting with his bride at the farm and enjoy the beautiful views with her special treats. A memorial service will be in May at the farm to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cheshire Fire and Police Departments through Dery Funeral home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield, MA 01201.