Daniel J. Denault, 61
ADAMS, Mass. - Daniel J. Denault, 61, of 28 Crandall St. died Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009, at his home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in North Adams on April 7, 1948, son of Lawrence and Alice Chalifoux Denault, he graduated from McCann Technical School.
He was a decorated Army veteran of the Vietnam War.
Mr. Denault was executive director of the Veterans Outreach Center in Pittsfield for 20 years, retiring in 2006. At the time of his death, he was the veterans services officer for Lanesborough. He was first employed as a machinist at the former Beloit-Jones Corp.
He was a charter member of the Clarksburg VFW and a member of the Adams Elks Lodge. He was past commander and member of both the Adams American Legion and North Adams VFW, served as the VFW commander All-State for Massachusetts. He was named state Veteran of the Month for September 2009 by state Treasurer Timothy Cahill.
He was a member of the Nite Cruzers and was well known for his Go-Mango-colored 1970 Dodge Challenger that is featured in the September 2009 edition of Hemmings magazine. He loved fishing with his best friend and his daughter, Lisa.
He and his wife, the former Mary J. Gwozdz, were married Nov. 29, 1975, in Adams.
Besides his wife, and daughter Lisa Denault Viale and her husband, Thomas, he leaves three sisters, Patricia Rondeau of Bennington, Vt., and Sandra Torchia and Debbie Kushnet, both of Clarksburg; six brothers, Lawrence Denault of San Diego, William Denault of Middlefield, Ronald Denault of Adams, Gary Denault of Utica, N.Y., and Alfred Denault and Edward Denault, both of Clarksburg; a sister-in-law, Carol Denault, his cousin Bert Davignon, and his beloved dog Brownie.
He was predeceased by another brother, Francis "Pete" Denault.
FUNERAL NOTICE - Funeral services for Mr. Denault will take place Saturday, Aug. 29, at 9 at First Baptist Church of North Adams. Burial with full military honors will follow in Southview Cemetery.
Calling hours at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, will be Friday from 4 to 7. Memorial donations are suggested for the Albany VA Medical Center through the funeral home.