Mr. William E. Michaels

William E. Michaels of Cheshire joined his wife to make their new home in Heaven on September 27, 2017. He passed at home in the arms of his loving family after a short battle with cancer. Born in North Adams on December 29th, 1933, he was the son of the late William and Albena ( St. Pierre) Michaels. After graduating from St Joseph's High School in 1951, Bill honorably chose to serve our country in the US Navy Submarine Service from 1951-1955. After leaving his military service, he quickly entered and graduated from the GE Apprentice Program and began a successful 36 year career with GE, retiring as a Manager of the Power Transformer division in Pittsfield in 1991. Over the years, he served as a President of the former Cartier Cub Auxiliary & Adams Turn Hall. A former Eagle Scout, he served as a Scout Master for 13 Years - Troop 36 North Adams. On May 5th, 1956, he married the late Theresa C. Clairmont. Together, their family grew as they added 5 children. Bill and Theresa's life priorities focused on children, parents and family. (His mother came from the St. Pierre family – 17 children). Dad valued relationships with family and stayed in contact with many. In the end, what he valued came back to him in his final weeks as his children, siblings, aunt, cousins and grandchildren made visits and calls. Parties were a regular event, and both family and friends loved to meet at the Michael's pool, socialize, eat barbecue and just have fun. The children treasure many memories from growing up with family. During his employment at GE, Bill had numerous opportunities for promotion, but they required him to leave the area. He repeatedly chose to keep his family rooted in the Berkshires. Bill and Theresa celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary shortly before her passing in September of 2016. He was deeply saddened by her passing and ultimately wanted to join her in Heaven. With his "bigger than life" personality, Bill was a joker who loved to make people laugh. He never met a stranger, was interested in each person he met, and always made new friends. Most importantly, he was always available and was a wonderful friend to his children and grandchildren. His wonderful sense of humor remained with him, and us, throughout his final days. Bill is survived by his children: William (Emelia) of Washington, DC, David (Clarisse) of St Petersburg, Fl, Kenneth (Linda) of New York City, Linda Michaels- Negri (Domenic) of Cheshire, and Gary (Mark Lee) of Pensacola, FL. He leaves three siblings: Thomas (Dorothy) of New Smyrna, FL, Barbara (James) Quinton of Sanford, ME, John (Susan) of Saco, ME. He is predeceased by his brother Robert of North Adams who passed in 1966. Bill is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Jessica, Jay, Philip, Jennifer, Jacob, Corey, Christopher, Cody, Matthew and Carrie, as well as five great grandchildren: Gavin, Sienna, Sage, Flynn and Colton. He was predeceased by his grandson, Joshua. In his final days, he cherished the care and compassion that he received from his family. The family would like to thank Hospice Services of Western Massachusetts and Bill's special caretaker Wendy Trotter, as well as his special friend Father Steve Montesanti. The funeral will be held on Saturday October 7th at 10am at the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac Street, Adams, officiated by Rev. Steven Montesanti, Pastor of the Parish of St. John Paul ll, Adams. Burial will follow in the family lot at Southview Cemetery, North Adams. Calling hours are Saturday morning from 9am until the time of the service at the funeral home. Flowers in care of funeral home or in lieu of flowers his family requests that donations be made to the Notre Dame Memorial Fund, 21 Maple Street Adams, MA 01220.

Mr. William E. Michaels

December 29, 1933 - September 27, 2017