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Michael Earl Belleau, 79, of Greenfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, at Baystate Hospital in Springfield. Born on June 27, 1947, in Greenfield, he was the beloved son of the late Phyllis (Peters) and Norman Belleau.
A lifelong resident of Greenfield, Michael took great pride in his hometown and dedicated much of his life to serving both his country and his community. He graduated from Greenfield High School with the Class of 1965, where he was a proud member of the 1964 Massachusetts State Championship Cross Country Team.
Following high school, Michael answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He served honorably as a combat veteran during the Vietnam War. Later in life, he became a dedicated advocate for fellow veterans, working tirelessly to support those who had served and ensuring they received the recognition, respect, and assistance they deserved.
After returning home from the war, he continued his education through the post-graduate program at Greenfield Vocational School, where he contributed to several lasting community projects. Among them were the construction of the locker rooms and bathhouse at the Greenfield Swimming Pool, the Craft Building at Camp Apex, and the rebuilding of the Pumping Station Bridge.
Michael later earned a degree in Marketing and Management from Greenfield Community College. He went on to enjoy a distinguished 40-year career as a certified paralegal while also working as a skilled tradesman and painter. His passion was flipping houses and restoring historic homes. The project he was most proud of was The Colrain House. Michael earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike for his dedication and craftsmanship.
His love for Greenfield extended far beyond his professional life. Michael served for five years on the Town of Greenfield Planning Board and was an active member of the Greenfield Revitalization Committee. As Chair of the Event and Entertainment Committee, he helped create what would become one of Greenfield's most cherished annual traditions—the Green River Festival. He was also instrumental in the planning of the Olive Street Parking Garage, helping shape the continued growth and vitality of downtown Greenfield.
Michael will be remembered as a devoted veteran, community leader, craftsman, and public servant whose vision and hard work left a lasting mark on the town he loved. His legacy lives on in the buildings he helped construct, the community projects he championed, and the countless lives he touched through his service and generosity.
He leaves behind his wife Kelly Brown, daughter Michelle Russell and son in law Jason Russell of Montague, his sister Linda Rudisill and brother-in-law Nelson Rudisill of Indiana and his brother Gary Belleau of Amherst. He also leaves behind his grandsons, Ethan and Hunter Russell and his nieces and nephews Jennifer Belleau, Kelsey Belleau, Rochelle Grose, Sherry Lehr, Mark Rudisill and Christopher Rudisill and many more great- nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many close and dear friends that he cherished spending time with and sharing morning coffees with.
A memorial service will be held on Monday July 20, 2026, at 3 PM at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery 1390 Main Street, Agawam MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a local veteran's organization.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com
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