Joshua Chaffee Obituary
Joshua G. Chaffee, 47, of Enfield, beloved husband of Michelle (Nolan) Chaffee, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 25, 2025, following a courageous 3½-year battle with Glioblastoma.
Born in Springfield, MA, on June 2, 1978, Josh was the son of Robert and Ann (MacPhail) Chaffee. He grew up in Hampden and East Longmeadow, MA, and graduated from Minnechaug Regional High School. In 2022, he and Michelle settled in Enfield to raise their son.
Josh worked for many years at IPG, ARCOR Laser, and later at OKAY Industries, where he was known for his hard work, reliability, and positive spirit. He met Michelle while working at ARCOR Laser in 2010, and their paths would eventually lead to a loving marriage and family. He continued working until his diagnosis in 2022, when he began focusing on his health and family.
Beyond his career, Josh was passionate about mountain biking, golfing, live music, and spending time with his friends. But nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with his wife Michelle and their son, Grant - the light of his life.
Josh faced his diagnosis with strength, determination, and grace, inspiring all who knew him. He never complained, even throughout countless treatments and challenges. Though the disease left him tired, he always found the energy to show up for his family and friends, continuing to give love, laughter, and support in every way he could. His family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Becker, Dr. Vredenburgh, and all of the dedicated medical teams who provided exceptional care and compassion over the past several years.
In addition to his loving wife Michelle and their 3-year-old son, Grant Joshua Chaffee, Josh is survived by his parents, Robert and Ann Chaffee; his sister, Sage Bilodeau and her husband Les; his niece, Ava Burgess; his aunts Jane MacPhail and Andrea Laravee; and his cousins, Rebecca Dunning, Jared Laravee, and Matthew McCain. He also leaves behind his in-laws, Jim Nolan and his wife Elizabeth, and Annmarie Nolan and her husband Bob Gillespie; his brothers-in-law, Bryan Nolan and his significant other Melissa Adams, and TJ Nolan and his wife Liz; his step-siblings-in-law, Alyssa Suitter and Brendan Gillespie; and his nieces and nephews, Mackenzie, Blake, Elias, Gianna, Lucas, William, Brayden, and Matthew-along with countless friends and extended family who supported him throughout his journey.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, Bob and Florence Chaffee; his uncle, Douglas MacPhail; and Michelle's grandparents, Mary Nolan, Ann Rossignol, and Henri Rossignol-who passed away on the same day as Josh and held a special place in his heart.
Family and friends may gather on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield, with a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance at www.ctbta.org. For online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com.
Published by WFSB on Oct. 26, 2025.