Denis Gene Basak

"Middlefield - Denis G. Basak, 63 a loving husband and an amazing father, passed away on May 23, 2017 in Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness. Born March 10, 1954 in Holyoke, MA, son of the late Joseph Basak and Ethal (Jackson) Lancastor. He was raised in South Hadley. He later moved to the island of Barbados where he lived for 14 years until his return to the states settling in Middlefield. While living in Barbados, he was the original Dos Equis guy, he owned JD's Big Time Lounge, he was the Captain of his boat the Manta Ray and owned a machine and milling shop. Upon his return to Massachusetts, Denis worked as an Engineer for Decker MachineWorks in Ashfield, MA for many, many years. He was an EMT and was a First Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol. He served his community as a Selectman for the Town of Middlefield. Denis was the true "MacGyver"; he was extremely intelligent and handy in every way. He referred to himself as a "cheap Yankee", and an avid collector of just about everything, especially cars. His family remembers his love for the beverage Moxie and the bag of candy he always had with him. Denis' earthly life took him on many voyages which he truly loved. We hope this last voyage will be a wonderful journey home to heaven. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Belynda (Covey) Basak of Middlefield, four children, Eric Basak (wife Beverly) of Woodstock, CT, Sarah Thompson (husband Chris) of S. Hadley, Kelsey Basak and Timothy Basak both of Middlefield. He also leaves a sister June Carpenter (husband Steve and their daughter Laurel) of S. Hadley, two step daughters, Elizabeth and Keagan, and nine grandchildren, Ava, Gunnar, Christopher, Mia, Kayden, Alyssa, Ellis, Aylee and Ezriah. Funeral services will be private however there will be a gathering at the Middlefield Town Hall on Sunday, June 4th from 2-4 pm to remember Denis and Celebrate his Life, all are welcome. Beers and Story South Hadley Funeral Home was entrusted with his arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the Tim Basak College Fund, c/o United Bank, 1830 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. For more information, please visit www.beersandstory.com http://www.beersandstory.com. "