Henry Michalski
September 29, 1947 ~ July 31, 2020
MIDDLETON—Henry Michalski, 72, died Friday morning, July 31, 2020 at his home in Middleton surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Penny (Felix) Michalski, with whom he shared nearly 51 years of marriage.
Born in Danvers on September 29, 1947, he was the son of the late Henry and Eleanor (Saulnier) Michalski. He was raised and educated in Middleton and was a 1965 graduate of Masconomet Regional High School. It was during his time in high school when he joined the Middleton Fire Department as a call firefighter.
Following his graduation from high school, he served honorably in the U.S. Air Force as a member of the 633rd Combat Support Group in Vietnam. He was decorated with the Airman’s Medal for his bravery and service as an airborne firefighter, The Air Medal, first through third Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal first through third Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Returning from the service, he joined the Middleton Fire Department full-time. He graduated from North Shore Community College with an Associates Degree in Fire Science and later a Bachelors Degree in Engineering. He served in Middleton and rose through the ranks of the department and was appointed fire chief in April of 1993. He was chief in Middleton until October of 2000 when he became chief of the Ipswich Fire Department, serving until his retirement in 2004.
A member of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, Henry was also a member of the Aleppo Shrine and volunteered with the Shriners’ Fire Brigade.
He enjoyed playing the banjo and spending time vacationing with his beloved family in Conway, NH, where he previously served as post commander of the American Legion.
In addition to his beloved wife, he leaves two children, Timothy Michalski and his wife Elizabeth Denis of Newton, NH and Laura Michalski of Lawrence, a sister, Jane Anderson of Beverly, a brother, Edward Michalski of Florida, and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at noon in Oakdale Cemetery, Maple St., Middleton. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 4-6PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Attendees at are required to wear face coverings, practice social distancing, and are respectfully asked for no physical contact with the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Henry’s memory may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. To leave a message of condolence for Henry’s family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.
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Henry took over as Chief while I was a Firefighter in Ipswich , I moved on to the Merrimac fire dept In 2001 , I had a painting contractor business and was painting a house in conway NH and ran into Henry up there , turns out his place was right down the street from the house we were painting, I got to spent some time with him while we were up there painting, some good memories.
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy at such a difficult time as this!
Love ❤️ and prayers 🙏
Alice, Justin and Jason Tierney and families
God bless you Henry I have been so proud of all your accomplishments through the years,it’s been a great pleasure having you for my big brother I will deeply miss you. I’m glad I got to sit and hold your hand and tell you how much I love you R.I.P. brother no more pain to deal with that’s the only good thing for you fly hi with the angels I’m sure your wings were already waiting for you when you got there❤️❤️❤️❤️
Tremendous asset to the Town of Middleton, it’s first responders and his profession. As an annual medical trainer for the Middleton police dept. his dedication to helping us with our job always made it a great “training class”. There are things he taught me that will always remember. 🙏🏼
Dear Family:
I am very sorry for your loss. Henry will be sorely missed and want you to know that he brought great happiness to the brothers and ladies of the Shrine Fire Brigade. Please accept Phyllis and my sympathies in this your and our time of sorrow.
Bro. Steven B. Drobnis
Personally and secretary of the Aleppo Fire Brigade.
The family of Jacob Turner ( Papa & Uncle )
send our deepest Condolences to the Michiski family
sorry for your loss
Henry was a pleasant and awesome
person to be around as Jacob would say
Stay strong
Rest in Peace Henry
Henry and I go way back to our early EMT days when we were OEMS I/C’ s and Examiners for the National Registry exam. We also worked closely together as Affiliate Faculty for the AHA. We interacted closely when I worked for Lyons in the 70’s and 80’s and he was at Middleton Fire. I’ll miss his quick wit, his infectious laugh and his warm friendship. His contribution to the EMS community will forever remind us all of what it means to give so much of ourselves for a worthy cause. Rest easy, Henry. To his family, thank you for sharing him with all of us in EMS. I’m so sorry for your loss
Tim, I am so sorry for your and your families loss. You dad was a great firefighter, chief, mentor and most if all a wonderful man. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Henry was a good friend as we served as chiefs and worked at MFA. He had a engaging smile and always had a positive attitude. May he Rest In Peace and may his family be comforted by many good memories.
We were saddened to hear of Henry’s passing. He was a good man and will be remembered fondly. RIP Henry ❤️
❤️ so proud of you Uncle Henry!
Uncle Henry, you were a hero from the beginning and you lived a life not many are cut out for! You saved lives and took care of those in need not only while in the Air Force but you continued on to make this a career. We are lucky to call you family and I will forever be proud of you! You fought this last battle with great strength and courage you went out like the true soldier you were with great bravery! You will forever be in my heart until the day we meet again! Love June
So sorry for your loss of your Uncle Henry June I know he was very well liked by many people in Middleton take care ❤️❤️❤️
Chief Henry May you rest in peace. Thank you for the great memories you leave behind weather training, firefighting, EMS, you were always there ready to do whatever needed to be done. May your Spirit bring comfort to your family and friends. Joseph Mendonca
Just learning of Henry’s passing. May his legacy live on in the lives of all who had the honor of knowing him.
God Bless Penny, Laura and Tim. May you all find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Deepest Sympathy,
Terri
Penny, Tim & Laura please know we are thinking of you. Deepest condolences – Jim, Peg & Kara Muise
HI Laura, So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Keeping you and yours in my thoughts during this difficult time. Hopefully the happy memories of your dad will soon replace the loss you are feeling now.
Dennis O’Leary
Penny we are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences. Henry was a wonderful man and will be remembered warmly. Praying that you and your family will be comforted by all your happy memories and surrounded by love. May you rest in peace Henry. You are all in our hearts and remembering you in our prayers. Love, Jim and Sharon O’Connell
We are so sorry to learn of Henry’s passing. We didn’t know him long but he left his mark on us. He joined the Aleppo Fire Brigade where we met him. He was a wonderful man. He will be missed. Our prayers are with his wife Penny and his children. Love Lieutenant Anthony & Tricia Voner
Uncle Henry,
You were a Hero among Man. Now, May God keep you by his side for all eternity. Please know you will always be in our hearts.
Aunt Penny, Laura & Tim,
We are heartbroken for you. You should be proud to have had such a strong hero as your husband and father. We admired Uncle Henry and always enjoyed his company. He was a Hero among Heroes. We are here for you if you need anything. Peace, Love, Courage & Prayers to you all!!
We Love You,
Jonathan, Roberta, Lexi & Ellie
Henry was a dedicated and worthy Brother of Major General Henry Knox Lodge AF&AM, he will be dearly missed. I am so lucky to have called him my Brother and my friend.
Penny.
I have been praying for you and Penny for years. I was so sorry to learn of his passing but know that the two of you have many wonderful memories of your life together and of your family. He was a dear friend and colleague. He will be missed by many.
Love to you and your family.
Jack
I just received word of Henry’s passing and was so very sorry to hear it. We we friends and brothers in many ways; we taught together at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and NSCC. We shared a birthday, a deep interest in the Civil War, and, more recently, Freemasonry. Since moving away several years ago I have missed working and talking with him, and his wonderful sense of humor. I offer condolences and my prayers for God’s grace and blessing to Penny and the family.
Great photo Laura know there’re back together in peace❤️❤️