CHICOPEE – Howard F. “Nick” Cormier, 88, of the Aldenville section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Friday, November 8, 2024. He passed into Eternal Life at his home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Holyoke on September 10, 1936, a beloved son of the late Howard and Mary (Melnik) Cormier. He was raised and educated in Holyoke and moved to Chicopee around 1967 where he lived the remainder of his life. He first served his country during the Korean War in the United States Marine Corps and attained the rank of Private. He later reenlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country and retired with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, and the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal. He was also a part of the support staff and served as the Air Transportation Supervisor during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm at Westover. Following his military service, he was the longtime manager of the NCO Club at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee. He was the recipient of the Charles H. Tracy Award and was a member of the AMVETS Post 12, the American Legion Post 452, the Fairview Knights of Columbus Council 4044, and the Moose Family Center No. 1849, all in Chicopee. He was an avid Boston Red Sox Fan and was a well known “jack of all trades” and a handyman to many. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and his many friends. He leaves his beloved wife, Michelle (Masztal) Cormier. They were married at Sacred Heart Church in Springfield on January 15, 2005 and were blessed with over 19 years of happiness together. He also leaves his loving and devoted children, Allen F. Cormier and his wife, Ersilia, of Chicopee and Nicole M. Blanchard and her husband, Shawn Rooney, of Murrells Inlet, SC; his five cherished grandchildren, Kevin Cormier, Ashley Cormier and her partner, Drew McConaha, Annabella Cormier, Emma Blanchard, and Grace Blanchard; his dear sister, Nancy Manning of Green Cove Springs, FL; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and extended family members. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Marilyn R. (Pouliot) Cormier who was Called Home on August 4, 1998; his loving son, Scott H. Cormier who was Called Home on January 17, 1998; his dear brother, Edward Cormier; and his two dear sisters, Carol Peltier and Leona “Nonnie” Dawn. His funeral will be held on Thursday morning, November 14, 2024 from the St. Pierre - Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020 (funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.) followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104. His burial will follow the Mass with United States Air Force Military Honors at Sainte Rose Cemetery, 49 Olsen Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. before the Mass. The parking lot and main entrance are located in the rear of the funeral home at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the AMVETS Post 12, 754 Montgomery Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
