SPRINGFIELD ~ Aaron S. Michaels, 71, of the Hungry Hill section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Friday, October 8, 2021. He passed into Eternal Life at home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family after his courageous ten year battle with cancer. He was born Raymond E. Bouthillette, Jr. in Woonsocket, Rhode Island on April 25, 1950, a beloved son of the late Raymond E. Bouthillette, Sr. and Theresa (Fournier) Bouthillette. He was raised and educated in Springfield and later served his country in the United States Coast Guard during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Seaman Apprentice. He furthered his education and graduated Oregon State University. He had lived in Portland, OR, San Francisco, CA, West Palm Beach, FL and Chicopee before returning to Springfield in 2015. He had worked as a computer programmer for many years independently and later worked for the Veterans’ Administration. He was a man of many talents including a barber, a ventriloquist, an artist and a dancer who traveled the world doing what he loved. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and his many friends. He leaves his loving and devoted brother and sisters, Richard A. Bouthillette and his wife, Nancy, of Chicopee, Ruth A. Cleavall and her husband, David, of Seabrook, NH and JoAnn Smith and her husband, Matthew, of Springfield with whom he lived; his dear brother-in-law, Gerry Sullivan and his wife, Dale, of Whitingham, VT; his dear sister-in-law, Melody Bouthillette of Chicopee; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members and numerous friends including his close friends from the Saint Stanislaus Social Club in Chicopee. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his dear sister, Elaine M. Sullivan; and his dear brother, William D. Bouthillette. His family would like to extend their deepest thanks to Dr. Michelle Hankins and her staff for their compassionate care of Aaron. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. followed by a Prayer Service at 12:45 p.m. at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. His Committal Service with United States Coast Guard Military Honors will follow the Prayer Service at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. Please note that masks are required. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com