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<p><em>Michael William “Mike” Chenette</em> passed away in the comfort of his home in Medway, MA surrounded by his loving family on July 4, 2023 after waging a spirited 10-month fight against ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Mike was born to Robert and Elizabeth Chenette on September 25, 1965 in Quincy, MA, where he lived as a child and young man.</p>
<p>As the 10th sibling in a family of 10, he was fiercely independent and ambitious, always striving to make his own way and be his absolute best. He was the pride of the Chenette family. He became involved in Quincy Youth Hockey at an early age and began his lifelong love of the sport. He forged associations and friendships there that would last his lifetime. He attended Quincy schools and graduated from Quincy High School with the Class of 1983. He was the captain of the hockey team and a member of the Quincy High School Hockey Hall of Fame.</p>
<p>After graduating from high school, Mike went on to study for one year at Taft, a private boarding school in Connecticut, to prepare for his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. </p>
<p>From the first day at West Point, it became apparent that Mike would become an attractive force with his classmates. He had an incredible smile that came straight from the heart of a warrior. His wife would comment on the day of his passing, “That laugh; it fills the rafters”—and fill the rafters it did. He combined this joy of life with discipline and an uncanny ability to listen and take interest in his peers. It was no surprise that he garnered the nickname of “Gretzky,” in honor of Wayne Gretzky, the famous Canadian former professional ice hockey player and head coach. The nickname came not only from Mike’s prowess, style, and Quincy grit on the ice but even more because of his teammates’ desire to honor Mike for the love he had for his fellow man. It was this trait that catapulted him to the head of the social scene and made him a shining example of a West Point “Century Man.” His studies did not come easy, but he set the example with his attitude and perseverance. He approached his military training with the same competitive and diligent spirit that he took with his studies and on the ice. As a result, he was the kind of officer that was well equipped to lead and one that his classmates were proud to call “friend.” Mike built many lifelong friendships on the Hockey Team as well as throughout the Academy.</p>
<p>Mike was a true Renaissance man. With his fine wine, he would read poetry and philosophy one minute and play hockey with his unique style the next. When a subject intrigued him, he devoured everything he could find to become an expert. He was a conscientious student and graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics.</p>
<p>He left West Point as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and went on to serve his country for five years, eventually rising to the rank of captain. He was stationed in Schwabach, Germany in the 6th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment. He led the tactical air defense artillery units in the 1st Armored Division in the defense of Saudi Arabia, serving in the first Gulf War (the liberation of Kuwait) in 1990-91 as part of a tank unit that advanced into Iraq and engaged in a battle that National Geographic called “the world’s fiercest tank battle.” Mike was decorated with the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Parachutist Badge. </p>
<p>Mike met Bridget Meyer of Norwalk CT, and they married in July 2005. Their 18-year marriage was blessed with two sons, Will and Jake. They made their home in the town of Medway, where they became part of the neighborhood, making friends, many of whom would deliver meals to the family during the time of Mike’s illness. They enjoyed vacationing every year on Cape Cod and entertaining friends and family at home.</p>
<p>Mike was employed as a medical device sales professional for several companies that manufactured surgical and health care devices and technologies in the New England area.</p>
<p>He was a member of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society and a passionate gardener and landscaper, always researching, designing, planting, pruning, clipping, mowing, and watering his beloved lawn and perennial gardens. He was also a fitness enthusiast, frequenting the gym and working out in his basement exercise room.</p>
<p>Mike was preceded in death by his brothers Robert and John (Jack) and by his sister Carol. Mike is survived by his wife, Bridget, and their sons, Will and Jake. He is also survived by his brother Daniel and his wife, Joan; his brother David and his wife, Mary; his brother Paul and his wife, Diane, his brother Francis and his wife, Patricia Halloran, his brother Richard and his partner Paula Donovan; and his sister Elizabeth Lee and her husband, Ed. Also left behind are scores of cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.</p>
<p><em>— Mike’s Family and Classmates</em></p>
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