WESTFIELD – Michael Thomas Beal, 72, of Westfield, MA, passed away at Armbrook Village on August 01, 2022, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was predeceased by his parents, Dolores and Bernard Beal, as well as his brothers Peter and Bernard Beal. Mike graduated from Smith Vocational High School as an Auto Body Specialist in 1969. He grew up in Northampton, was a lieutenant in ROTC, and started working for Daigle’s Auto Body in 1976.
He married the love of his life of 45 years, Mary (Burns) Beal, and together they opened Michael’s Frame and Collision and Towing in 1981. Mike served several terms as president of the Western Mass Auto Body Association and fought for the rights of Auto Body shops for over 30 years. He was a dedicated advocate for students at Westfield Vocational School and Smith Vocational, volunteering time to teach aspiring students the automotive trade. Mike was an avid fisherman and loved boating and grilling for his family. Mike and Mary were successful business owners in Westfield for 33 years.
In 1990, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and fought a valiant and exceptional fight for the next 30+ years. He was an active participant in support groups and Parkinson’s related activities in the area throughout the years, proudly displaying that the disease can only slow you down, it can’t stop you.
He is survived by his devoted wife Mary Beal and his beloved daughters, Eileen Beal and Rebekah (Beal) Harings, and her spouse Jim. He also leaves his sister Carol Mackinnon of West Springfield, brother John Beal of Florida, and a large and loving extended family, all of whom will miss him dearly.
A measure of a man, is the legacy he leaves behind. His adorable grandsons, Finley and Rory, who think Grandpa was the coolest, will become the next builders of their time.
Mike closed out the final chapter of his life at Armbrook Village in Westfield, where he was a favorite of the staff. Their extraordinary care and respect for people like Mike goes above and beyond.
Mike had the biggest heart, strongest arms, and one memorable smile.
Visiting hours will be held at Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield from 3-7 PM on Thursday, August 4th. Mike’s funeral will be at 9AM Friday, August 5th, from Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, Westfield followed by Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00AM in St. Peter’s Church, Westfield. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Westfield. Memorial donations in Mike’s memory may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131. For further information and instructions, please visit Parkinson.org. www.firtionadams.com
