John David Lafayette, 51, of Middlefield, MA was called to eternal rest on February 7, 2015, after a
long and courageous battle with cancer.
John was born in Methuen, MA to Roberta Goulet Barkley and Brent Barkley on September 19,
1963. In his early life, he lived in New Hampshire and also in California. John always had a special
fondness for California and made several trips there with his wife and family in recent years.
When he graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1981, John enrolled in the Automotive Technology
program at Springfield Technical Community College and completed that program in 1983. From
there he began working as an auto mechanic and worked in that field until returning to North Adams
State College in 1991 to pursue a degree in Marketing. He completed that program in 1993 and
then worked at various local businesses including Crane and Company and the City of Pittsfield. In
2006, he landed what he would refer to as "the best job I ever had" at General Dynamics in Pittsfield.
His work on rebuilding missile guidance systems gave him great satisfaction and pride. His love for
his work motivated him to continue to remain employed despite multiple surgeries, rounds of
chemotherapy treatments, and other obstacles. He continued to work until five weeks prior to his
death.
John's family was the center of his world. He met his wife, Marie (Beauchaine) while still in high
school and they married at Zion's Lutheran Church in Pittsfield on June 15, 1985. On July 22,
1995, their first child, a daughter, Kolby Catherine Lafayette was born. On March 27, 1999, a son,
Erik Robert Lafayette was born. .
John loved being a father and was extremely proud of the young adults his children had become.
He was also very fond of Kolby's boyfriend, Caleb Palmer.
In addition to his wife and children, John is survived by a brother, Michael Lafayette and his wife
Kristina, of Pittsfield.
He is also survived by his mother, Roberta Lafayette, who married Peter Lafayette in 1977. Peter
adopted John at that time, and John simply referred to him as "my father". Peter enjoyed teaching
John about home improvement and over the years John became quite skilled at this himself. His
children used to refer to him as "Mr. Fix-it" and would say that their dad could fix anything.
He is also survived by his aunt, Maureen Goulet, who was always extremely close to him and a strong
support during difficult times.
John is also survived by his sister-in-law, Amy Beauchaine, her husband, William Speros and his
nephew Alexander Speros of Longwood, FL. John was very proud of his nephew and enjoyed
hearing about his many trips and adventures, most recently a trip to the Grand Canyon.
He also leaves his cousins and the families of Wally and David Morrison of Peru, MA. He would
often refer to Wally and David as his brothers.
John also leaves several aunts, uncles and cousins and appreciated all of their kind cards and notes
over the past few months.
In addition to a strong family network, John had many lifelong friends including Chris, Dave, Jules,
Bob and many more. He was the kind of person who truly valued friendship and tended to form
lasting bonds, especially with those who shared his love of cars.
The family is also extremely grateful to the many physicians and providers who provided care to
John over the past several years, including Berkshire Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts
General Hospital, and the hospice staff of Noble Hospital.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for John D. Lafayette will be held on Thursday, February 12,
2015, at 11:00 a.m. at South Congregational Church, South Street, in Pittsfield, MA conducted by
Rev. Constance Morrison and the Rev. Joel Huntington, pastor. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be held on
Wednesday, February 11, 2015, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Dery Funeral home, 54 Bradford Street,
Pittsfield, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the John David Lafayette Memorial
Fund, in care of the funeral home.

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