PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Michael Nicholas John Bufis, 71, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2018, following a courageous battle with lung cancer, after being diagnosed in January 2018. 

Born July 1, 1947, in Pittsfield, Mass., to Valentino and Isabella Bufis, Michael attended Lee Public Schools, graduating in 1966; he recently played an instrumental role in planning his graduating class's 50th class reunion. 

Following graduation, Michael proudly served in the US Navy as a photographer aboard the USS Intrepid. Upon his discharge, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1979, with a concentration in environmental sciences. 

Although private and reserved, Michael made a major impact on many lives through his quick wit and kind, generous spirit. When he was 11 years old, he taught his mother to write so she could become a U.S. citizen and obtain a passport to visit her family in Italy – a human interest story, which was featured in the Berkshire Eagle. 

Following his "inner free spirit," Michael biked across the country in 1980. Prior to his departure, he gave his daughter, Naomi, a U.S. map highlighting his route so she could follow his progress. He faithfully sent postcards from every state describing his journey along the way.

In 1993, Michael was accepted to the Lenox Institute of Water Technology post graduate program in water treatment, where he was finally able to pursue his interests in environmental studies. Soon after, he joined Krofta Engineering Corporation as a Municipal Projects Manager. Most recently, Michael enjoyed working at Greylock Federal Credit Union, as an information technology officer. He retired in 2013.

He leaves his beloved wife, Mary Bufis, whom he married in 1996; his sister, Phyllis (John) Hines of Framingham, Mass.; his daughter, Naomi (Tim) Nichols; four grandchildren, Connor, Grayden, Payzarria and Isabella, all of Poulsbo, Wash.; his sisters-in-law Patricia Diefendorf (Mark) of Dalton and Sandy Bufis and nephews Brian and Jimmy of Fayetteville, N.Y.; brothers-in-law Jack Kays (Lori), Dan Kays (Colleen) and nieces and nephews Tyler, Lexi, Rachel, Sean, Jacquelyne and Michael; as well as his beloved dog, Maddie, who was often by his side.

Michael was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Christopher and Nicholas; and his dog, Maxx.

An award-winning, fine art photographer, Michael specialized in landscape and macro photography. He enjoyed using his skills to document details of our world that are often overlooked as he revealed the unseen beauty around us. 

Michael’s most recent photographic honors include being featured in the 2018 Members’ Juried Exhibition at the Center for Photographic Art in Carmel, Calif., with his photo, Spring Birch, and receiving honorable mention for Mako Sica, at the juried exhibition, Art of the Hills, on display now through Labor Day at the Berkshire Museum.

A proud member of the Berkshire Museum Camera Club, Berkshire Photo Gallery, Berkshire Photography Group, and The Guild of Berkshire Artists, Michael enjoyed the process of learning from and mentoring many local artists. 

An avid reader, one of Michael’s favorite quotes was, "That which you manifest is before you," from The Art of Racing in The Rain. A philosophy he embraced until the very end.

Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, August 22, 2018, at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Pittsfield with Msgr. Michael Shershanovich, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lee. 

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday evening, August 21, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Kelly Funeral Home in Lee. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or Kitsap Foster Care Association in care of the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.