Michael J. Baj, age 72, passed away on January 26, 2019 at Chicopee Gardens Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Feb. 9, 1946 in Tuscan, AZ, a son of the late William and Harriet (Cargel) Baj. He worked as a sanitation driver for the City of Chicopee for many years before he retired. He was a communicant of St Rose de Lima Parish, a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Castle of Knights, Council #4044 in Chicopee where he also was a member of the Knights on Bikes. Michael was also a long time member of the Mercy Cancer Support Group. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Dianna (Naglieri) Baj of Chicopee; a daughter Marie Valenti and her husband Joe of Sulfolk, VA; 3 brothers, 3 sisters; 2 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, his mother-in-law Gertrude Naglieri of Chicopee and his beloved Cat Mr. Jones. Calling hours will be held on the morning of the funeral, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, from 10:30 – 12:30 Noon at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. There will be an in-house prayer service at 12:30 followed by burial in St Rose de Lima Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, 627 Cottage St, Springfield, MA 01104; or to the Charity of one’s choice.