Xavier Matthew Powell, a 29-year-old native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 11, 2024. His untimely death has deeply impacted the community, leaving many to mourn the loss of a cherished friend and dedicated service member.
Born on September 30, 1994, Xavier was a lifelong resident of Pittsfield, where he attended Pittsfield High School, graduating in 2013. His passion for mechanics led him to Hudson Valley Community College, where he pursued a degree in auto mechanics. This marked the start of a career that would blend his love for automotive technology with a profound sense of duty to his country.
Xavier’s professional journey began as a civilian mechanic, where his expertise quickly became evident. However, his ambitions extended beyond civilian life, leading him to enlist in the Army National Guard. As a Specialist stationed at the Army Aviation Support Facility 1 at Joint Base Cape Cod, Xavier served as a helicopter mechanic, a role that filled him with pride and fulfillment.
The Pittsfield community has been deeply affected by Xavier’s passing, with many sharing their grief and memories on social media. Dawn Smith-Korte expressed her sorrow with a simple but heartfelt comment, "So sad." Similarly, Joanne Warren and Kathy Jozefiak, among others, have also taken to social media to mourn the loss of someone they clearly held in high regard.
A celebration of Xavier’s life will be held at Zucchini’s Restaurant on North Street in Pittsfield on August 24, 2024, following calling hours at the Roche Funeral Home. As friends, family, and community members gather to remember him, they will honor the legacy of a man who was not only a skilled mechanic but also a devoted soldier and a beloved member of the Pittsfield community.