Charles "Chip" Joffe-Halpern, 73

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  Charles “Chip” Edward Joffe-Halpern of Williamstown Massachusetts passed away on August 16th 2023 after a long illness. He was born in 1949 in Syracuse NY. He is survived by his wife Ellen Joffe-Halpern, his daughter Rebecca Filson (Brent), his son Noah Halpern (Hillary), his brothers Stephen and Andrew Halpern, and his five (soon to be six) grandchildren Maya, Judah, Marlowe, Evan and Jake. He was predeceased by his mother Sylvia, father Harold and sister Barbara.

Chip grew up in a jewish community in Syracuse, NY, the 3rd of four children, where he cultivated his love of Syracuse basketball, photography and golf.

In 1977, he earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of Albany. That same year, he found his lifelong partner while working as a clinician at a residential youth treatment school. There he fell in love with his co-therapist, an artist named Ellen Joffe. They were eventually married two years later at Tanglewood in Lenox Massachusetts.

Chip served the people of Northern Berkshire Country as a clinical social worker, during which time he received several awards including the NASW award for "Outstanding contributions to the Social Work profession”. He later served as executive director of the non-profit Ecu-Healthcare in North Adams. It was at Ecu-Healthcare where Chip found his ultimate professional success and fulfillment helping area residents obtain affordable health coverage.

Recognizable in his signature bowtie, Chip excelled at finding creative ways to build relationships and connect with his peers and his community. In one notable outreach campaign to improve local dental care access, he rallied the city of North Adams to attempt to break the Guinness World Record for most people consecutively brushing their teeth.

Chip would go on to establish himself as a go-to expert in the health policy field, bringing him opportunities to impact policy at the state level. He served as president of the board of directors at Healthcare For All in Boston, and served on the inaugural Health Connector board during the implementation of universal healthcare in Massachusetts under Governor Mitt Romney.

Outside of his professional life, Chip was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He intentionally structured his life around being present and available to his children, spending many hours playing catch and running batting practice with his son and daughter, attending their recitals, games and performances. Later in life, his greatest joy was his five grandchildren whom he loved beyond compare.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 21st at 9:00 AM at the Flynn and Dagnoli-Montagna Funeral Home at 521 West Main Street, in North Adams, MA, followed by burial at Eastlawn Cemetery on Main Street in Williamstown, MA. A Shiva memorial service will be held between 5 and 8pm on Monday evening at 328 Luce Road in Williamstown. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to Ecu-Health Care in North Adams, Health Care For All MA, or a charity of choice. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com