Michael A. Davala, 87, of Derry, NH, died Sunday, April 13, 2008 in the Pleasant Valley Nursing Center, Derry following a long illness. Mr. Davala was born in Trebisov, Slovakia on March 3, 1921, a son of the late Michael J. and Mary (Dutko) Davala. He immigrated to the United States in 1930 aboard the ship, The Mauritania, traveling with his mother and sister to reunite with his father, living in Lisbon Falls, ME. In 1940 he was drafted into the army and joined the 44th combat battalion of the army corp. of engineers. Michael landed on Utah Beach in Normandy, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was present in Europe for D Day and Victory Day. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre. In 1951 he married Alice Marcoux of Auburn, ME. They lived in Portland, ME for many years where they raised their two children. Michael worked as a banker for most of his life. He had the wonderful ability to hand craft beautiful wood furniture. He also enjoyed listening to the Red Sox on the radio. He took great joy in seeing his six beautiful grandchildren grow and always encouraged his children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. Michael loved to be outdoors in his garden but most of all, he spent every moment he could with his wife Alice.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alice M. Davala of Derry, a daughter, Sally Dion and her husband Michael of Derry, a son, David Davala and his wife Marcy of Manchester, NH, six grandchildren, Michael D. Davala, Leah Dion, James Dion, Lyndsay Davala, Ryan Davala and Merisa Dion, a sister, Mary Davala of Lisbon Falls, ME and a special nephew and niece, James and Pamela Davala.
Visiting hours were held Wednesday, April 16th from 6-8pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated 11:00am Thursday in Holy Cross Church, 187 Hampstead Rd., E. Derry. Burial was in the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta, ME. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607-2906.