Michael Allen Deree, Sr., 43, of New Bedford died Tuesday August 12, 2003 at home after a long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. He was the husband of Donna M. (Mello) Deree.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Mary Ann (Perry) Deree and Richard E. Deree, Sr., he had lived in New Bedford for all of his life.
He was a communicant of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.
Mr. Deree was a self-employed painting contractor.
He was a devoted husband and father, who loved his family and friends. He enjoyed cooking and sports, loved animals, and doing yardwork around his house.
Survivors include his wife; a sons, Michael A. Deree, Jr. of New Bedford; 2 daughters, Lisa M. Martin and Crystal A. Gracie, both of New Bedford; 4 brothers, Richard E. Deree, Jr., William C. Deree, and David W. Deree, all of New Bedford, and Dennis J. Deree of Acushnet; 3 sisters, Joann Berube and Mary Jane Brown, both of New Bedford, and Nancy Weaver of Jacksonville, Fla.; 2 grandchildren, Kelynn Gracie and Nicholas Martin; and several nieces and nephews.
His Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday August 16, 2003 at 9 AM in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours will at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford on Thursday August 14, 2003 from 6-9 PM.