Michael P. DeFeo (aka Mike D), 50, originally from Norwich, NY, sadly passed away on May 31, 2025.
Michael was born in Arlington Heights, IL, on October 7, 1974, to John and Kathleen DeFeo. He graduated from Norwich High School in Norwich, NY, where he was a member of both the tennis and golf teams. After high school he attended the University at Buffalo where he became a lifelong Buffalo Sabers fan. Afterwards, Michael moved to Boston, MA, with many of his high school and college friends to start his professional career working in finance.
Although college was over, Michael certainly continued his college days in Boston enjoying the city nightlife, taking in all the city had to do with family and friends and even embracing some of the Boston sports culture. Michael truly enjoyed his time living at the “Green Monster” in Boston with his many friends and family from the area. Michael remained in the Boston area for most of his life.
Michael’s true passions in life were his family, friends and his beloved NY sports teams. Michael began watching the NY Giants at the age of one when his dad would prop him up on the couch to watch games together. Shortly after, his father introduced him to baseball where he became a lifelong NY Mets fan. Michael and his dad spent a lifetime being #1 fans of both the Giants and Mets even when play was poor. They would always watch the games together and looked forward to celebrating points scored with their very own jump high-five clap. Michael always had his traditions when it came to watching sports, including all his Giants and Mets memorabilia that would be proudly displayed during each game.
For Michael, life was all about good times with his friends. He had so many lifelong friends from Norwich and college who continued to be his friends for life. So many memories were shared over the years, particularly at the infamous Labor Day Weekend (LDW) in Norwich, NY. Anyone who attended LDW over the years knows that this was Michael’s favorite weekend of the year that included what he enjoyed most in life – Nina’s pizza, golf at Canasawacta Country Club and a weekend surrounded by his closest friends. The smile and excitement on Michael’s face, which he shared with so many people over the years, is something everyone will forever remember about Mike D and LDW.
As for family, Michael was a dedicated son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and cousin to so many family members who all loved him so much. He would always make the rounds to the family gatherings, including 4th of July, birthday parties, recitals and funerals. He was always the one who would elevate family gatherings by invoking traditions and adding small details to make it more special. Michael enjoyed spending time on Cape Cod during the summer. His favorites included lunch from the Barnacle at the beach, grilling with his dad and brother, and sitting on the porch outside for meals where everyone had assigned seating. Michael also enjoyed the annual family vacations where we did Michael activities including enjoying the beach, competing in the family miniature golf outing and helping select the restaurant for Family Dinner that we would do on the last night. Some of his favorite destinations were Hilton Head Island, the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Disney World.
Michael was a lifelong Jimmy Buffet fan. He loved everything about his music and his beach lifestyle. At times you would think Michael was Jimmy Buffet. He would start playing Jimmy in the cold winter months to help him dream of warmer climates until the summer arrived. In addition to music, Michael also had a collection of Yankee Candles that would help him get through the many seasons of the year. You could always tell by the scent of his apartment what time of year it was.
Michael is survived by his mother, Kathleen; his siblings, Susan, Lisa and Thomas; brother-in-law Jay; nieces Lyndsey and Sara; and his cousins Amy, Nancy, Anne-Marie, Ashley, Patrick, John, Chris, Tim and Robbie as well as so many of his lifelong friends. He was predeceased by his father, John DeFeo.
Michael will be greatly missed and remembered by his family and so many friends.
A private Celebration of Life will be planned for Michael at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Michael payable to “The Kenneth Stewart Memorial Scholarship”. Please send checks to: Norwich City Schools, Attn: Wendy Burdick, 89 Midland Drive, Norwich, NY 13815. This fund awards two scholarships every year to a senior student athlete who shows excellence in Math.