Michael L. DeRose, 60 of East Haven, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 in Worcester, Massachusetts. He is survived by his fiancé, Kerry Finneran; his mother, Harriette (Waselewski) DeRose; a son, Michael J. DeRose, grandson, Maxwell DeRose, three brothers, Joseph DeRose and his wife, Candace, Mark DeRose and his wife, Sandra, and Peter DeRose and his wife, Maureen; two nephews, Matthew and Luke DeRose and two nieces, Alexis DeRose and Jessica DeRose. Mike's grandson, Maxwell, was the light of his life and brought him more joy than he had ever known. He also cherished his time spent with his puppy girl, Ally.
Mike was born in New Haven, Connecticut, son of the late Joseph DeRose. He spent most of his life in East Haven, where he graduated from East Haven High School. A dedicated and skilled craftsman, Mike, was a master mason, and a master pizza maker.
He was a man of many talents and interests, finding great joy in spending time near the ocean, where he loved fishing, crabbing, and clamming. Mike cherished the close bonds he shared with his very large network of family and friends. He was proud to be from Staven & Momauguin. He was a huge fan of music and loved going to concerts.
Mike’s personality was larger than life and there was never a dull moment when you were with him. If you met Mike, you didn’t forget him! He will be missed!
Family will receive friends on Thursday June 11, 2026 from 4 to 7 PM in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. All are invited to meet and attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday June 12 at 11 AM in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 80 Taylor Ave., East Haven with burial to follow at All Saints Cemetery, North Haven.
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