Michael John Derivan

Michael John Derivan, Sr., of Huntington, Conn., passed away January 14, 2022, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Haven, Conn. He was 85.

Michael was born August 27, 1936 to the late James and Catherine (née Moran) Derivan of Bronx, N.Y. and, from a young age, was a resident of Mount Loretto Catholic Orphanage, Staten Island. As a teenager, Michael moved to Stamford, Conn. to live with his eldest sister, Mary Vaughan. He graduated from J. M. Wright School and proudly served in the U. S. Navy. In 1959, Michael was married to Lorraine Raffaele of Stamford, at Sacred Heart Church.

Michael and Lorraine moved their growing family to Norwalk in 1969. For more than 30 years, Michael was actively involved in St. Philip Church, where he was a Eucharistic Minister. He also volunteered at St. Philip School events, as well as those at Central Catholic High School. He fostered his sons’ involvement in sports and all extra-curricular activities, stepping in as scout leader and coach whenever needed. Michael was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

After retiring from Dawson-Macdonald Co. as District Sales Manager, New England, Michael and his wife spent the next 20 years in Trumbull, Conn. During this time Michael held a part-time job at the School Sisters of Notre Dame community, Wilton. He immensely enjoyed this opportunity to spend time with the nuns, whom he credits for providing him support during his childhood years. He was a communicant of St. Stephen Church.

Michael was the epitome of the fighting Irishman, and he befriended everyone he encountered. A devoted husband, proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle, Michael always put family first. He was happiest spending time with family, watching sports—especially the Yankees and Notre Dame games—and talking with people.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine, of 62 years; four sons and three daughters-in-law, Michael (Donna) of Brookfield, Steven (Diana) of Norwalk, James of Trumbull, Thomas (Suzanne) of Huntington; six grandchildren, Melissa (Doug) Pecor, Katherine Derivan, Elizabeth Derivan, Laura Bill, Sarah Derivan and Michael Thomas Derivan; four great-grandchildren, Owen Wilson, Matthew Pecor, Emily Mendez, Daniel Spiegel; a sister, Patricia Derivan; as well as nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Michael is predeceased by three brothers, William (Ellen), Paul Robert (Beatrice), James (Ellen); three sisters, Mary (James) Vaughan, Caroline (Robert) Denyko; Joan (Donald) Seuch; and an infant son, Richard.

Due to Covid, calling hours will be private. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, January 19, 10:00 a.m., at St. Lawrence Church, Huntington, followed by entombment with military honors at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull.

Michael’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caring physicians, nurses and staff at the West Haven and Orange Veterans facilities. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in memory of Michael to the VA Connecticut Healthcare System (E-Donate) at va.gov/connecticut-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/  

To offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearFuneralHome .com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael John Derivan, please visit our floral store.