Michael J. Desjean

Michael J. Desjean, 65 of West Boylston, MA died suddenly on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.

Mike was born in Fitchburg to Richard and Lauraine (Cormier) Desjean on June 30, 1958, the youngest of five children.

He leaves two brothers, James (Deborah) of Texas, Gary (Elaine) of Virginia, and one sister, Carol Desjean of Lunenburg. He also leaves his nieces and nephews who were very dear to him: Christine, Jill, Ryan, David, Adam, Sarah, Randy, and Kevin; 4 great nieces, and 8 great nephews; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his mother Lauraine (Cormier) and father Richard and, six weeks ago, his brother Kenneth (Janice) Desjean.

Mike loved spending time with his family, whether for birthdays or holidays, or just for a trip to the movies, the coffee shop, or a drive. He had a sweet tooth and never said no to an offer of candy or a Pepsi. He could often be found teasing whoever happened to be in closest proximity but, rest assured, he could take it as well as he could give it! 

If you knew Michael, you knew to show up for every visit with a big stack of baseball cards. His loved ones often swapped stories of having forgotten to bring them, and there was no greater shame than being asked upon arriving empty-handed, “where are my cards?” It will forever remain a mystery whether his card collection contained a Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle before Mike wore it out from shuffling.

Michael found a second family in his housemates Derek Rust, Jon Martell and his best buddy, Lenny Savage. He was much loved by the Horace Mann staff, who showed Mike compassion and dignity for 33 years in his group home in West Boylston, MA. Our family extends sincere gratitude to each of them for the love and support they gave him, which gave us peace and comfort during his years there. 

While it may be easy for a stranger to see Mike’s disability as a limitation, it was also his superpower. His love for his family was of the purest nature, filled with the childhood innocence so many of us lose along life’s journey. Michael loved with his whole heart, and his family loved him back with theirs.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday,  April 11, 2024 at  11 a.m. in Our Lady of the Lake Church, 1400 Main St., Leominster.  A calling period will be held from 9:30 am till the time of the mass.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to Horace Mann Education Associates, 8 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA  02038,