Donald M. Desroches

NEWARK, Del. – Donald M. Desroches was born in Rumford, Maine on May 9, 1940, and passed away on March 29, 2022 at his home in Newark, Del. Donald was the first of two children of Melvin Desroches and Evelyn Arsenault Desroches. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ann Therriault.

He was educated at Stephens High School, the University of Maine, and graduated in 1963 from the University of Prince Edward Island. While at Stephens High School he was on the National Honor Society and a delegate to Dirigo Boys’ State. He excelled in football, basketball, and track and achieved an All-Maine and All-American status in football. In college he continued to excel in football and basketball.

After college he taught High School English and French in Maine, New York Military Academy, and Sanford School in Delaware. After teaching he went into Industrial Painting.

Donald was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, loved music, and loved spending time with family. Another favorite pastime was going to his grandchildren’s school and sports activities. On retiring he was a volunteer tutor at an inner city Wilmington After School Program. He was a loving husband and father and was well known by many for his warm “bear” hugs.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marilyn Kowalzyk Desroches; his three children, Christine Ruoff ( Mitch), Maria Robinson (Dean), and Peter Desroches (Caroline); and eight grandchildren, Giana Macias (Aaron), Rachel, Marshall, Zachary, Keri, Danielle, Ella and Luke. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Peyton, Olivia, Isabella, and James.