Michael Ralph De Meo

On Saturday January 31, we unexpectantly lost our Dad after 5 days of exceptional care at St. Alphonsus' hospital. He surpassed all expectations of the cardiac unit, especially at his age of nearly 86 years old. Throughout his stay, he was always surrounded by family which allowed all of us to care for him, be his voice and share many memories and stories that we will always treasure and hold dear to our hearts when we think of him.

Mike was born in New York and remained there until finishing high school. In 1959, his family moved to California to enjoy all the opportunities that were available to those relocating West. Not long after arriving in California, my mom Joan joined him and they soon married on 6/25/1960. Their marriage lasted 60+ years and only ended due Mom's passing in Nov 2020. They raised their family - Joanne (Sooter), Lorraine (Taylor) and Michael - in both the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys. There they made many dear friends who they spent numerous years gathering on weekends and vacationing together.

Soon after retiring in 1997 from telecommunications at GTE Lockheed and LA County, they moved to Idaho to start a new chapter in their lives. Their home was a mile away from the Sooters so they spent a great deal of time supporting their 3 granddaughters – Donna, Dianne and Debbie. Additionally, their neighborhood consisted of many retired couples who they quickly became close friends with over the 28 years of living there.

Most winters they traveled to So. California to visit friends and family. The majority of that time was spent with Michael and grandson Tony and with Lorraine and granddaughter Stephanie. During the rest of the year, Dad golfed with a great group of guys and also helped coach basketball and softball. He and mom kept busy with friends, vacationed in beautiful Idaho destinations, traveled to numerous BSU football games, attended school activities and enjoyed family get togethers. A huge blessing upon moving to Idaho was the proximity to watching their family grow with the addition of 7 great grandchildren. Rachel & Roger (Donna and Lucas), Alice, Claire & Vince (Dianne and Andy), Mickey & Rex (Debbie & Gus). Dad was affectionately called GPA, GGPA and Geeps. All the great grandchildren added another generation of activities that GGPA loved to attend. He was extremely proud of all of them as well as very grateful to attend their events which kept him busy and involved with his family.

Dad recently moved in November to independent living at The Pointe in Meridian. Although he was there for only a very short period, he was extremely happy living in a community of very caring staff and wonderful residents. He quickly made friends, as he usually does, and enjoyed a lifestyle of resort living, playing poker again and joined others for happy hour followed by dinner. He also was involved at the Senior Center twice a week and of course never lost his love for shopping.

Mike had a true gift of humor, the ability to have a conversation with anyone and establish a friendship within minutes of meeting someone new. He was special in so many ways and had an impact on so many lives. He will be deeply missed by so many.