Michael Francis Deegan

1948 - 2024

Michael Francis Deegan
March 5, 1948 - October 14, 2024
Michael Francis Deegan, age 76, passed away unexpectedly on October 14, 2024 in San Francisco following major back surgery. Born March 5, 1948 to Leo and Anna Marie (Weik) Deegan, Michael led a distinguished life marked by his kind entrepreneurial spirit and skilled craftmanship.
Born in Riverside CA and graduating from Notre Dame High School in Riverside, Michael continued his education at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend IN where he cultivated lifelong friendships and a passion for the Fighting Irish. He began a career in banking in Los Angeles and Oakland before moving to Sonoma County, where he founded Deegan Woodworks in Santa Rosa nearly 50 years ago. Michael's business thrived as he became renowned for his expertise in design and woodworking. He produced custom pieces for kitchens, closets and special furniture which graced many homes and businesses in Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco and surrounding areas. He took immense pride in crafting Arks and tables for the Torah in synagogues, custom pieces for local wineries and beautiful furniture.
Michael's life was further defined by his personal interests and relationships. It seemed that he would be a lifelong bachelor until he reconnected with a friend from 35 years earlier; Ginny O'Connell Anzelc hosted a football gathering in Mishawaka IN and less than a year later they were married in a chapel on the Notre Dame campus. With Ginny he gained two married children, Meredith (Christian) Spesia and William (Kiernan) Anzelc, and 9 grandchildren - Christian, Catherine, Stella, Gabriel, Grace, Andrew Spesia and William, Bridget, Sydney Anzelc.
Michael is survived by Ginny, his loving wife of 18 years, her children and grandchildren, his brothers Patrick (Mary McGroarty) and Daniel (Cindi) and his sister Rita. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Joseph.
A soft-spoken man with a dry sense of humor, he was a humanitarian who cared deeply about his community. Michel enjoyed athletics in his younger days and remained a fervent sports fan. His hobbies included reading, hiking and daily walks through town. A culinary enthusiast, he was known for his exceptional cioppino and he enjoyed making wine, both the labor and consumption. Michael cherished travel with Ginny and their ND friends. He often joked that he never expected his vacation home would be in Mishawaka IN.
Michael's life was a testament to his dedication to his craft, his interest in sports and literature, and his love and commitment to his family, friends and employees. He will be missed by all who knew him.