Michael DeHaan

Michael DeHaan, age 90, of Winter Haven, Florida passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023. He was born on December 1, 1932 in New York City. Michael was a 30 year resident of Orlando after relocating from New York and resided in Winter Haven for the last three years.

Michael served in the United States Navy from 1952-1956. He served as a Hospital Corpsman and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico, where he met his future wife. He was honorably discharged and was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.

Later, Michael worked as a Tariff Clerk at Eastern Railroad Association from New York, from which he retired. He also worked at the New York Daily News in the printing press. Post retirement he worked at Carnegie Hall as a security guard before moving to Florida. Once moving to Orlando, he was a founding member of Holy Cross Church.

Michael was a lifelong NY Yankees fan, enjoyed watching NFL football and horse racing, riding his bicycle and bowling. He loved spending time with his family in Florida and Massachusetts and many summer vacations in Puerto Rico.

Michael is survived by his children, Emma Milazzo (Jack) of Winter Haven, FL, and Barbara Stapleton (Thomas) of Attleboro, MA, as well as his grandchildren. Lauren Brusa (Juston) and their daughter Adelynn of Apollo Beach, FL, Brooke Morgan (Michael) of Attleboro, MA, Brianna Milazzo of Orlando, FL, and Kyle Stapleton (Korina Gomez) of Durham, NC. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 61 years, Lydia Hernandez Rivera.

A funeral mass for Michael will be held on Thursday, November 30 at 9:00 AM at St. Matthew Church, 1991 Overlook Dr, Winter Haven, Florida 33884. Michael will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.