Don was born the son of George and Valentine (D’Haygert) DeSerrano in Simcoe, Ontario Canada on December 6, 1937. Don met his future wife Shirley at Delhi District High School, in the small town of Delhi, Ontario. Don graduated with the class of 1955. Don moved to Michigan intending to enroll in the Air Force, however plans changed, and he began work for Manufactures Bank. Don returned to Delhi and married Shirley Spicer on October 7, 1964, at the United Church. Don and Shirley raised their family in Lake Orion, Michigan. Don retired from Manufactures Bank after 35 years.
Don loved his family and enjoyed helping them under the nickname he gave himself, “Mr. Don the Butler”. Don and Shirley shared 60 years of marriage including spending time with family and friends and traveling throughout the world. Don loved sailing and completed the Port Huron to Mackinaw race many times. He achieved his black belt in Karate and harvested an elk in Montana. Don could often be found on the golf course, working in the yard, organizing the house, or doing one of his many butler jobs for Tracy & Michelle. He referred to most of the good times in life as “a slice of heaven.”
Don is survived by his loving wife Shirley; daughters Michelle (Chris) Marcellin and Tracy (Chad) Cromwell; grandchildren Ellee and Jase Marcellin, and Samuel, Eddie and Grant Cromwell. Don is predeceased by his parents.
Don’s family will welcome all to a memorial gathering on Saturday April 19th, 2025 from 2pm until the time of the memorial service at 4pm at Pixley Funeral Home located at 322 West University Drive in downtown Rochester, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s honor to Young Life Lake Orion online at https://giving.younglife.org/lakeorion or by envelope at Pixley Funeral Home.
