Along with his 2 brothers Tom and Paul, David was part owner of Wright Automotive in Mt. Clemens, Mi, where he worked as a Master Mechanic for over 20 years. Never letting his Type 1 Diabetes stop him, he enjoyed water skiing, motorcycle riding and going to the many annual festivals, fireworks and boat races in Downtown Detroit as well as Fine Dining with the love of his life Mel and best friend Brian, aka “The Third Wheel”. Detroit Dave, as he was affectionately called, loved his Labatts beer. He could cook a mean Tenderloin and always looked forward to hosting his 4 stepchildren, many grandchildren and extended family during the holidays.
David is survived by his life partner of over 30 years, Mel Janssen; brother Paul (Sandra) Defer; sister-in-law Mary (Tom) Defer and many nieces and nephews. He was a wonderful and caring stepfather to Tom (Jackie) Janssen, Jon (Ann) Janssen, Carman Gery and Matt (Kristen) Janssen; Loving Opa to 11 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and was looking forward to meeting his next great grandchild due to arrive in early July. He was preceded in death by his Mother Marjorie Ann Cichewicz, Father Edward Alvin Defer and Brother Thomas Defer.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 24th, from 12 noon until 4pm at The Rec Bowl, 40 Crocker Blvd, Mt Clemens, MI 48043.
Memorial donations in David's honor may be addressed to: The Children’s Diabetes Foundation, https://www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org or The Alzheimer's Association; Greater Michigan Chapter; 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100; Southfield, MI. 48033-7433
