Michael P. DeLorenzo

Michael P. DeLorenzo (“Mike”), 68, passed away on December 12 at home with his beloved companion, Sue Donohue, at his side. He was the son of Helen Trombley, currently of Wilton, NY. He was born in Elizabethtown, NY and spent his childhood there, much of it with his loving grandmother, Midge DeLorenzo.
After school, Michael traveled the US, working in San Francisco and Houston, and eventually came home to work for Stubby and Gretna Longware at their heating business. They and their daughters Charlene, AJ, and Judy, became like family to Michael, enjoying a close lifelong friendship. After freelancing his numerous skills, especially as an electrician, Michael worked at Camp Dudley for several years helping with all maintenance and was essential in building their new office.
This generous man was always willing to help anyone in need by doing repairs or making a donation - especially to help children or animals in need. He had a huge passion for Saratoga Race Track and played the ponies as often as possible during the later summer. Casinos were also a big source of fun for Michael. He dearly loved his cats, Little and Shadow, and fed all the local squirrels and chipmunks daily. His love for animals covered all creatures, including the huge steers from Billings Farm, where he and Sue would visit at the Vermont Expo every summer. Of course, his love for michigans at Clare & Carls was widely known!
He leaves behind his mother, Helen Trombley and her companion Jimmy Parello, relatives in Elizabethtown, Jimmy’s family members, all the friends he had at McGregor’s Pub and all over the North Country, especially his lifelong friend Terry Wilkins, Billy Mends, and horse racing pal Calvin Wrisley. He is also survived by his companion of 28 years, Sue Donohue, and her daughters Kristin Donohue and Kelley Cook, who have long considered Michael their stand-in father; as well as his “sons-in-law” James Kehrer (Kristin’s husband) and Jason Cook (Kelley’s husband); and his grandchildren Aaron Cook, Rowan Kehrer, and Claire Cook, who loved their “Gramps” so much.
Michael holds a dear place in the hearts of those who knew him best, and his generous spirit and gruff affection will be greatly missed by many. He will be fondly remembered as we walk the trails of the Adirondack Park, recall skydiving adventures in Vermont or road trips across the US, flip through photographs of his travels to the Caribbean or Las Vegas, or enjoy his exquisite collection of racehorse photographs. He was a special member of so many families and he will be sorely missed.
Our family extends their deep gratitude to Drs. Whitman, Vaccaro, and Kader and their staffs, especially Rachel and Kathryn at the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center; Hospice of the Northcountry, especially Katie; and Sue’s neighbors Elizabeth, Maureen, and Dennis who provided food, lawn mowing, advice, tons of mental support and so many hugs.
A Celebration of Michael’s life will be held on Friday, April 1st from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at the Heald Funeral Home, 48 Court Street, Plattsburgh. The family invites all who knew him to come and perhaps share a memory or story as we gather to honor his life.
Donations may be made to the Peru SPCA, a charity of your choice, or please extend a helping hand to someone in need in Michael’s memory.