Michael DeWald, 20, of Ashland passed away on October 28th in Naples, Florida after losing his five year struggle with cancer. He was a 2013 graduate of Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School.
He leaves parents Lawrence and Colette DeWald, siblings Robert (Kim), Matthew, Edward, Terence (Veronica), Rebecca, Nicholas and Liza. He was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth in 1999. Survivors also include a score of uncles and aunts and an army of cousins.
Michael created a huge network of friends which he valued intensely.
His passions included snowboarding, skateboarding, art, and exuding charm.
The fact that Michael left a positive impression upon whomever he met is his greatest legacy.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Decker Funeral Home of Windham. Wake hours are 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM on Friday, November 7th. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Windham on November 8th at 11:00 AM, with burial to follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Ashland.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Ronald McDonald House of New York, the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York, or any children's cancer charity of one's choice.