Michael Winsor Gabriel-Deveau, extraordinary father, an amazing husband and devoted friend, died on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 of a heart attack at New Milford Hospital in New Milford, CT. Michael, 59, was the facilities director at Marvelwood School in Kent, CT.
Michael was known for many things: rolling up his sleeves and getting things done, his ability to walk into any Kohl’s Department Store with $25 in his pocket and walk out with $250 in kids’ clothing (legally) and his fondness for dirty martinis (dry, stirred, three olives).
His crowning achievement was the strong foundation he laid for his family. A gay man, who lived life on his own terms, Michael poured himself into raising his four adopted boys. He kissed their cuts, rubbed their backs, sat through endless hours of Little League and always reminded them of their intrinsic goodness.
He also inspired his husband to be a better person — and continues to do so.
Born on April 3, 1960 in Fort Lauderdale, FL he was the son of the late Lee James and Marbra (Bubier) Deveau. On July 10, 2004, in West Newbury, MA, he married Frederick P. Gabriel Jr. who survives at home. Michael was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Kent, CT.
In addition to his loving husband, Michael is survived by four sons, Samuel, Jeremiah, Caleb and Elijah Gabriel-Deveau all of Warren, CT. He is also survived by three brothers, Daniel Deveau of Rochester, NY; Edward Deveau of Pompano Beach, FL; William Deveau of Palm Bay, FL and a sister, Marbra Lee Bishop of Evensville, TN. Besides his parents, Michael was predeceased by a brother, James Deveau.
A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on November 30, 2019, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1 N. Main Street, Kent, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association at acpa-cpf.org.
