Paul J. DeFauw

Paul J. DeFauw, 76, of Chesterfield, passed away peacefully at WellBridge of Romeo surrounded by his loving family on Monday, May 19, 2025. Paul was born on February 20, 1949 in Mount Clemens, MI, the son of the late Jerome C. and Caroline V. (Franz) DeFauw. He grew up in Fraser, Michigan, and graduated with the Class of 1967 from Fraser High School in Fraser, MI.

Paul's first job was working for Strelinger's, a large Detroit area hardware and tool dealer, and soon married his first wife Linda in 1971. While they raised their two children, Rachel and Brett, in Madison Heights, MI he went on to work for Sterling Supply Company in Ferndale before moving to the Tampa, FL area in the late summer of 1984. He eventually built a home and settled in Holiday, FL. Paul worked for Alro Steel Corp. in Clearwater, FL.

After returning to the Detroit area in 1993, Paul worked for Sandvik Coromant and later Absorbents Midwest, eventually meeting, falling in love with, and marrying the love of his life, Susan J. (Brown) DeFauw. They spent many years doing things they enjoyed and had a beautiful life, especially with the grandkids he loved so dearly.

Paul also found joy on the golf course with friends and family and played at many different courses while collecting golf clubs and related memorabilia. He loved fishing and gardening and watching the Detroit Lions & Tigers.

Paul leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and unwavering support, always there to offer a helping hand or listening ear. His sparkling blue eyes lit up every room he entered. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his teasing humor, love for his family and the way he made each person in his family feel important, loved and cared for. His sometimes competitive streak was balanced by a quiet patience. His laughter and wisdom were gifts to everyone who knew him. May he be remembered for the love he gave so freely, and may his memory bring peace to all who mourn him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Susan J. DeFauw, whom he loved and cherished; his loving children, Rachel, Brett, Tim and Chris; grandchildren, Sierra, Cassie, Ciera, and Seth; sisters Carol Berant, Kim (Bill) Vermander, Teresa (Dave) Dwyer; brothers, Mark (Don) DeFauw, Bryan (Debbie) DeFauw; and his former wife Linda; his many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and all those who have touched his life.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations be made to The American Lung Association or the The American Brain Tumor Association in his memory.

To sign an online guest register and leave condolences to the DeFauw family, please visit:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/283068330/paul-jerome-defauw
https://www.weremember.com/paul-defauw/7s2f/memories
(Registration is encouraged as guest authors do not appear in the Friends & Family guestbook.)