Michael J. DeBlis Jr., passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2022. He is survived by Lorraine DeBlis, his wife and best friend for 45 years; his son and namesake as well as his law partner, Michael J. DeBlis III; his son, Ryan and daughter-in-law, Kristy; his daughter, Courtney and son-in-law Daniel Rubin and their new baby Gordon; his brother Mark DeBlis; his Sister Karen Kukus and his chocolate lab and loyal companion, Bella as well as his Golden retriever Granddog, Gracie Mae. Michael was predeceased by his parents, Michael Sr. and Agnes DeBlis.
Michael was a loving husband, father and dog lover. He and Bella started everyday at 4:30AM when they would head over to Hot Bagels Abroad in Bloomfield and visit his favorite bagel crew, then onto the courthouses of New Jersey where he practiced law for 50 years. He looked forward to working every day with his many colleagues and friends.
Michael was always ready to help anyone in need and believed the Lord put him exactly where He wanted him to be every minute of every day. He especially loved when the Lord put him at the ocean, Disney World or in front of – or in - a hockey game along with any (or all) of his children. He lived for family and prayed for more time to spend with Grandchildren. He was so proud of his three children and always looked forward to visiting with them and their great extended families and friends.
He was eternally grateful to the wonderful Doctors at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and Memorial Sloan Kettering in Montvale.
“In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Michael J. DeBlis Jr. to support pancreatic cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Online donations may be made using the following link: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/MichaelJDeBlisJr. Checks, made payable to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, should be mailed to:
Attn: Community Fundraising
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Office of Development
PO Box 27106
New York, NY 10087
Please indicate on the check memo line that the gift is ‘In memory of Michael J. DeBlis Jr.’.
The viewing will be at Halpin-Bitecola Funeral Home on Friday, February 4, 2022, 4-7 PM, 1284 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ. There will also be an opportunity to virtually view the service at the funeral parlor by going on the funeral parlor website and clicking on Michael’s picture. Clicking on the small triangle that comes up with Michael’s picture will allow you to view both the service at the funeral home and the mass during the live presentations. The funeral home website is: http://www.brookdalefh.com.
The Funeral Parlor service will be conducted by Father Tom Cembor at 5:00 PM. All are welcome in person or to join virtually. Masks are mandatory for in-person attendees.
A con-celebrated mass for Michael will be at St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 60 Byrd Ave., Bloomfield, NJ at 9:30 AM on Saturday, February 5, 2022. The three celebrants will be Michael’s dear friends, Father John Michalczak, Father Anthony Lionelli and Father Tom Cembor. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington, NJ.
Michael—thank you for taking such great care of all of us--we will never forget you. You will live on in our hearts forever.
Woof-
