Obituaries

Michael Deriso, a free spirit with a joyful heart, peacefully fell asleep in death on August 20, 2025 surrounded by his family at the age of 78.

Born in Newport, Kentucky on January 9, 1947 to Rudy and Eleanor Deriso, Michael served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He spent time in Thailand and Japan but he had a special place in his heart for the island of Guam. After returning home, he embraced his adventurous spirit by traveling the country. There, he discovered his passion for the West, and he fell in love with the vastness of the big blue sky in Colorado. After living there for a few years, he returned to his roots in Kentucky and became a skilled carpenter, running his own business. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to friends with home renovations and even worked on international construction projects. Mike was a jack of all trades, he could fix anything that came his way. He cherished road trips with no set destination, wetting a line to fish, playing his 12-string guitar, and was always at home riding his Harley Davidson.

Michael lived his life with a unique spark—he never met a stranger, was not afraid to laugh, or to take the road less traveled. His sense of humor was one that will never be forgotten; he had a special way of making people smile & laugh even in his final hours.

Above all, Mike was a devoted family man and his daughters were the true light of his life. He made sure those he loved knew it, often telling his girls “C̄hạn rạk khuṇ māk māk” which means I love you very much in Thai. Mike created memories that will last a lifetime.

Mike’s faith was his joy and he cherished the promises found in the Scriptures, especially the hope of resurrection and life in a new world. That hope brought him peace, and it continues to bring comfort to those who love him.

Michael Deriso leaves behind a legacy of laughter, and love. He is survived by his daughters: Dacha (Brian) Hicks, Kady (Billy) Phillips, their mother Cyndi Deriso, Geri (Paul) Madrid, twin sister Marlene (Robert) Kopich along with grandsons: Avery, Brody, Kaleb, Paul, David & Matthew, granddaughter Blakely, five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for the family will be held Saturday, August 30th from 2:00pm – 5:00pm at the Newport Car Barn 1102 Brighton St, Newport, KY 41071