Patrick L DeLaere Jr.

Patrick Lawrence DeLaere Jr., of Lexington, died peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, July 6, 2026 after a 2 ½ year battle with cancer.

He was born on September 18, 1969 in Detroit to the late Shirley Jean and Patrick Lawrence DeLaere Sr. and grew up in Grosse Pointe. He married Nancy Elaine Phelan on June 7, 1997 and they were married for 26 years. Nancy died on November 27, 2023 after a seven-year battle with cancer, during which Patrick was her rock.

Patrick worked in hospitality and, until his sickness, was the General Manager of the St. Clair Inn. He previously worked for many years at Thousand Trails St. Clair. A lifelong baseball enthusiast, he coached many players throughout his life, including future Tigers players in Little League and AAA teams, and his daughter McKenzie’s state championship team in 2011. He was also a loyal Detroit Tigers fan. May all his players and friends remember Patrick as his family does - strong, steadfast, quick-witted, caring and a wonderful coach in all things. Thank you, Coach Pat.

He is survived by two daughters, Bailey DeLaere and McKenzie (Adam) DeLaere; two stepchildren, Michael Trupiano and Laura Ashliman; eight grandchildren, Madison, Kenzi, Isabel, Olivia, Autumn, Oliver, Brooks and Nancy Kay; two older brothers, Christopher (Jill) DeLaere and Tim (Lisa) DeLaere; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends, including best friends, Sarah and Chandler.

Private family services have been held.

Burial will be in Forester Cemetery, Forester Township.

Patrick’s family hopes to establish a fund to create a memorial baseball/softball field in his honor. Contributions to be used toward this goal can be made to the family through the following GoFundMe link (https://gofund.me/ae0118ea3) or by sending a check made out to Bailey or McKenzie to the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Marysville Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit marysvillefuneralhome.com.