Anthony M. "Tony" Deroo

Anthony (Tony) Marinus deRoo, 86, of Sanford, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home with his wife and family by his side.&Tony was born July 23rd, 1935 in The Hague, Netherlands to Marinus and Wilhelmina deRoo who preceded him in death in 1951 and 1943. After graduating high school, he attended Leiden University in the Netherlands. Tony then served in the Dutch military for 2 years. To further his education, he immigrated to the United States. He attended Carnegie Mellon University earning a Bachelor's degree in chemistry. Tony was then drafted into the U.S. Army in 1960 and served as a medic for 6 years. In 1964 he was hired by Dow Chemical where he spent his professional career working in specialty chemicals in the TS & D department for 34 years before retiring in 1998.

Aside from his wife Barbara, Tony's greatest love was soccer, starting at the young age of 4 and developing into a lifetime dedication to the game; playing, coaching and refereeing for over 30 years, even refereeing some games into his 80s. Tony served as a referee instructor for the US Soccer Federation since 1981, refereeing high school and college soccer games up to Division 1 level. Tony was also an instrumental part of developing the Midland Youth Soccer Organization and coaching Midland's youth.

Surviving is his loving wife of 46 years, Barbara deRoo; children; Marc (Xiaomin) deRoo, Leslie Pool, Ron Pool (Cindy Thiel), and Kelly Beck. Grandchildren; Michelle, Matthew, Andrew, Melissa, Josh, Adam, Tyler, Joel, Katie, Sarah, Mina, Trenton, Claire and Layne. Sister Hanny deWinter, sister-in-law Mary Ann Barrett, numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Tony's life will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 26th at Wilson MILLER Funeral Home, 4210 N. Saginaw Rd in Midland. Family will receive guests at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 pm until time of service.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the MidMichigan Hospice team for their support during this time.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are invited to contribute to the Midland Youth Soccer Organization or the Humane Society of Midland County in Tony's name.

MyMichigan Home Care (Hospice)
6810 Eastman Ave., Midland MI 48642
Tel: 1-989-633-1400
Email: homecare@midmichigan.org

Midland Youth Soccar Organization
901 Soccar Dr., Midland MI 48642
Web: http://www.midlandsoccarclub.com