Michael R. DeMarsico II, 20
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Army Spc. Michael Robert DeMarsico II, 20, of North Adams was killed in action on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012, while serving his country in Operation Enduring Freedom in Panjwa'l, Afghanistan.
He was attached to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and deployed in late March 2012.
He took a job that placed him in front of his military brothers, always wanting to protect them no matter the cost. He protected and saved his brothers and many others over and over again. To his family, he has now been "deployed to Heaven."
Born in North Adams on Dec. 22, 1991, son of Michael R. DeMarsico Sr. and Lisa Babcock DeMarsico of North Adams, he attended local schools and graduated in 2010 from Drury High School and pursued his lifelong dream of joining the military.
Pfc. DeMarsico graduated from Infantryman One Station Unit training at Fort Benning, Ga., in June 2011. His service accomplishments include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a bronze service star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Combat and Special Skills Badge for marksmanship and the Overseas Service Bar.
Known as Demar to his military brothers, Mikey to his family and Sunshine to his mother, he was a Cub Scout with local Pack 35 and a constant competitor with the Rain Gutter Regatta, taking the first place each year until his last, when his younger brother, Adam, won, to DeMarsico's admiration.
A talented athlete, he played T-ball, Little League and Babe Ruth baseball, with his father proudly by his side as coach. He participated in the North Adams Youth Football program as a peewee and continued through the senior division with, said his family, "the eyes of an eagle and speed of lightning."
He had a love of nature and his favorite moments were spent at Natural Bridge State Park and Mount Greylock, high above the world. While at Fort Lewis, that love of nature continued on weekends when he and his buddies traveled far up in the mountains. One of his favorite moments was camping in a lava bed at Mount St. Helens. He also enjoyed snowboarding, and while not very good at the sport, said family, he became a pro at falling hard so the pretty girls would help him up.
What he held dearest to his heart was his family.
Besides his parents, he leaves three sisters, Aubrey Raye DeMarsico and her fiance, T.J. Harmon, of Pittsfield and Kailey Rose DeMarsico and Leigha Renae DeMarsico, both of North Adams; his brother, Adam Reed DeMarsico of North Adams; his maternal great-grandmothers, Belva Babcock and Barbara Cahoon; his maternal grandmother, Ronnalee Cahoon Porey of the town of Florida; his maternal grandfather, Frank A. Babcock of Bennington, Vt.; his paternal grandmother Rena Tatro DeMarsico of North Adams, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.He was predeceased by his grandfather Robert DeMarsico, great-grandfathers Frank A. Babcock Sr. and Alton Cahoon, and uncles John Babcock and Steve Cahoon.
He will be sadly missed and fondly admired by all who knew him.
FUNERAL NOTICE — Funeral services for Pfc. DeMarsico will take place Saturday, Sept. 1, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of North Adams. Burial with full military honors will follow in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday, Aug. 31, from 2 to 7 at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels. Memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project through the funeral home, 521 West Main St., North Adams, MA 01247.