""Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one the chain will link again", By Ron Tranmer Rest in Peace, Dennis. You were a special brother to me, and I loved you deeply. I will miss our talks and your sound brotherly advice throughout these many years. I know you are with Mom and Dad passionately debating who was the best Irish poet, which historical novel had the greatest impact and which composer significantly changed the path of classical music throughout the past several decades. There is no doubt in my mind that when you were led to Heaven by mom and dad, that they beamed with pride as God said to you, "with you I am well pleased." Your never-ending fight for the underdog, generosity towards others and loving heart enabled you to live a life many do not. The mark you have left in this world is significant. I must have known your special heart as a child, as mom told me I followed you around constantly, and when you went to kindergarten, I would stand looking out the window, saying your name over and over until you came home from school. So, rest in peace, you more than earned it. Your fight was valiant and nothing less than expected. I will see you on the other side and we will finish our debate on the best opera singer of the past century (it's Nicolai Gedda, I'm not backing down). John and I will miss your wicked sense of humor and have many stories to tell and retell to keep your memory alive. We Love You, John and Marie "
In loving memory of
Dennis Jerome Levasseur
October 7, 1960 - March 2, 2023
Dennis was born in Detroit Michigan to H. Douglas and Kathryn (Cronin) Levasseur. After a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Dennis died peacefully in his beloved city surrounded by his loving family. Dennis was the devoted husband to Melissa (Borczon) Levasseur, loving father to Kathryn (Jean-Christian) Cousin and Margaret Levasseur, and grandfather to Samuel Cousin.
From the very start of his life, Dennis exhibited a fierce passion for knowledge and advocacy as well as the love of a good fight. Dennis found an outlet for his passion during his more than 35-year legal career. After serving as a law clerk for the Honorable Stewart Newblatt, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Dennis joined the firm of Bodman in 1987.There he proudly represented many of the firm's largest clients on a wide variety of complex, business litigation matters and served on many of the firm's management committees. For more than a decade, Dennis served as City Attorney for Grosse Pointe Park. Dennis truly loved his profession. Described as an "absolute bulldog" by those with whom he worked, Dennis was highly respected by his peers, and his accomplishments often recognized by organizations such as Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers and Best Lawyer of Detroit.
Despite his fierce exterior, Dennis was a very loving person who cared deeply for those around him and those less fortunate. Despite the arduous responsibilities of his legal career, Dennis regularly helped people in his community with legal problems without charge. He enjoyed and took great pride in his ability to help those who were in need. He simply loved a good fight that benefited others.
Outside of his legal career, Dennis also had a passion for reading, history, art, and education. Dennis served as a founder of the Historical Society of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and on the Executive Board and as Vice President for Legal Affairs of the Detroit Historical Society.
In the last years of his life, Dennis discovered a new passion, being a grandpa to Samuel Cousin. Together, Dennis and Samuel enjoyed eating blueberries, watching videos on grandpa's iPad, and exploring toy construction vehicles.
Dennis was preceded in death by his mother and father. Surviving family includes: his loving wife Melissa (Borczon) Levasseur; devoted daughters Kathryn (Jean-Christian) Cousin and Margaret Levasseur; grandson Samuel Cousin; sisters Elise Levasseur and Marie (John) Brown; brothers Thomas and Gregory; nieces Emily (AJ) Arrowsmith and Dr. Victoria Levasseur; and nephew Douglas Levasseur. Dennis will be missed profoundly by all who loved him, but he will live on through the many loving memories he created with family earth-side and by of the long-lasting contributions made to others during his legal career.
A celebration of life will be held on April 1, 2023, from 4-8pm at Verheyden Funeral home, 16300 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230. A sharing of memories will take place at 6:30.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Dennis's legacy by donating to the Dennis Levasseur Memorial Scholarship at Wayne Law or the Schaap Center. Donations for the Memorial Scholarship can be made at https://giving.wayne.edu/donate/law and write "Dennis Levasseur Memorial Scholarship" in the box that says, "Other designation or notes about gift." Donations to the Schaap Center can be made here: Schaap Center and identify "in memory of Dennis Levasseur."
Tributes
"Dennis was a very special interesting man. He had a great sense of humor and a way to describe things with compassion. I remember sharing a locker with him in high school as well as our mutual love of music through band. He will be missed."
"Dennis was a great friend in high school. He had a wonderful sense of humor and I have many happy memories of playing practical jokes and fun band trips with Dennis. I am so sad to hear about his passing and thankful that I had an opportunity to catch up with him at a reunion a few years ago. Sending prayers for grace and peace to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. Diane (Reinke) Powers"
"Dennis was a kind and generous man who helped my late husband in his struggle with alcoholism and depression, and in his effort to regain his standing as a lawyer. He provided moral support to my son and me, and his sound legal advice will make it possible for us navigate future challenges. We will be forever grateful. Dennis?s kindness and thoughtfulness extended to others as well. He was a true mensch. Peace be with you, Dennis. Therese Ojibway and Clinton"