Michael J. Regan Scholarship Fund
Est. 2021 as a scholarship fund by the family, in memory of Michael, to benefit graduating Derby High School student(s).
Michael J. Regan’s legacy is a truly remarkable story of human inspiration. He lived a life nothing short of amazing and had an incredible love for his family, and lifelong friendships that meant the world to him. Michael was severely injured at age 11 and had to learn to live life all over again confined to a wheelchair.
But his personal grit, humility and relentless determination made him an example of courage to everyone he met.
“Michael was a trusted friend to so many both young and old. He was so compassionate, and the most unselfish person you would ever meet,” said Michael’s mom, Kathleen Malerba. “He was always gracious with his time to listen or bestow sagely advice. He was an old soul.”
Michael’s devotion to Derby High School athletics and his classmates was unmatched. He was an extremely talented young athlete and was a fixture at many local sporting events. He was also a sports fanatic, historian and incredible trivia buff who loved the Boston Red Sox, Miami Dolphins, and anything connected to the University of Notre Dame.
Also, despite his physical disability, Michael experienced his love of music to the fullest, attending more than 100 rock concerts in his lifetime. His friends and family say it was a privilege to be around him and impossible to not be profoundly impacted by his positive energy.
“He was able to touch the lives of so many and give far more than he ever received,” Michael’s mom said. “His display of strength, no matter how rough the circumstances, made him an example to live by. He was constantly on the go and his pursuit to live life to the fullest was an absolute inspiration to witness.”
Through this fund, Michael’s friends, and family hope to keep his spirit and memory alive and inspire others with the annual scholarship for a graduating Derby High School senior. The scholarship amount – $2,424 – is a tribute to Michael’s Pop Warner football jersey – No. 24.
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