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Michael T Trese, M.D.
<p>Michael Thomas Trese M.D., left this world on October 21st, 2022 after a hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife Caron Trese, his brother Tom (Dianne), four of his sons Daniel (Michael), Matthew (Elizabeth), John (Rene') and Steve (Stacey) and nine grandchildren. During this difficult time, the family takes comfort in knowing that he is now rejoined with his son Patrick who left this world too soon.</p><p><br></p><p>Michael was born on December 8th, 1946, in Toledo, Ohio to Ralph and Virginia Trese. He later moved to Detroit, Michigan where he attended the University of Detroit High School. As a senior he joined the U of D’s football team much to his mother’s dismay. Upon his graduation, Mike attended the University of Michigan and played as a lineman for the Wolverines. His dreams of playing professional football were dashed after a knee injury and he pivoted career goals. After his college graduation, he obtained a Doctor of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and later his Medical Degree from Georgetown University. He continued his training at the University of California, Los Angeles where he completed his residency in ophthalmology. Finally, he subspecialized and completed his vitreoretinal surgical training at Duke University. Dr. Trese served as Director of Vitreoretinal Surgery at the University of Kansas prior to coming back to Michigan in 1982 and joining Associated Retinal Consultants and William Beaumont Hospital. In this capacity, he served as the Chief of Adult and Pediatric Vitreoretinal Surgery for nearly the last 40 years. He was also a Clinical Professor of Biomedical Sciences at The Eye Research Institute of Oakland University and Clinical Associate Professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine.</p><p><br></p><p>During his career, Dr. Trese gained an international reputation for his ability to care for infants and children with complex vitreoretinal disease. He developed many of the surgical techniques which are now taught the world over and have restored or preserved sight for countless individuals. Because of these contributions he is often referred to as the Father of Modern Pediatric Vitreoretinal Surgery. He has served in leadership positions for many professional societies including being the past president of The Retina Society and The Club Jules Gonin. Dr. Trese has helped to develop medications for vitreoretinal surgery, given countless invited lectures, written textbooks, authored book chapters and published over 300 peer reviewed articles. Dr. Trese’s illustrious career was publicly recognized when he received the honor of becoming the 2021 Laureate Award winner - the highest honor that can be bestowed to an individual by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Despite all the accolades, Dr. Trese maintained that the greatest professional accomplishment of his career was the opportunity to work with and train his Fellows.</p><p><br></p><p>However, when Dr. Trese was at home he was simply Mike or Dad. He cherished his wife, Caron. In the summers, they would retreat to northern Michigan and could often be found sailing around the Great Lakes. To escape the cold Michigan Winters, they traveled to their home in St. John - US Virgin Islands and were frequently found hiking or boating. Mike was an outdoorsman who loved fishing of any kind but spent time each summer fly fishing in Idaho. In the fall, he loved to walk the fields in Michigan and hunt pheasant. His greatest joy though was spending time with friends and family over a good meal and perhaps a well-crafted cocktail. He loved slapstick comedy movies like those of Mel Brooks or Monty Python. Those that will remember Mike will undoubtably remember his laugh. It was contagious and ever-present.</p><p><br></p><p>When regaling Mike’s life, it is impossible not to recall his professional success but without a doubt his greatest legacy is the 33-year marriage to Caron. Throughout their marriage, Mike and Caron focused on creating a foundation of togetherness. They brought the family together through the annual get togethers at the Venetian Festival in Charlevoix, family ski trips, beach holidays to St. John, sailing or simply fishing on the lake. Because of this persistence, five boys were able to unite and become brothers. This was Mike’s single greatest joy. The love he had for his boys was palpable, but as time passed and the boys started families of their own Mike’s love for his grandchildren was unparalleled. He was known to take his grandchildren on trips to Japan, to see Broadway shows, or simply go out to dinner. Through these experiences he built a rich relationship with his family that will not be forgotten.</p><p><br></p><p>It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our cherished husband, brother, father and grandfather. A memorial service will be held at Desmond and Sons Funeral Home in Royal Oak from 3-8 PM on Thursday October 27th, 2022 and a funeral mass will be held at St. Regis Catholic Church at 10 AM on October 28th, 2022. A gathering will be held at Pine Lake Country Club following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to <a href="//secure.givelively.org/donate/pediatric-retinal-research-foundation/prrf-donations">The Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation</a> or <a href="//securelb.imodules.com/s/1001/g20/form.aspx?sid=1001&gid=4&pgid=1902&cid=4186&bledit=1&dids=2476&appealcode=WSCU">The Eye Research Institute at Oakland University</a>.</p><p><br></p>December 8, 1946 - October 21, 202212/08/194610/21/2022
Tribute wall
43 trees planted in memory of Michael T Trese, M.D..
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The Philip George Family
December 1, 2023
What a fabulous man ,and Brilliant Doctor you are so missed,Many prayers and blessings The Philip George 111 and Family
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Bawa and Sunita Dass
November 8, 2022
We will always remember Mike with great love and respect. With caring thoughts,
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Dr Colleen Cebulla
October 28, 2022
Please accept my condolences.
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Beth Brauer
October 27, 2022
With heartfelt condolences, to the Trese Family.
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Melinda Morse & Kathy Pitlock ( RN)
October 27, 2022
Wow what a legacy to leave behind! Dr. Trese will truly be missed in the halls of Beaumont hospital. Our deepest sympathy to the family .
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Edward R. O'Malley
October 26, 2022
Truly one of a kind, he was a daily inspiration to me. I miss him very much.
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Karen Baranick
October 26, 2022
My deepest condolences to the Trese family.
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Mike Fanning
October 26, 2022
Gifted, accomplished & humble only begin to describe my experiences with Dr. Trese. In the Jesuit spirit he exemplified "Men for others"
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David Costello
October 26, 2022
Matt, we know how special your dad was to you. If he was anything like you, tells us he was special. You & family are in our thoughts. Dave & Gloria
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George, Kim, Gillian & Emily
October 25, 2022
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Marsalis Whitelow
January 4
I send my condolences to the Trese family, Dr. Trese was a nice man and a great doctor.
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Mary George
December 1, 2023
To Doctor Trese’s family, Dr. Trese treated my son Philip F George 111 for over 25 years we are just stunned at his passing . Such a talented , knowledgeable man and Fantastic doctor with the best side manor.Dr. Trese even came to Akron our home town to speak at the Akro... Continue Reading
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Sara Zivkovic
July 4, 2023
He was the greatest person I ever met, he was my doctor since I was born , I would always remember his kindness, and detailed explanations during my appointments. I’m really glad I had a chance to meet the person like that, my deepest condolences to the family.
A candle was posted for Michael T Trese, M.D..
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Peggy K. Goodwin
June 8, 2023
After my emergency vitrectomy Dr. Trese was the follow-up doctor I saw the following day, which was a Saturday. He was so kind and communicative. I really appreciated it because I had a long recovery process ahead.
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Sara Zivkovic
June 1, 2023
A candle was posted for Michael T Trese, M.D..
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Randi
February 28, 2023
Dr. Trese is (not was) such a great doctor and person. I’m truly blessed to have had him as my doctor for almost 30 years. I will always be grateful for everything he did to help me!! Thank you, Dr. Trese!
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John Wnek
December 20, 2022
Our deepest condolences to the Trese family. Dr Trese was loved by all of us. Such a kind gentle man.
Thank You for all the tender care over the past 18 years. You gave us comfort and hope and vision saving care for both our boys. Your mark on all our lives is profound.... Continue Reading
Thank You for all the tender care over the past 18 years. You gave us comfort and hope and vision saving care for both our boys. Your mark on all our lives is profound.... Continue Reading
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SAMIR S SHAH
November 10, 2022
WE THE PARENTS OF HIS PATIENT VIHA S SHAH FROM INDIA PAY OUR RESPECT AND PRAY FOR STRENGTH AND COURAGE TO THE FAMILY OF THE DEPARTED.
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Antonella Godano
November 9, 2022
I always remember you with great respect. Thank you for your friendship and thank you for your teachings and for helping me grow in my profession.
MD Antonella Godano from Italy
MD Antonella Godano from Italy
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Barb Varcie
November 5, 2022
My deepest condolences to the Trese family. The world lost a great man. I will always remember the care and kindness he gave as a physician to my son. He even kept my son’s drawings in his medical chart. The heavens gained an Angel when he passed.
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