Michael Descoteau, Industry Stalwart and Longtime Dale Pro Audio Veteran, Dies at 70

Michael Descoteau, a beloved industry figure during his 25-plus years in the pro-AV and broadcast-media business, died this week at the age of 70. Having served as director of broadcast sales at Dale Pro Audio until retiring in 2020, he had recently fulfilled his longtime dream of moving to Portugal, where he died at his home.

During nearly three decades at top-performing sales organizations, Descoteau held positions at all levels of sales and regional management within the industry — most notably at Dale Pro Audio. There, he was director of broadcast sales from 2014 to ’19, director of broadcast from 2002 to ’04, and a manager of its Broadcast Sales Division from 1991 to ’99. Throughout the ’90s, he helped lead the transition from Dale Electronics to Dale Pro Audio through tireless work and groundbreaking relationships that he built with clients and vendors alike.

Besides Dale Pro Audio, Descoteau worked at Wohler Technologies (VP, North America, 2011-13), CBT Systems (director, sales and marketing, 2010), Riedel Communications (sales manager, 2006-10), Masque Sound (director, broadcast, 2004-06), Solid State Logic (VP, broadcast, 1999-2002), Ace Audio Visual (sales manager, 1988-91). Born in Schenectady, NY, in 1951, Descoteau grew up in Concord, NH, and attended Plymouth State College before joining Anvil Cases in 1981.

Known for his gregarious personality, quick sense of humor, and intelligence, Descoteau loved music, food, adventure, wine, film, art, books, politics, and — as a die-hard Red Sox fan — sports.

Descoteau is survived by his son Ryan Descoteau (Tak); daughter Arielle Descoteau-Levien (Joe); sisters Gayna Hoffman, Lauren Descoteau, and Lynn Descoteau-Mansfield (David); grandson Vincent Descoteau; niece Amanda Hoffman (Jay Tomlinson); many cousins, aunts, and uncles; and a multitude of close friends throughout the broadcast industry. He is predeceased by his mother, Patricia Larro (in 1995), and father, George Descoteau (in 2020).

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