Pasquale J. “Champ” DeRosa Jr., age 87, of Derby entered into rest at his home in Buena Park, CA. surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of the late Bernadine (Groth) DeRosa. He was born in Derby on March 10, 1929 the son of the late Pasquale J. Sr. and Josephine (Riccio) DeRosa.
He worked for the Farrel Corporation as a Drafting Engineer for 43 years before his retirement. Pasquale served as a Derby Republican Town Committee Chairman and was on the Board of Alderman as well as the Board of Apportionment and Taxation. He even ran for Mayor of the City of Derby in both 62’ and 64’. He was active in the St. Mary’s Church Community serving as an usher and music director and he worked the St. Mary’s Festival for many years. Pasquale’s real passions in life were his family, good food, and rooting for the NY Yankees, NY Giants, and UCONN Men and Women’s basketball.
He is survived by his daughters Linda Stonoha-Gorzelany and her husband Edmund, Patricia DeRosa-Lukach and her husband David, his son David DeRosa and his wife Melissa, his loving grandchildren Sarah Bennetta, Stephen Stonoha Jr. and his wife Sarah Beth, Nicholas Stonoha and his wife Hannah, Katie Lukach, and Jake Lukach, and his adoring great grandchildren Joseph Bennetta, Reagan Libby, Samuel Stonoha and Emma Stonoha. He is also survived by his sister Eleanor Fufaro. Pasquale was predeceased by his brothers Frank DeRosa and Arthur DeRosa, and by his sisters Rose Pucella and Ida Scarpa.
Friends may greet Pasquale’s family at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Rd. Shelton, CT. 06484, on Sunday July 17 from 2 to 5 PM. His funeral procession will leave the funeral home on Monday at 9:45 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in St. Mary’s Church, 212 Elizabeth St. Derby. His burial will follow in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery.
Friends may offer online condolences at www.riverviewfh.com
