Just to let you know that Jerry DeRosa passed away on January 22, 2010. He was 90 years old. There will be a memorial service sometime in March in California. He is survived by his wife Dottie DeRosa (the daughter of Frances Eveleen Vaughn Ambler)
The Obituary for Jerry DeRosa:
Jerry A. DeRosa
May 4, 1918 - Jan. 22, 2010
Born May 4, 1918, Jerry Alfred DeRosa went home to be with the Lord on Friday January 22. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Dorothy (Ambler) DeRosa. Jerry is also survived by his sister, Theresa Minietta of Reno, NV; daughter, Ann Noren and her husband Keith; son, David DeRosa and his wife Sandra; daughter, Concetta Herigstad and her husband Curtis. Also surviving are grandchildren Todd (Christy Hentz) Noren, Kariann (Gabriel) Virissimo, Brandy (Chris) Lighthall, Robert & Jason DeRosa, Jeromy, Justin, Jordan, Jacob, & Chase Herigstad and great-grandchildren Gabriel & Noah Virissimo, Carter Noren, and Elijah & Eden Lighthall along with several nieces and nephews. Jerry was born in New York City, NY and Raised in Brooklyn, NY. He Joined the U.S. Navy in 1937, where he served for 9 years on the Battleship USS Arkansas, Aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, and the Destroyer USS Buck. When his time of active duty was over he re-enlisted in U.S. Naval Air Reserves for the next 16 years. He married Dorothy (Dottie) Ambler, the love of his life in 1959 and settled in the California Bay area, where they raised three children. They based their home in the Santa Cruz Mountains. He continued to serve his country as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal service, spreading sunshine and song to whomever he came in contact with, including all the church youth that he continually opened his home to.
He first started showing signs of Alzheimer's about 10 years ago. Praise the Lord it progressed slowly at first. The official diagnosis came 4 years ago. With the help of medication and a wonderful therapy center, he was able to live at home with his wife until August 2009, at which time they both moved to an assisted living facility.
The memorial service celebrating the life of Jerry DeRosa will be on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 1:00 PM (Pacific Time) at Covenant Community Church, 3870 Alamo Drive, Vacaville, CA 95687
In lieu of flowers the Family has asked that a donation be made in Jerry’s named to the Alzheimer’s Association for medical research and assistance. It is listed on the Alzheimer’s association web site as “Jerry A. DeRosa Memorial Fund” or follow the link below.
