EDMUND ANTHONY "TONY" DaROSA

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Southern Illinois University

EDMUND DaROSA Obituary

Edmund Anthony "Tony" DaRosa Edmund Anthony "Tony" DaRosa peacefully arrived into the arms of God on Aug. 23, 2012, at age 93, in Wheaton, IL. Born to Jose and Rosa Maria da Rosa on Oct. 16, 1918, in Portugal, Tony moved to the United States in 1937 and attended the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK. There he also met and married the love of his life, the late Claire Turner, who passed on July 21, 2012. After serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, Tony and Claire raised their family of three sons, Ronald (Susan) of Wheaton, James (Jeannette) of Lockport and Timothy (Bonita) of Springfield, on the campus of Lewis College in Lockport, where Tony was director of aviation. In 1964, the family moved to Carbondale, where he was founding chairman of the Aviation Technology Department at Southern Illinois University. Even in recent years, former students still fondly referred to him as Mr. "D." After retiring in 1978, Tony and Claire moved to Lake Mary, FL. They returned to Illinois to live out their golden years at Wyndemere Senior Living Center in Wheaton. On July 14, 2012, they celebrated 72 years of marriage. Tony was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brother, Gentile; sister, Wilhelmina; and baby daughter, Mary Louise. He is survived by his three sons; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Abilio. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Wings of Hope, www.wings-of-hope.org, or 18360 Wings of Hope Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63005. Family will greet relatives and friends Monday, from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the St. Dennis Church Narthax, 1214 Hamilton St., Lockport, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. O'Neil Funeral Home, Lockport, is in charge of arrangements, 815-838-5010. For information, www.oneilfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Daily Herald on Aug. 26, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for EDMUND DaROSA

16 Entries

John S

December 3, 2012

Mr D got me into college. I remember sitting down with him wondering what to do in life. He said that you should follow what you want and the rest will fall in place. So I signed up for the aviation program and then on to business school at SIU. I've never looked back and I've often thought about that advice. He was a great guy and someone that most people never get the pleasure of knowing. We will all miss such a fantastic and rare person.

Steve Kiefer

October 4, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the DaRosa family. I was always so proud of my Uncle Tony. Thanks to the Alpha Eta Rho Sigma Chapter for the photo showing Uncle Tony's wonderful smile.

September 16, 2012

Tim, Your Dad inspired thousands of young aviators inluding myself to reach for the sky and become productive contributors to avaition and society as a whole. I had the pleasure of not only studying under him but also working for him and benefiting from his wisdom and leadership. In all my life, I have never known a man that gave so much to so many. He will forever be remembered by all those that knew him . May he now rest in peace.

Leonard E. Boltz

Tony and Claire at the 10th Annual Alpha Eta Rho Sigma Chapter banquet.

AHP Sigma

August 28, 2012

To the Loved Ones of "Mr. D"

Alpha Eta Rho, and the world, have lost a great mind in Tony. He was dedicated to the cause of Aviation and did everything he could to promote it. He will be remembered and revered among members of the Sigma Chapter for the rest of time. Rest in peace, brother.

We leave the loved ones with the best of wishes and an open door to the history that Tony has left with us. If there is anything we can do, know that we are only a phone call, or email away.

Respectfully in remembrance,

Alpha Eta Rho Sigma Chapter
Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Jackie & Ken Vogen

August 28, 2012

Jim & Family,

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. May the wonderful memories of your father help you and your family thru this time of sorrow and loss. Our deepest condolences.

August 28, 2012

Very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing Tim. May he rest in peace. Alex and Carol Ferguson

Robb Miller

August 28, 2012

Tim & Family - so sorry to hear of your loss.

Brenda Arndt

August 28, 2012

My deepest sympathy goes to the Darosa Family. I came to know both Tony and Claire and will miss them dearly. I believe they are back together again and they are at peace. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Brenda Arndt ( formally from Target Wheaton)

August 27, 2012

Tim, So sorry to hear about your Father. It sounds like he had a great life. Mary Jo and I will be praying for you and your family. ISP Chaplain Fred Leeds

Deanna Fowler

August 27, 2012

Tim and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad! I recently lost my mom and it was very difficult but I know she is no longer in pain and in peace. Your dad and mom can now be together in heaven and would not want you to grieve for them. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!

mary Wilcox

August 27, 2012

My thoughts are with you and your loving
family..at this time

Melissa and Boone Rogers

August 27, 2012

Jim and Family,
Our deepest condolences during this time. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.

August 26, 2012

From a long way away - you are all in our thoughts. Lisbeth & Bill Mc

Kyle Ferguson

August 26, 2012

Uncle Ron and Aunt Susan you now have a special guardian Angel looking over you now.

August 26, 2012