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ATKINSON, N.H. — Joseph A. DeRosa, 67, of Atkinson, died Saturday evening, Dec. 6, 2008 at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington.
Born and raised in Medford, son of the late John and Angelica (Palermo) DeRosa, he graduated Medford High School and the North Bennett Street School of Boston.
Mr. DeRosa was the founding president and treasurer of DeRosa of Boston, Jewelers, which he established in the Jewelers' Building on Washington Street, Boston, in 1968. He later relocated the business to Plaistow, N.H. in 1980 and operated the company until he sold it at the time of his retirement.
A resident of Dedham for three years before moving to Atkinson in 1975, Mr. DeRosa was a 15 year member of the Board of Selectmen, serving from 1988 until 2003. He had also served on several town boards and as a former member of the Atkinson Fire Department. A member and past president of the Atkinson Lions club, he was also a trustee of the Atkinson Library and a former member of the Rotary Club of Haverhill. He was also a member of St. Anne's Parish of Hampstead and the Maximillian Kolb Council of the Knights of Columbus, Hampstead and St. Jude Council of Plaistow.
Survivors include his wife, Ellen (Moy) DeRosa; two sons, Gregory J. DeRosa and his companion Laura Warren-Kariger of Merrimack, and Jonathan J. DeRosa of Atkinson; a daughter and son-in-law, Christina M. and Mark Hayes of Derry; a brother Nicholas DeRosa of Hampstead; a sister, Angela O'Keeffe of Burlington; three grandchildren, Kathryn DeRosa, Michael DeRosa, and Nadia Hayes and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a sister, Emma Hartigan.
ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be held on Thursday with a Funeral Liturgy of the Word at 10:30 a.m. in St. Anne's Church, Emerson Avenue, Hampstead. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Fund to Benefit Jonathan DeRosa, c/o Haverhill Bank, 1094 Main St., Haverhill, MA 01830.
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6 Entries
Ellen Moy DeRosa
December 15, 2008
Dear Joe,
We miss you so much. You would not believe the outpouring of love for you over the last week. So many people loved and cared about you. They shared with me so many ways you touched their lives. I know sometimes in the last 2 months it has been very difficult and you hung in there for Jonathan and I. We were home together those 5 days and celebrated Thanksgiving that Sunday. I wish we had had just a little more time, but I guess there is never the right time to say good-bye. I wish I had the chance to tell you while you were conscious how much we loved you, but I hope you could still hear me even then how much we wanted you to stay with us because we love you, but realized too how tired you were.
Jonathan is trying hard and so am I to make you proud of us. I know you are with us in many ways, but without being able just to call to see how you are and say I love you is a huge empty spot.
Remember how much we love you and forever.
You wouldn't believe all the fire trucks led you to the church. No one ever will forget you and how you took care of the town and your family!
Love Forever,
Ellen and Jonathan DeRosa, Bella ,Buddy, Hershey, and Little
Bella misses you so much she can't figure out where you are, but she did give you a big wet kiss by phone the night before you moved to heaven!
Felicia Augevich
December 10, 2008
Dear Ellen and Jonathan,
Our deepest sympathy in regards to the loss of your loving husband and compassionate father, Joe. May you find some peace in knowing, we are here for you. Take care.
Love Felicia & Kyle
Glenn Allen
December 9, 2008
I am Joey's nephew. I am 38 years old now and live with my family in Washington State. I grew up with Joey in my life. I remember visiting him in Boston when he had his jewlery shop. I remember staying with him in New Hampshire as a boy and playing hide and go seek with Gregory and Cristina and my brother in their big house. There are many more memories that are dear to me and I will always remember this very special individual who always gave me hope and confidence. You will be missed.
Davena and Henry Szmyt
December 9, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to Joe's family. Joe and I opened our businesses together in Plaistow in 1980. We were close friends and worked together for nearly 15 years. Joe was a good friend and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
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Teddie Lavoie
December 9, 2008
Joe was a wonderful man, and it was a pleasure to work with him when he was on the Board. He will be missed.
Phil & Gail Donovan
December 9, 2008
Our condolences go out to the family of Joseph. He was a asset to the community of Atkinson NH and a wonderful jeweler in the town of Plaistow NH. He will be greatly missed.
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