Gloria Pauline DeRosa

Gloria Pauline DeRosa (nee DePalma), 93, passed away on December 4, 2025.
Gloria was born to Maria Bonvino and Michele DePalma, on October 11, 1932, in New York. She was the youngest of six children, including the late Fedele, Rita, Antonio, Nicola, and Grazielle. She is survived by her children, Michael & Gloria DeRosa, Donna Marcialis, Anthony & Celeste DeRosa, Gloria & Joseph Salerno, and Janine DeRosa, in addition to her eight loving grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, who "Gigi" adored.
Gloria grew up in Harlem, New York City where her parents owned an Italian restaurant. She graduated from Central Commercial High School in Manhattan and put her executive secretarial skills to work for accountants, lawyers, and ultimately for the New York Zoological Park in the Bronx. Gloria fell in love with her brother's baseball teammate and best friend, Anthony T. DeRosa, the love of her life. They married on October 19, 1952, spent over 60 years together, and raised five children.
Coming from a large family, she is the beloved Aunt Gloria to a large contingent of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was an especially loving aunt and in these last years was the true matriarch of the DePalma family. She loved nothing more than being surrounded by her immediate and extended family.
Gloria followed in her mother Maria's footsteps as a wonderful cook. She showed her love to friends and family through food, and leaves behind a family that will forever miss her Christmas Eve feasts and the best meatballs ever. Her kindness knew no bounds, except of course when playing "friendly" card games, where she and her best buddy and next-door-neighbor, Virginia, vied ruthlessly to win their favorite game, Spite and Malice.
During the last week of her life, Gloria spent the Thanksgiving holiday surrounded by loved ones and laughter. We, her loving family are eternally grateful for these lasting memories and will miss her dearly.
A visitation for Gloria will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts.: 2002 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach. A Christian celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church: 712 Little Neck Road, Virginia Beach.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital