Joseph Louis DeRossi

Our dear Joseph (Joe) DeRossi, 90, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2022.
Joseph was born on March 30, 1932 to Louis and Elli DeRossi in the small Catholic village of Loutra on the island of Tinos, Greece. Although he had humble beginnings, Joseph valued education, hard work, and family. Missing several school years during World War II did not slow him down. He was the first person in his village to be notified of the war's end and alerted everyone by ringing the church bells by hand, as had been done for centuries.
After the war, Joseph moved to Athens to continue school, graduating as High School Valedictorian and later earning a Master's Degree in Business Administration at the Athens School of Business and Economics. Following service as an officer in the Greek Army (under NATO forces), Joseph began a long and fulfilling career in 1958, first with the U.S. Air Force Exchange (AFEX) and much longer with the merged Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).
In 1960 during his time as the AFEX General Manager at Iraklion Air Station, Joe met the love of his life, Koula (Maurakis). They were married a year later in Iraklion in September 1961. Over the next eight years, three sons, Louis, Jim, and Alex, joined the family.
Joe's busy career included assignments in Greece, Massachusetts, Kansas, Kentucky, The United Kingdom, Texas, and Germany before settling back in Texas. He retired in 1994 after more than 36 years with AAFES, starting as an Accounting Clerk and retiring as a Division Chief.
After many travels and assignments, Joe and Koula found their final home at Sun City in Georgetown, TX, in 1996. They were among the first owners referred to as "The Pioneers." In retirement, Joe enjoyed working for Sun City Texas, in the Welcome Center. He was a founding member of the computer club as well as a member of the "Stock Jocks" investment club. He also dedicated many years of volunteering, providing free tax assistance and preparation for AARP.
Most of all, Joe was a positive ray of light wherever he went. A class act and a gentleman to everyone. His sense of humor continued to the very end. He adored his family and his grandchildren, lovingly known as his Treasure's 1-4! and leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends. He will be dearly missed by all and always in our hearts.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Koula, sons Louis, Jim (Kristen), Alex (Mara), grandchildren Samantha (Jonathan Selby), Alex, Leslie, and Troy, as well as his sister Georgette Laios.
Joe is preceded in death by his father, Louis DeRossi, mother, Elli Vernadakis, and brothers John and Nick DeRossi.
Services for Joseph will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 30th at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church: 414 St. Stephens School Rd S, Austin, TX 78746
Burial: 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 30th at Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery: 330 Berry Ln, Georgetown, TX 78626
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joseph's name to the Alzheimer's Association or Alzheimer's Foundation of America.