Joseph A. Rosa

The world’s greatest Grampy, Joseph A. Rosa, 93, of Epsom, NH and Arcadia FL passed away at Sarasota Memorial Hospital on April 19, 2025, following a short illness. He was previously a long-time resident of Merrimack, Salem, and Billerica MA

Joe was born in E Boston, MA on April 25, 1931, the first son of Samuel and Theresa (DeLucia) Rosa. Joseph was a proud United States Air Force Veteran and worked as a licensed electrician for Polaroid Corporation, retiring 40 years ago.

He was married to Patricia, “Pat” Derouin for 53 years. The couple raised six of their own children and supported numerous foster children throughout the years at their home in Billerica. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia, four children: Joseph Rosa, James Rosa, Mary Morrison, and Donna Byers and his baby brother Jimmy Rosa.

He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus in Billerica, MA where he played Santa Clause for many years. Joe had a passion for woodworking his entire life and more recently found his place in a wood carving group in Arcadia but Joe’s greatest pleasure in life was his family, friends, and a good breakfast diner. He had a kind word for everyone he knew and strangers a like.

Family members include his daughter, Patricia Rondeau and her husband Mark of Manchester, NH and his son, Brian Rosa and his wife Dawn of Hubbardston, MA; he loved thirteen grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren; a brother Frank Rosa of Billerica, MA and he had many nieces and nephews. Joseph was also blessed to have found his longtime companion, Hazel Gray of Arcadia FL, who together enjoyed life at the Big Tree RV park and many adventures together.

Joseph Rosa will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A gathering will take place at the Cremation Society of NH, 243 Hanover St., Manchester on Friday, May 23rd from 10:30 to 11:30 with a memorial service followed by military honors at 11:30. For more information or to view and on line memorial, go to www.csnh.com