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William DeRosa

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Georgia State University Georgia Tech

UPCOMING SERVICE

Celebration Of Life

Nov. 21, 2025

2:00 p.m.

Piedmont Driving Club

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William DeRosa Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for William DeRosa
Start: 2025-11-21T14:00:00.000Z
Location: Piedmont Driving Club

DEROSA, William

Thornton

William Thornton DeRosa passed away surrounded by his loving wife and family on November 7, 2025.

Thornton, an Atlanta native, attended North Fulton High School. He held a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in International Business from Georgia State University.

Thornton retired from Synovus bank in 2020, as the Senior Credit Officer. Thornton's banking career and adventurous spirit took him and his family to Australia, Hawaii, Guam, Phoenix, and Atlanta. After retirement Thornton continued to enjoy traveling the world with his wife Jean. Thornton and Jean enjoyed fourteen beautiful years together. They anchored a loving community of friends from kindergarten days to pickleball years at their home on Lake Lanier.

Throughout his life Thornton was well known for his big heart, competitive spirit and athletic abilities in tennis, squash, and rugby. It is fair to say that Thornton was widely loved and respected not only in Atlanta, but far and wide. May we all continue to carry his spirit with us in the years ahead, following his example of strength, courage, love and laughter.

Thornton was survived by his loving family members: wife, Jean Welch DeRosa; his children, Virginia Hansell DeRosa, Hansell Holman DeRosa, and Grady Thornton DeRosa; his siblings, Neil DeRosa, Ann DeRosa, Robyn (Faison) Hester, and Lindsey (Tom) Enright; his stepsons, Chris (Sherry) Jordan, Spencer Jordan (Brandon Carrion); and his grandchildren, Harper, Kessler, Hannigan and Leyton Jordan.

Thornton is also survived by nieces and nephews, Campbell and Lindsey DeRosa, Smith and Fulton Byrne, Cole (Jordan), Merritt and Anne Duncan Enright, Davis (Anna), Elizabeth, Philip and Mary Elliott Hester; grandnephew, Jack; and grandniece, Allie Hester.

Thornton was predeceased by his father, A.P. "Neil" DeRosa; mother, Virginia Holman DeRosa; and his first wife, Dorothy Hansell DeRosa, the cherished mother of his three children.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to UAB Palliative Care, 1713 Sixth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

A celebration of Thornton's life will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, 2PM at the Piedmont Driving Club.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Nov. 11, 2025.

Memorial Events
for William DeRosa

Nov

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

Piedmont Driving Club

Memories and Condolences
for William DeRosa

12 Entries

Betsy Garlington

Yesterday

Dear DeRosa Family,
I send my love, support, and condolences in response to Thornton's passing. What a beautiful family that I have known for so many years and Thornton is a big part of glorious growing up memories.
Love, Betsy Garlington

Pete Dawkins

Yesterday

What a nice guy he was. I was really looking forward to seeing him next May at the NF reunion. Blessings to his family as I know he will be dearly missed.

Kelly Cale

Yesterday

Jean, I´m so sorry. Have enjoyed y´all´s company so much the last couple of years. My Georgia Tech friend will be missed. Love you!

Carole Fallaw

Yesterday

Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thornton was such a good friend
Carole Fallaw

Gary Italiaander

Yesterday

Although it is many years since Thornton and I were last in contact with each other as we were separated on two different continents, I remember him from our time at school together. He was one of a small group that I became friends with in the two years I was in Atlanta before returning to the UK. He also visited me in London on one occasion and it was very nice that we had the opportunity to connect again on my side of the 'pond'.
I send my condolences and warm thoughts to his family and friends.

Jenny Dimon Spratt

Yesterday

Many great memories of Brookwood Hills days with our "THORNTNIN"
Jenny Dimon

Richard Ward

November 10, 2025

So sorry for your loss, another good one gone much too soon.

Todd Tyson

November 10, 2025

Sincerest condolences with recent passing of our friend Thornton. Though knowing him for only a short few years, I know he was larger than life. Well done! Go rest high my friend

Marian Chase

November 10, 2025

Jean & family, sending prayers and support for your family at this sad time. Praying for God´s strength to support you going forward. Love, John & Marian Chase
(Anna Hester´s mom & dad)

Helen and Robert

November 10, 2025

To Jean and DeRosa children and family,
We know you have lost a great love and a very special man in most every way. Robert and I feel so blessed to have been his friend. Thornton was truly one in a million and we can only hope that you find a million blessed memories to comfort you as he now rests in peace. With so much love, Helen and Robert Faulk

Charles B. Ross, MD

November 10, 2025

Mr. DeRosa's (Thornton's) indomitable spirit, kindness, bravery and gratefulness in the face of tremendous odds that would have defeated lesser men will remain in my heart forever. It was an amazing honor to be one of his surgeons but also just to know and love him and Jeanie for more than a decade. He and Jeanie knew us all as Chuck, Adam, Jamie, Chelsea, Amber, Daniella, etc. We were their crew and so honored to be so. His memory will always be a blessing, and our hearts and love will be with Jeanie at this very difficult time and ongoing. But, so pleased that he will have peace and relief from suffering now in God's presence..