Domenick DeRosa

WATERTOWN, CT

Domenick DeRosa

"Founder of Domenick & Pia's Downtown Pizzeria"

Domenick DeRosa, 99, of Watertown, entered into the gates of Heaven in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, September 1, 2025, after a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of Pia (Leone) DeRosa, with whom he shared sixty-four beautiful years of marriage.

Born on November 4, 1925, in Tramonti, Salerno, Italy, Domenick was the son of the late Giovanni and Giovannina (Accongiagiaco) DeRosa. In 1932, at just seven years old, Domenick made the courageous journey with his family to the United States, in pursuit of the American dream. They settled in the Bronx, New York, where he was raised and educated.

Years later, while visiting family in his hometown of Tramonti, Domenick met the love of his life, Pia. The two were married in Italy in November of 1961 and began building their life together in the Bronx. Eventually, they moved to Waterbury, Connecticut, drawn by opportunity-and what followed became a cornerstone of the city's history.

Drawing on years of experience and a passion for baking, Domenick perfected his own dough recipe and, alongside Pia, opened what would become one of Waterbury's most beloved institutions: Domenick & Pia's Downtown Pizzeria. Since 1964, their pizzeria has served more than just unforgettable pizza-it has served generations of families, friends, and newcomers, offering warmth, conversation, and community.

To walk into Domenick & Pia's was to be greeted by more than the smell of fresh dough; it was to be welcomed like family. Over their remarkable 61 years in business, Domenick and Pia formed lifelong friendships, witnessed generations grow, and helped shape the very fabric of downtown Waterbury.

One of Domenick's greatest thrills was standing on the empty stage of the Palace Theater during a private tour with a friend. To his friend's amazement, Domenick broke into an impromptu a cappella opera performance-the beauty of his voice echoing through the grand, empty hall. It was a moment that captured his quiet passion for music and the deep connections he formed throughout his life.

A true lover of opera and classic comedy-especially the wit of Rodney Dangerfield-Domenick was a humble, simple man who found his greatest joy in life's most important treasures: his faith, his family, and the love of his wife. His pride in his children was immeasurable, and together with Pia, he worked tirelessly to ensure they had every opportunity to pursue their dreams.

In addition to his beloved wife Pia of Watertown, Domenick leaves behind his three children: John DeRosa and his wife Mariana of Unionville, CT; Dr. Maddalena Brown and her husband Peter of Hickory, NC; and David DeRosa of Watertown, CT. He was the cherished grandfather to his granddaughter, Karla DeRosa, and his three step-grandchildren, Michael, Meghan, and Matthew Lauer, and is also survived by his sister, Antoinetta Blasi of Taranto, Italy. He was predeceased by his brothers, Pietro DeRosa and Antonio DeRosa.

Domenick's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched-with every memory shared over a slice, every story told at a table, and every heart that remembers the man behind the name. His was a life filled with love, generosity, and the true spirit of family.

Arrangements: A funeral for Domenick will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 8:45 a.m. from Chase Parkway Memorial, The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Calvary Queen of Peace Mausoleum. Calling hours for Domenick will be held Tuesday, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Domenick's memory to an organization that was dear to his heart and the City of Waterbury's:

St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Waterbury

P. O. Box 1612
Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.A. 06721
www.svdpmission.org/general-donation