Mr. Donald A. De Rosa

UTICA/NEW HARTFORD - Mr. Donald A. De Rosa, age 92, passed away peacefully, and was reunited with his son Jeffrey on Saturday, July 9, 2022 in the comfort of his home. At the time of his passing his wife was with him, and he was also in the hearts of those he loved most. Don was born on March 7, 1930 in Utica, the son of the late Anthony C. and Rose (Flint) De Rosa. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1948. Following graduation, he served in the US Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician assigned to VF-71, at Quonset Point, RI. Following military service, he enrolled in Utica College of Syracuse University where he was inducted into Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity and Phi Alpha Theta Scholastic Honor Fraternity, graduating in 1954. While enrolled as a student, Don worked at the Bank of Utica. On December 20, 1953 he was united in marriage to the former Marlene J. Juracek of Wausa, Nebraska; they shared a beautiful and wonderful partnership of more than 68 years. Don retired from General Electric as Program Manager with 35 years of service. He was a member of the Quarter Century Club, the GE Elfun Society, and a participant in the Loaned Executive Program. His community activities and memberships include: Charter and Emeritus member of Utica College’s Board of Trustees, recipient of the College Service and Hall of Fame Awards, Emeritus member of the National Alumni Council, and a Director of the College’s Foundation Board; Past Chair, Oriskany District BSA Advancement Committee, its Eagle Scout Program, and recipient of the District’s Award of Merit; former Instructor, Adult Education Program for the Utica City School District; Knights of Columbus 4th Degree; Past President, Oriskany-Whitestown Rotary; Life Master, American Contract Bridge League; Boilermaker volunteer; member of the American Legion Post 1376, and the United States Naval Institute. Don also holds a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the Utica Citizens Corps. He was a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Don’s many and varied interests include: Family oriented activities, reading, duplicate bridge, chess, golf, and fishing. He and Marlene have traveled extensively both domestically and abroad which included 18 cruises (300 hours!). In his own words, “It has truly been a well-rounded, balanced, enriching, loving, and blessed life for which I was most grateful”. He has never forgotten those wonderful formative, preteen years living on Jay St. with his maternal grandparents and Aunt Mary. The Proctor High School years as well as membership in the Utica Citizens Cadet Corps attaining the rank of Battalion Sergeant-Major, had a profound impact on him. Don is survived by his cherished wife, Marlene; sons, David C. De Rosa, and Thomas and his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Regosin. Always close to his heart was the memory of his son, Jeffrey D. De Rosa, who passed away on November 24, 1987. He also leaves his grandchildren, Courtney De Rosa; Brittany De Rosa, Anna De Rosa, and Eleanor De Rosa; his great-grandchildren, Dylan Faltisko, and Angelina Faltisko, and Molly Sainsbury; in-laws, Lauren and Elda Juracek, Richard and Sharlene Juracek, and Glenda and Le Roy Hansen; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and multiple friends. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law Blondell and her husband, Stanley Greguson. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 14, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kelberman Center online at https://www.kelbermancenter.org/giving/; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Donald’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday, July 15, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St., where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered with Military Honors conferred by the US Navy. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Donald A. De Rosa

March 7, 1930 - July 9, 2022