Mr. Robert "Bob" D. DeRosa, Sr.

UTICA - Mr. Robert D. DeRosa, Sr., age 87, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2019. At the time of his passing he was in the hearts of those he loved the most. Born in Utica on April 13, 1931, Robert was the only child of the late Anthony and Jessie (Spartano) DeRosa. A graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1949, he excelled at basketball and was proud to be the lead scorer for the St. Agnes CYO team. He continued his education at Utica College. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Bob honorably served his country from 1953-1956. At one time, he was married to the former Elizabeth Shepp and to that relationship came the blessing of four children. He was fortunate to share his life with Joan Malara, a loving and devoted companion, and their relationship was mutually respected and appreciated by both families. Robert worked at General Electric where he began as a Quality Assurance Inspector and Group Leader, aspiring to Senior Quality Control Engineering Technician and Process Control Specialist, a career that spanned 34 years. As a patriarch, Bob was a good provider, and as a dad, he truly loved his children and grandchildren. He had an outgoing personality and was a man of social graces. He engaged in life, and wanted to experience all the details. He was also proud of his Italian heritage. He honored the sanctity of Christmas and celebrated the day with loved ones. He was a lifelong, avid Yankees and Giants fan, dabbled in games of chance at the Casino, and had fond memories of the race track at Saratoga. He was a member of the American Legion Post #229 in North Utica, and The Eagles Club. A man of faith, Bob lived his Catholic creed and honored its traditions. His greatest grace was being blessed with four children who made life choice that made their dad so proud. Bob is survived by his children, Debbie and Al DiNitto, Mary and Buddy Maunz, Robert Jr. and Nancy DeRosa, and Lisa and John Waters; grandchildren, Dana Marie DiNitto and Daniel Villegas, David DiNitto and Michelle Wong, Anthony and Colleen DiNitto; Crystal DeRosa-Fiegl and her husband Pat, Jackie and John Carbone, Buddy Jr. and Andrea Maunz; Stephanie, Jennifer, and Nicole DeRosa; great-grandchildren, Wyatt DiNitto; Dylan and Logan Fiegl; Danielle and Bianca Carbone, and Alexandra and Hunter Maunz; cousins, including many of the Spartano family. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00 – 7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Robert’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno with Military Honors conferred. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Robert "Bob" D. DeRosa, Sr.

April 13, 1931 - January 18, 2019