John Albert DeRosa – 45, of North Andover, died unexpectedly at his home on August 22, 2023. He was born in Stoneham, MA on August 21, 1978.
John was a graduate of Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School. He worked as an independent hardwood and tile contractor.
John Albert DeRosa was a man who marched to the beat of his own drum, even if that drum was occasionally out of tune. He had a knack for doing things his way, which, to be frank, wasn’t always the easiest route. But what he might have lacked in shortcuts, he compensated for with sheer ingenuity and relentless endurance. If something broke, it should’ve been dubbed “Johnny-rigged” rather than “jerry-rigged,” a skill undoubtedly passed on from his grandfather. His prowess in fixing things was almost as renowned as his knack for acquiring broken items in the first place. And if you ever had the privilege (or challenge) of laying a floor alongside him, you’d quickly realize that “good enough” wasn’t a phrase in his dictionary. Precision could’ve been his middle name, if not for the family’s overuse of the names “Albert” and “John.”
He possessed a natural talent for fishing. Anyone who recalls fishing with him might feel a tad inadequate in comparison. Yet, that feeling often spurred you on to keep fishing. He was too nonchalant to let on if that was his intention.
In John’s world, love came with ease. If he loved you, you felt it deeply. You could always expect some momentary discomfort but it was always eclipsed by the immense joy he infused into our lives. His heart, ever expansive, consistently outpaced his means, but that never deterred him from giving his all.
John DeRosa didn’t merely exist; he lived life on his terms. So, here’s to a father, brother, son, cousin, nephew, and friend who left an indelible imprint on all our hearts. John, you will be deeply missed, but it’s evident in the way we live and love that your spirit endures in each of us.
John A. DeRosa is survived by his mother, Mary Ann Donahue (Arsenault) and her partner, Bill LaVergne; his father, Albert J. DeRosa and his wife, Vickey; his four children: Matthew Ritter, Ariana, Jack, and Josh DeRosa; his brother, A.J. DeRosa and his wife, Sabrina; his life partner, Angelique (Nick) DeRosa; his stepbrothers: David Donahue and his wife, Mellissa; Joel Donahue; and Dave Stankiewicz and his wife April; his aunts and uncles: Joanne and Mike Herook, Donna and Paul Martell, Bill DeRosa and his partner, Mike Smolak, John and Kate DeRosa, and Uncle Bob; his cousins: Zachary Herook, Josh Bruno, Scott Bruno, and Chris Bruno and his wife, Nicole. He was predeceased by his stepfather, Paul Donahue; his uncle, Peter Bruno; and his grandparents, James and Nancy Arsenault, and John and Ruth DeRosa.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 29 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and his funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 30 at 10:30 AM the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
Donald F. Gonzalo – 97, of North Reading and formerly of Cambridge, died at his home on Friday, August 18, 2023. He was a retired 27 year Firefighter for the CIty of Cambridge.
Edward H. Snow – 66, of Winthrop and formerly of North Reading, passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, after a lengthy illness.
Joan M. (Casey) Courtemanche – 90, of North Reading and formerly of Somerville, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, after a brief illness.