Salvatore D. DeRosa, 89, of Wallingford, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25, 2019 with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of 66 years to Norma Buonocore DeRosa. Salvatore (fondly called Skippy) was born in New Haven on October 18, 1930 and was the son of the late Louis DeRosa and Mollie DeLeone Tamartino. Father of Daniel R. DeRosa, Joanne (Michael) Pentino, Laura (Matthew) Martin and the late Raymond M. DeRosa. Grandfather of Michael (Liz), Kristina, Mark, Daniel (Adrianne), David, Matthew and Robert DeRosa John (Dawn) and Jennifer Finn, Jessica (Scott) Shumway. Great-grandfather of Jacob, Keelyn, Peyton, Grayce, John and Hailey. Also survived by his sister Margaret (Richard) Lostritto. Salvatore was a US Airforce veteran having served during the Korean War. He was the owner and operator of the former studio, DeRosa Photography in East Haven for many years until his retirement. During that time Sal was a member of the Connecticut Professional Photographers Association (CPPA) and the Professional Photographers Association (PPA) winning numerous awards including the People Choice Award for his Black & White photos and portraits within the photographer organizations he belonged to. He was an avid baseball and softball player in Connecticut and Fort Myers, Florida until the age of 87. He played in the Roy Hobbs Tournament, competed, won the Senior Olympics’ for softball, coached both baseball and softball for many years, and was inducted into the Wallingford ASA Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 2014. Salvatore was also a member of the East Coast Swamp Flyers and was widely known for his vast skills in aviation as a designer, builder and flyer of radio control and model airplanes. This passion became very influential in the careers of his 3 eldest grandsons; Sal also enjoyed going to the gym and his Jazz collection. His greatest loves of all was his family and dancing with Norma.
The visiting hours will be Friday from 4 to 7pm at The North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Everyone is invited to go directly to Church of the Resurrection, 115 Pond Hill Road, Wallingford on Saturday morning at 11:30 to attend a Mass of Christian burial and are also invited to attend the committal service immediately following in All Saints Cemetery with full military honors
I am very proud to have called this man my father-in-law. He was an amazing man who loved his family so much. I have known him for over 45 years and there has been so many wonderful memories that I will cherish. Pop you were the best and I will miss your calls and text so very much. May you Rest In Peace and I am sure you will continue to watch over all of us. I love you.
My deepest condolences go out to the entire DeRosa family. I have many fond memories of both Mr. And Mrs. DeRosa. My prayers are with you.
Diane Beedle
My Dear Norma, Dan, Joanne, Laura and all the DeRosa Family –
We have known each other for always and have made a lifetime of wonderful memories!! I can’t remember a time when we were not together growing up. I think I lived in your house more than my own and you made me feel at home. Norma, You and Skippy and your family are my family too – and although we are not always close by, we are never really far apart. It is hard to believe that so many years have gone by and we are still making memories!! My heart is filled with sadness and sorrow for all of you. I pray that God gives you Peace and holds you in the comfort of his loving arms. The days ahead will be heart breaking – know that I am thinking of you and sending you my Love.
To My Dear Mr. D – Rest in Peace and Everlasting Love. You will be deeply missed but never will you be forgotten. May God keep you in His grace and bless you with His love. Until we meet again.
Much Love, Always.
Elaine