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
Maryann and family
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I don’t know what to say except know you are in my prayers and thoughts. May God give you the strength to go through each day – John will be forever in your heart a true blessing.
Sharon Chosse
Our Deepest Condolences to MaryAnn, AJ, Joanne, Donna, Al and there families. We are so very sorry for the passing of John. Your all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless. ❤️
Al and Vickey. My heart breaks for you. He was a character for sure. I cansider myself fortune to have known him. My love to you all.
Al and family our condolences RIP
Jay and Maureen Gatto
Al and Vicky, With what comfort we can offer we offer condolences and warm strength.
My condolences to you Mary Ann and your family.
Love you so much, my beautiful cousin and God mother. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Much love to you and your family.
Mary Ann, I am so sorry to learn of your sons passing. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family during this unimaginable loss.
RIP John
MaryAnn,
We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your son.
Praying for peace, love, and understanding during this difficult time.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
All our love,
Cousin Polly, Joe, Jolee, & Richard Klimarchuk
MaryAnn,
We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your son.
Praying for peace, love, and understanding during this difficult time.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
All our love,
Cousin Polly, Joe, Jolee, & Richard Klimarchuk
MaryAnn,
We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your son.
Praying for peace, love, and understanding during this difficult time.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
All our love,
Cousin Polly, Joe, Jolee, & Richard Klimarchuk
Al and Vicky and family,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brian and Lorraine Gibbons
Vicky and Al, we are do sorry to hear of your loss. Our hearts go out to you and your family.
Love Lauren and Kevin Gabel
Al and Vicky So sorry to hear this devastating news. Please know Earl and I are offering prayers for John and you as well. We hope with time, you may feel some comfort in knowing John is at peace with no more struggles.
Rosemary & Earl Reed
Maryann & AJ,
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing, please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
“You never lose the one you love, as long as you love the one you lose”.
May God bless you!
Mary Ann and family I give you deepest condolences and prayers for your family through this difficult time I didn’t know your son I pray that he knew Jesus as his savior praying for you love Susan