Tom’s life began Nov. 19, 1943, in South Haven. He grew up in Covert on the family farm, where his son, Tom, now owns and operates a KOA. While growing up, he worked for his dad’s store, DeRosa Supermarket; where he learned how to be a meat cutter. Tom used that knowledge and went to work as a manager in the meat department of Buy-Lo Store. Tom eventually went on to work for Atlantic Automotive in quality control until he retired in 2005.
Outside of work you could find Tom enjoying everything to do with being outdoors; hunting, fishing, farming or tinkering in his sheds. He worked on many construction projects, renovating and building his own homes as well as helping his family members build and remodel theirs. He was known for his quality handy-work. When he took time to relax you could find Tom watching the game show Wheel of Fortune or catching up on the news and weather.
The light of Tom’s life was his family especially his grand- and great-grandchildren. His loving family includes: his wife of 57 years Theresa (Romano) DeRosa; three sons Carlo (Nancy) DeRosa, Tom (Elizabeth) DeRosa Jr., and Michael (Lisa) DeRosa; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and three on the way; a sister JoAnn Vandewiele; a brother-in-law Vince “Jim” Romano; and several nieces and nephews.
Tom passed away Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at home surrounded by his family.
His parents Carlo and Angela (Midulla) DeRosa and a sister Teresa Romano precede Tom in death.
Funeral services were celebrated Tuesday, August 24, at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Burial followed in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Watervliet. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Tom’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com.
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