Obituary of Pietro DeRosa

Pietro "Peter" DeRosa, a resident of Wappingers Falls, entered into rest Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at his home. He was 98. Son of the late Francesco and Lucia Pezzulo DeRosa, he was born July 3, 1916 in Italy. Peter proudly served in the Italian Air Force for 17 years and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He married the love of his life, the former Elisa DiResta on August 24, 1947 in Italy. Mrs. De Rosa survives at home in Wappingers Falls. Prior to his retirement, Peter worked as an auto mechanic for C&C in Yonkers and later worked at Kings Electronics in Tuckahoe. He was a former member of the Yonkers Italian Club. He was very devout in his faith. He was formerly an active parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Yonkers and a parishioner of St. Columba Church in Hopewell Junction. He was especially devoted to Santa Maria dell'Agnena, the patron saint of his hometown in Italy. Peter enjoyed spending winters with his wife, family and friends at his second home in Florida for the past eleven years. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, tinkering with anything mechanical, and playing cards. Most importantly, he treasured time spent as a family. He was the patriarch of the family and will never be forgotten. In addition to his wife of 67 years, he is survived by his children, Lucia DeFeo and her husband, Artie of Mahopac, Anthony DeRosa of Wappingers Falls, AnnaMarie Olita and her husband, Ricky of Stormville and Joanne Giliberti and her husband, Claudio of Wappingers Falls; his grandchildren, Lisa Rossi, Anthony DeFeo, Vincent Giliberti, Daniella Giliberti, Anthony DeRosa, Angela DeRosa, and Michael Olita; his great-grandchildren, Nicholas Rossi, Julia Rossi, Evan Giliberti and Adrian DeRosa. He was predeceased by his infant son, Peter Anthony. Family will receive friends on Friday, January 16, 2015 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, January 17 at 10 a.m. at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82 in Hopewell Junction. Entombment will follow in Ferncliff Cemetery, 280 Secor Road in Hartsdale. For directions or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.