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Patrick J. (Pat) DeRosa

Posted 2016-05-15 by Judy Wight Branson
The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona
Sunday, May 8, 2016, page 7a

Pat De Rosa, a man who had so many strengths and the heart to help anyone in need, passed away the morning of May 3, 2016 in beautiful Prescott, Arizona, his hometown of 45 years.

Pat, the go-to man to help compose the perfect letter, report or paper would have preferred to do the final edit of this passage wherein he would most likely cross out all of the accolades we feel are so important to include. We hope we have learned enough from him over the years to do his life the justice it deserves in a manner he would approve.

Pat's life began in Akron, Ohio on Dec. 23, 1938, the eldest of his surviving eight siblings. His quick-wit and sense of humor began at an early age as the nuns, who were his teachers, documented on many of the report cards found in his belongings. This mischievous behavior is carried on through his nine amazing grandchildren whose parents, Pat's four children, are grateful for his other wonderful qualities. His appreciation for the classics, a love of music, his obsession with a good sugar donut and a soft-spot for vintage cars, shine through. Never could the family gather without a lot of hugs as Grandpa was famous for his warm embraces.

At the time of his death, his beautiful wife of 53 years, Lenore, was told by a dear friend that he had never met a more fair and just person. This statement captures Pat so well, along with his ability to put a smile on anyone's face while keeping his perfectly straight. The many people his family has encountered during his short illness have had wonderful stories to share about Pat. His wife and children are so thankful to the members of this amazing community he has been a part of for so many years. Friends and acquaintances alike have shown so much support through their heartfelt sentiments.

The family is having a private service per Pat's wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an organization that was very dear to Pat's heart, St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

In closing, it is only fitting to end this tribute with one of Pat's famous one-liners, "What is an optimist? An accordion player with a pager."

Please visit www.heritagemortuary.com to sign Pat’s online guestbook.

Service entrusted to Heritage Memory Mortuary.

Information provided by survivors.




Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.

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