Gaetano DeRosa

Gaetano DeRosa, age 92, of Rochester, NY, passed away peacefully, on March 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving and devoted family.

Born in Pignataro Maggiore Italy, on January 1, 1933, Gaetano immigrated to Rochester after World War II where he met and married the love of his life, Corradina (D’Angelo). They shared 55 wonderful years of marriage and raised their family in Rochester, NY.

Gaetano was predeceased by his beloved wife Corradina, his parents Giorgio and Filomena DeRosa, his siblings Luigi DeRosa (Josephine), Carmelina Peluso (Bartolomeo), and Salvatore DeRosa (Carmela).

He is survived by his son Giorgio (Maureen) DeRosa; former daughter-in-law Melody Breslin (Daniel); grandchildren Jessica Davos (Jim), Melissa DeRosa, and Joseph DeRosa (Kathleen); great-grandchildren Alexa, Ashley, Rory, and numerous brothers-and-sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Gaetano began his working life in Rochester at Hickey Freeman, where he spent nearly 20 years. He later joined General Motors, dedicating another 20 years of service before retiring.

A devoted soccer fan, Gaetano coached his son and the local youth soccer league and was a loyal supporter of the Rochester Lancers, Rochester Rhinos, Buffalo Stallions, Napoli, and was an active member of the Rochester Italian American Sports Club. He took great joy in spending time with his large and close-knit Italian family — whether traveling to Albany to cheer on his grandchildren at sporting events and graduations, or gathering for holidays and celebrations.

In his free time, he loved hunting, fishing, bocce, spending his winters in West Palm Beach, and tending to his garden — especially his cherished fig tree.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering dedication to his family, and the joy he found in life’s simple pleasures.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 1st, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home in Greece. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Mark’s Church on Wednesday, April 2nd at 10:30am, followed by interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Memories and condolences can be left at the Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home website