Nicholas C. DeRosa

Nicholas C. DeRosa, age 96, passed away peacefully in his West Dennis, Massachusetts home on Friday, November 11, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Boston on September 11, 1920, he was the son of the late Michael and Adeline (Parente) DeRosa. He was raised in the West End of Boston, attending Boston Public Schools before graduating from Boston Technical High School. As a skilled machinist, Nick could fix just about anything and he was recruited during World War II to form precision aircraft parts at a plant in New Hampshire. After the war ended, Nick married the love of his life, Elvira F. Presentato, on August 18, 1946 in Blessed Sacrament Church in Walpole. They made their first home together on Beacon Hill and Nick owned and operated a Sunoco Station on McGrath Highway in Somerville. In 1951, Nick and Vera settled in Walpole on Ellis Street, soon followed by their siblings and together raised their families there. Nick was active in his community and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and an usher at Blessed Sacrament Church.

Nick was a skilled lithographer at Rustcraft in Dedham until 1982 when he moved to Cape Cod and took up his second career of caring for his grandchildren and serving as the unofficial Mayor of his West Dennis neighborhood. He spent countless hours with his six grandchildren teaching them how to fish and garden vegetables from seed. His care extended to the children of his neighborhood, often driving them to their summer camps and taking interest in all the charges under his wing as they grew to be adults. Nick's garden was second to none, growing prize tomatoes, basil, garlic and vegetables well into his 80's. During his decades on Cape Cod, he was a loyal usher and member of Saint Pius X in South Yarmouth.

Beloved husband of Elvira F. (Presentato) DeRosa.
Loving father of Lisa D. Shook and her husband Stephen of Brewster, Maria L. DeRosa of Walpole, James C. Arena-DeRosa and his wife Lina of Holliston, and Wendy Spampinato and her husband John of Brewster.
Cherished grandfather of Elizabeth Shook, Daniel Shook, Anthony Arena-DeRosa, Alessandro Arena-DeRosa, Madeline Spampinato, and Harry Spampinato.
Brother of Alice DeRosa of Boston, the late Mary DeRosa, Ella DeRosa, Elvira DeRosa, Anthony DeRosa, Leo DeRosa, and Michael DeRosa, Jr.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Nick's visitation on Thursday, November 17, 2016 from 9:30-10:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The West End House 105 Allston Street, Allston MA 02134 617-787-4044 https://westendhouse.org