FRANK DEROSA

Frank was born on 8-6-31 to Louis Derosa and Asunta Cavaretta Derosa, Italian immigrants who came to work in the coal mines of West Virginia. His parents actually met on the ship that brought them into Ellis Island. He had 12 siblings who pulled together for survival in the hard years of the Depression in Galloway, WV. They had a couple of cows, chickens, and a team of draft horses. They gardened, hunted, fished and foraged for mushrooms and ramps. They knew how to work and were incredibly resourceful. This set the tone of Frank’s life. He loved to share the bounty of his efforts with everyone and was known for his wine, bread and meatballs. He was a keen observer of people and knew how to work to their strengths. He lived life on his own terms while never letting go of his duties to family and friends.

A Marine, Frank was a veteran of the Korean War, surviving the Chosin Reservoir, a largely forgotten battle that lasted days in temperatures double digits below zero. 75% of the combined

American Forces died on that battlefield. He would sometimes cry on the 4th of July and Christmas. Like many men of his time he served for duty, adventure and to make a better life for himself and his family. Growing up poor he knew that his back, nerve, and insight would make him successful. He was trained by the GI bill as a body man and owned and operated the East

End Body Shop in Clarksburg, WV. He hired a WWII vet without legs who zoomed around the garage on a trolley. Frank had a soft heart and helped everyone that he could. He was fair minded and treated everyone with respect. We remember him taking coffee and sugar, a little wine, and sometimes tobacco, to old forgotten soldiers. He always stopped for people broken down on the road, and took food to people in need.

After operating the garage he went to work in the mines. In later years he became a belt mechanic and eventually sold mining equipment for National Mine Service Co., which brought him and the family to Pa. and then Ohio in 1971. He was proud of his coal mining years and we remember the day his pay went to $50 a day!

He and our mom, Lena Pellegrino Derosa, raised us well. They taught us right from wrong, and many useful skills that made us resourceful and able. Frank is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Lena. He is survived by his children and their spouses and partners, Angela Derosa and Steve Cayard, Tina and Dennis Barker, Michael and Lorrie Derosa, and Mark Derosa and Cindy Flanagan. Surviving are ten grandchildren, Amber Reed, Lucy Cayard, Holly Marquardt, John and Denise Barker, Erin, Allen and Amanda Derosa, and Jessica and Jared Derosa. Also six great-grand children, Iris Doolan, Mason Marquardt, Brynn and Bodhi Barker, Ryder Derosa, and Rory Friis. Frank has three surviving siblings, Mary Derosa, Donny Derosa and Phoenia Kostka, all of New Jersey. Donny and Mary visited him yearly, and they enjoyed cooking together. His nephew Lou Derosa was like a son to him. He loved making pitas with his niece Joann. He loved all his nieces and nephews and got to know them as much as he could. He also held dear Karen Derosa, Tina Pursglove, Tina Heath and Andy Reed.

Frank had MANY friends and acquaintances. He made new friends to the end of his life and tried to relate to everyone, even after he became deaf and then blind in one eye. You all know who you are. The last years of his life in his apartment on Fox Run he had many good times with Sandy Bell and Zoann Fields. Sandy ran him around to her grandchildren’s ball games and he got to see yet another generation grow up. Crystal and Cindy Flanagan were long time caregivers and long time friends. He also had many friends from the American Legion, especially Bill Denard and John Nemeti.

As a final gesture, Frank donated his body to science for the study of aging. At this time the family is gathering privately on Saturday, November 16th. Once we have his ashes in late spring we will have a celebration of his life and his legacy in St. Clairsville. Afterwards, we will carry our parents’ ashes to the National Cemetery in Grafton, WV for burial. West Virginia is our homeland.

Thank you to Reynolds Memorial Hospital and to Liza’s House staff. Their kindness and knowledge helped Frank and all of us in his final hours.