Obituary of Gerardo De Rose

DEROSE, Gerardo

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our strong and loving Father, Nonno and Bis-Nonno, Gerardo, on January 11, 2022, in the comfort of his home, at the age of 91. Reunited with the love of his life, Emma (2002) (nee: Spadafora), with whom he shared 48 years of marriage. Loved and adored by his daughters Julie (Lino) Bonanni, Mara, and Sandra. Gerardo leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Lila (Domenico), Gerardo, Alexandra (Jake), Max (Paula), Milo, and Severiano; proud Bis-Nonno to Emma, Massimo, Alessio, and Domenica. Predeceased by parents, Giulia and Domenic DeRose and Raffaele and Virginia Spadafora, and siblings, Giovanni (Giulia), Marianna (Ippolito), Vince, Antonio, and in-laws, Alfredo, Evelina (Potito), Teresa (Amedeo), and Maria. Survived by sister, Filomena (the late Orazio), and sisters-in-law, Lidia, Anita, Ida and brother-in-law Rosario. Gerardo will be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends. He will be lovingly remembered by Joyce Donaghey.  

Gerardo was born on October 19, 1930, in Sant’Ippolito, Cosenza. He landed in Canada in 1955 and started a loving family. Gerardo created a beautiful life. He was cherished by many, and all that knew him felt his deep love. Gerardo made many connections and treated everyone like family. He had a truly loving and passionate soul, that touched the lives of many. Gerardo was always the life of the party and would provide his neighbourhood with food grown in his garden. He instilled a hard-working attitude, but always knew when it was time to put on his dancing shoes. Gerardo dedicated his over 40-year career to Windsor Salt, and was a devoted member of St. Angela Merici Church, and was one of the founders of the Sant’Ippolito Committee. Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude to nephew, Francesco Vella (Medica Pharmacy), who was always there for him, Dr. Tiffany Czilli for her tenderness, Frank DeRose for his friendship, and Sabrina Iacobelli (PSW) for her care.   

Visitation at WINDSOR CHAPEL (Central Chapel) 1700 Tecumseh Road East, 519-253-7234 on Sunday, January 16, 2022, from 4pm - 8pm. Funeral mass at St. Angela Merici Church on Monday, January 17, 2022 at 11am,. To view the Funeral Mass, please click HERE. Reservations are required to attend visitation and funeral mass. For those wishing to attend, please call Windsor Chapel (519-253-7234) between the hours of 8am-4pm to book your reservation. A private entombment will follow funeral mass. In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you do what Gerardo always did, help a friend in need.

Io ti voglio tanto bene, amore mio.