Vincent R. DeRosa, 85, of Morris, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 20, 2018, surrounded by his wife and eight loving children.

Born on July 19, 1932 to Frank DeRosa and Jennie Verrilli DeRosa, Vincent grew up in Bridgeport while spending summers as a boy on his grandparents’ farm, in Stratford. He often recalled chasing chickens around the chicken coop when he was nine years old.

Vincent, or Vinny, married his wife of 45 years, Ellen Capozzi DeRosa, in 1972. Together, they raised a family of eight children. He loved his family and proudly recounted each of his children’s accomplishments to anyone who would listen.

Vincent attended St. Charles Grammar School in Bridgeport. He spent three years attending the Holy Ghost Mission Seminary in Pennsylvania. He finished high school at the Warren Harding High School. He graduated from Fairfield University, and earned a law degree from New York Law School.  

Vincent served as an Assistant Clerk in the Connecticut Circuit Court System and as the Chief Deputy Clerk-in-Charge for the Bridgeport branch of the Connecticut United States District Court. He spent several years as a self-employed painting contractor working throughout Fairfield and Litchfield counties.

An all-around charmer, Vinny had an affable personality and a penchant to tell jokes. He had a passion for good food, collecting coins, and Italian culture. He was an incredibly hard worker, and continued to paint and work as a caretaker for properties in Litchfield County until 2017 at age 85.

Apart from his wife, Vincent is survived by his children and their spouses: David DeRosa, Wendy DeRosa and James Flores, Holly and Jason Walejeski, Krista and Brian Williams, Gregory and Renee DeRosa, Timothy DeRosa, Ronald and Kadian DeRosa, and Cassandra and Drew Webster. He’s also survived as a beloved Papa to his seven grandchildren. Vincent is also survived by his sisters, Joan Bogan of Oxford, and Terry Pavone, of Southbury, as well as a brother, Day DeRosa of Venice, FL. He was predeceased by his sisters Peggy DeRosa and Barbara Paul, brother-in-law Philip Bogan, and cousin, the Rev. Peter DeMarco.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018 at St. Francis Xavier Church, 26 Chestnut Land Road, New Milford. Calling hours are Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 4-7pm at Colonial Funeral Home, 87 Park Lane Road, New Milford.

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