Joseph DeRosa April 1958 – June 2022. Joe married the love of his life Bonnie DeRosa 31 years ago in Ridgecrest, CA. He worked and lived in Ridgecrest for 30 years before moving to Bakersfield, CA.
Joe loved to work in the garden: he said “I must get it from my Grandpa DeRosa, the horticulturist.” Joe enjoyed boating and being by water, lakes and oceans. Joe came to realize Jesus died for our sins and there is no purgatory after you die. Joe said, “My greatest achievement was being a Dad to Bri-Anna Wright (Chris), a Grandpa to Zander, Varick, Axious and Inanna. Grandpa Joe said, “Sorry I’m going to miss it all, please know if I could be there, I would not have missed it for the world, not one single moment.” Joe left us too soon. He passed with his loving wife holding his right hand and his beloved daughter, Bri-Anna holding his left hand, while he could hear his grandchildren playing at the lake, each one said “I love you Grandpa!” Joe’s Adams Apple moved wording “I love you too” after each grandchild spoke out to him. When the phone call ended- Joe left us at that same moment, forever leaving us with a memory of a Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Son, and Brother. Joe will be respected and missed by all who knew and loved him.
Joe leaves behind his Wife, Bonnie DeRosa, daughter, Bri-Anna Wright (Chris), Grandchildren – Zander, Varick, Axious and Inanna. In-Laws: Michael Latona (BIL), Norey Latona Jr. (BIL) /Jennifer, Michelle Latona (SIL) /daughter Jennifer, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Santerre (whom visited at the hospital ICU)(FIL/MIL) and Norey Latona (FIL) River Runners. Joe’s parents Mr. and Mrs. John J. DeRosa Jr. 2nd, Siblings: John DeRosa 3rd, Cathy Mattox, France T. Pegler (Bob) and Aunt Judith & Son Paul who lived too far out of town to visit in time. Pets: Joe’s Rottweilers whom he rescued from a burnt-down shelter in Morgan Hill, CA also, visited him in the ICU before he passed.
Joe’s last wishes were to be cremated. He did not wish to be buried in the ground.
Joe said: “Don’t forget get how hard I worked!” Joe graduated Burroughs High Class of 1976, CCCC Class of 1984, Carpenters AP, Local # 743 1984, CA State Contr. LC 1988, Const. Quality Mgt. Cert. 2005, & Cal-OSHA.
Joe worked for 30 years of his life in Ridgecrest as a Carpenter, a Building Planner and Estimator, for the NAWS Contractors.
Joe’s time was spent on projects at Porterville College with longtime friend, John Word, Arlitha Harmon and facilities Crew along with contractors around the USA. Joe’s friends often expressed Joe as “a Brother from another Mother.” Joe’s close friend John Word visited the day Joe passed. Joe used to say he needed more “Words” to his friends. Joes career working on multi-million dollar projects made the community colleges safer for all families and staff who entered the gates.
A No Host Remembrance Reception will be held at Casey’s Restaurant 1337 CA-178 E, Ridgecrest CA 93555 on Aug 13, 2022, from 1:00-4:00 PM. Please join us to express your joyful memories to his family and friends. All Cards and monetary gifts are graciously accepted and will go to help Joe’s Grandson fight childhood heart disease: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Please contact Joe’s Wife regarding Joe’s arrangements, thank you. (661) 345-4039 Joe would pause and say: “Love was the greatest gift and kindness always went farther than hate.” This was the kind and loving man I married and many people came to know and respect. Just imagine, I fell in love over and over again with the same person over the smallest things from him looking a rock to rescuing dogs from a burnt-out shelter. It’s been a great adventure, wonderful memories, a lot of love and forgiveness, and we will see him again soon, during the resurrection. With Love and Fondest Wishes to all who have loved ones that have been taken too soon. Submitted by: Joe’s Wife & Loving Family