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Richard F. DeRose

vet
Aug 21, 1925 – Oct 9, 2020

Service Details

A private celebration of his life will be held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, thoughts and prayers for the family are appreciated.

Racine lost a beloved member of our community on October 9, when lifelong resident, Richard F. DeRose, passed away quietly in his home from natural causes. Richard was 95 years old.

Richard was born in 1925 to Rosario and Maria (Nee:Imbrogno) DeRose and was the 3rd of their 7 children.  Surrounded by loving, hard working parents and his brothers and sisters, he learned early on the importance of family values, work ethic and pride in his Italian heritage.  Richard began working at a young age to help support his family and when the opportunity to serve in the Armed Services during World War II presented itself, he proudly volunteered to serve his country in the Army.

Life changed for Richard when he met his forever “sweetheart” and love of his life, Virginia Marano.  They were married in 1949 in Racine at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.  Together, they raised three children, Rodger, Rick, and Mary, in a home that Richard built himself on Lawn Street.  Richard’s skills and handiness extended to numerous inventions, both at work and at home.  His children and grandchildren have fond memories of his basement workshop – filled with everything one could imagine to repair, construct, or create.  Richard’s creativity and mechanical abilities were heralded at S C Johnson, where he was extremely proud of his patents and company achievements stretching over a 40-year career.

While gratified with these accomplishments, family always came first for Richard, a man whose love for his wife Virginia and his children never waned.  Working hard to provide for his family and to give his children opportunities in life to pursue their dreams, he was truly the ultimate family man. To Rodger and Rick, their Dad was a gentle soul, a man of few words but a man who set an outstanding example about the importance of family.  Richard took great pride in his sons’ achievements, especially in watching them instill strong family values in their children, his beloved grandchildren.

For Richard’s daughter Mary, the gift of time spent with his family was most precious.

Inspired throughout her life by her father’s unfaltering love for their mother and his dedication to his children, she returned his love by providing full time care for her parents well into their 90’s.  No father could have been prouder of his daughter.

Richard will be forever remembered by his grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, whom he followed with pride and devotion, for not only being the gentle family man he was, but also for his sense of humor even into his final days.  Richard’s time spent around the kitchen table with his family will be forever cherished and his legacy of devotion to his family will live on in his progeny.

Richard is survived by Virginia, his wife of 71 years; his children Rodger (Ellen), Rick, and Mary (Steve); his grandchildren Steve (Kim), Nicole (Adam), Danielle (Ben), and Ryan (Janelle); and his great-grandchildren Layton, Nolan, Benjamin, Meghan, Maelin, Jowan, Luke and Isabelle.

Richard is also survived by his brother Roger (Georganne) DeRose and three sisters, Jennie Venturini, Josephine (Bill) Chiappetta, and Mary Jane Pillizzi.

A private celebration of his life will be held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, thoughts and prayers for the family are appreciated.

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Guestbook Entries

  1. Mary Nelson-Mole says

    October 10, 2020 at 2:22 pm

    My most deepest sympathy for all. No words can express my heartfelt sadness of Uncle Dicks passing. He will forever be remembered by me as an uncle who made me smile with his stories. My love to everyone and especially Aunt Virginia. God bless you Mary for helping your mom and dad. Prayers for you, Rick, Roger and family. Love you

  2. Cheryl Nanartonis/Mary Rose says

    October 10, 2020 at 3:21 pm

    My sister Cheryl asked me to
    Give you’re family and especially
    Aunt Virginia her sympathy. Cheryl said Uncle Dick was her favorite! She had very found memories of him that she shared with me. She is thinking of all of you and sends her love and prayers.

  3. Chuck & Patti Smetana says

    October 10, 2020 at 8:51 pm

    Aunt Virginia & Family
    Our Deepest Sympathy on the passing of Uncle Richie.
    He will be deeply missed by our entire family.
    Uncle Richie was a wonderful, caring, and loving man.
    His family was the most important part of his life.
    He will be remembered by everyone He met.
    Heaven is blessed with another amazing angel.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your
    Family at this difficult time.
    Love,
    Chuck & Patti

  4. Cindy Nicotera Pisanello says

    October 11, 2020 at 7:35 am

    So sorry for your loss! Thinking of all the family at this time! Thoughts and prayers be with you!

  5. David and Debbie Peck says

    October 11, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    Love and Prayers

  6. Ralph & Diane Nicotera says

    October 11, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    Our sympathy to Mrs DeRose and the DeRose family.

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Testimonials

May 25, 2021

My family wants to thank you and your team for all that you did to walk along side us in my mom’s death and celebration of life. You all did an amazing job with such care, concern of details, and sensitivity to our family. I know my moms body was treated respectfully in your care and that meant the world to us to have confidence in that.

Katie Steiner

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Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home
4600 County Line Road
Mount Pleasant, WI 53403
(262) 552-9000

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