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JORGE SANCHEZThe 78-year old, who died Friday, served as president of the Seven Rivers Medical and Educational Foundation, helping to raise money for scholarships.
CRYSTAL RIVER - Peter DeRosa, known for his fundraising and community development efforts, died Friday (Aug. 27, 2004) at age 78.
Mr. DeRosa was a tireless advocate for developing a hospital and a foundation that raises money for a scholarship fund in Crystal River. He was instrumental in getting state approval to begin construction in 1974 for Seven Rivers Community Hospital, now named Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center, north of Crystal River.
As president of the Seven Rivers Medical and Educational Foundation, Mr. DeRosa was frequently pictured in local newspapers, usually accepting a check from organizations wanting to donate to the foundation. Much of the money was used to award scholarships to local students who wanted to study medicine.
The top administrator for Seven Rivers Regional Hospital, chief operating officer Joyce Brancato, worked with Mr. DeRosa on the foundation board and said his legacy will be all the people whose lives were improved through his fundraising work.
"I think he was an inspiration to anyone who knew him. He had a vision for our community, and that included our efforts to actually build the hospital," Brancato said.
"And, after building the hospital, he never stopped with his dedication. He created the foundation more than 20 years ago with a vision of offering scholarships."
The foundation has raised more than $250,000 for scholarships during the past 20 years.
Mr. DeRosa was instrumental in using his fundraising talents to help pay for a memorial to honor Citrus County residents who lost their lives in battle. The Fallen Heroes memorial was built in December 2003 at Bicentennial Park.
Born in Italy, Mr. DeRosa came to Citrus 36 years ago from Islip Terrace, N.Y. He was the founder of DeRosa Village Community, served on the original board of directors at Seven Rivers Community Hospital and was chairman for its education foundation.
He was past president of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce and past fire commissioner for the DeRosa Village Fire District. He was a member of the Crystal River Rotary Club, Fallen Heroes of Citrus County, the North Citrus Civic Association, Knights of Columbus and St. Benedict Catholic Church.
Survivors include two sons, Vinnie, Sarasota, and Peter, Crystal River; a daughter, Irene Self, Crystal River; a sister, Maria Noetzel, New Port Richey; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bruna E. DeRosa, on Oct. 11, 2001.
A funeral Mass for Mr. DeRosa will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 455 U.S. 19 S, Crystal River, and visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today and 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Strickland Funeral Home chapel, 1901 U.S. 19, Crystal River.
Information from Times files was used in this report. Jorge Sanchez can be reached at 352 860-7313 or e-mail sanchez@sptimes.com