Gregory DeRosa

Gregory Christopher DeRosa, 46, of Sarasota, Florida passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 25, 2022. He was born June 17, 1976, in Smithtown, New York. Son of Dominick and Bernadette (Prior) DeRosa. He is survived by his wife, Michele, mother, Bernadette (Bonnie), three brothers, Dominick (Tanya), Edward (Allison), and Ronald DeRosa as well as nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Dominick, a brother, Christopher, and stepfather, Murray Banks. Gregory graduated from Riverview High School where he was active in football and learned to play tuba in the Kiltie Band. From there, he went on to play tuba in the Florida State Marching Band which he loved dearly. He earned his Bachelor of Art in Criminology from University of South Florida and completed graduate studies while serving in the military. Gregory proudly served in the United States Army as a member of 4th Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During his service to our country, he deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, retiring as a Sergeant after 5 years of dedicated service. During Gregory's Army Service, he earned two Army Commendation Medals, NATO Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Two Campaign Stars, The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, The Army Service Ribbon, and a Parachutist Badge. In addition to his other awards, Greg earned the Combat Action Badge for actively engaging or being engaged and performing satisfactorily against enemies of the United States. Gregory “Crash” was a semi-professional mountain biker. Achieving #4 rating for the US East Coast. He also enjoyed football, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. Gregory always welcomed everyone with a smile. Family and friends, please join us for Gregory’s memorial service, Thursday, September 1st at 1 p.m. at The Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida 34241. Please arrive on time and stay in your vehicle as we will be escorted in our vehicles to the committal shelter where the service will be performed. For those who choose to attend, a small celebration of life will follow from 3-5 pm at Michele and Gregory’s residence. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gregory DeRosa Memorial Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/gregory-derosa. Arrangements provided by Toale Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.

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Gregory DeRosa

June 17, 1976 - August 29, 2022