Thomas Rosa (November 23, 1948 - November 26, 2023)

In loving memory of
Thomas Rosa
  • November 23, 1948
  • -
  • November 26, 2023

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Obituary

Thomas “Tom/Tommy” Rosa, 75, passed away on November 26, 2023, in Fort Myers (Cape Coral), Florida. He was born on November 23, 1948, in Summit, New Jersey and grew up on a small farm in Berkeley Heights with his parents, Michael “Mike” and Madeline, and his three siblings. At a young age, Tommy learned about hard work and responsibility; he was up early each morning tending to the chickens and working in the garden. He knew how to drive a tractor by age nine and hated cleaning the chicken coop. In his spare time, he loved playing baseball, riding motorcycles, spending time with friends, and even sneaking into the “Village” in New York City. He attended Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield to study horticulture, so he could work alongside his father with the family landscaping business. Outside of school, he attended various local dances and functions, which is where he met Maureen Yannotta, who later became his wife.

Tommy continued to work hard following in his father’s footsteps and gained employment with the US Postal Service in Madison, then Florham Park, and even worked part time at a local Mobil station. After he and Maureen married, they had a daughter, Lauren, and lived in Plainfield, then Gillette. While in Gillette, they added a son, Jeffrey, to their family and moved to New Providence. Tom continued to work for the post office and eventually, took over his father’s landscaping business. In 1981, Tom was able to get the ‘dream’ transfer and moved the family to Coral Springs, Florida. After about 18 months, the couple divorced, and Tom became the primary custodian of both children. He took the single parent role seriously, attending sporting events, activities, and always putting their needs before his own. In 1992, Tom met Valerie and her young daughter, Paige. They became great friends and eventually lifelong partners for more than 30 years. Together, they enjoyed their children’s milestones, road trips, cruises, gambling excursions, Broadway shows and concerts, and most importantly, time with friends and family. After his retirement from the Deerfield Beach Post Office in 2002, he and Val moved to Fort Myers.

In 2009, a highlight of his life was being in the delivery room, while his granddaughters were born. He adored those girls, and they affectionately called him PePa. He doted on them: taking them to the zoo, giving rides on his riding mower or motorized scooter, pulling them in a wagon, watching cartoons, treating them annually to Disney on Ice, playing board games, and teaching them to play gin rummy.

Tom is survived by his loving partner, Valerie Vallely and her daughter, Paige Pacheco, former spouse, Maureen Herold, their children, Jeffrey Rosa (spouse, Tocia Hamlin-Rosa) and Lauren Rosa, and twin granddaughters, Emmi and Camryn Rosa. He was an incredible father and grandfather, who always put his children first. He touched the hearts of many with his kindness, sense of humor, willingness to help others, and unwavering love of his family. His honesty, trustworthiness, quick wit, love of teasing, and ability to listen made him a person others reached out to for guidance, support, assistance, encouragement, and sometimes, a dose of reality. He was the epitome of “if you need anything, just let me know” and was always ready to jump in and help. Tom was a beloved partner, father, grandfather, and friend and will be deeply missed. His memory will forever be cherished.


Tribute Wall

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  1. Muriel Mazzone says:
    17 Dec 2023
    Tommy always had time to talk and share life experiences when we had our dogs out at MVB. He always ended our conversations as we left with; "If there is anything you need, let me know". Tommy had a heart of gold, and you knew he would do anything for you. That's the type of person he was. You will be greatly missed.

  2. Barbara Chadwick lit a candle:
    14 Dec 2023
    Lit since December 14, 2023 at 12:15:19 AM

  3. Lauren Rosa says:
    13 Dec 2023
    For my dad's 75th birthday, I wrote him a letter to let him know how much I loved him and this portion says it all. . . ." I am thankful everyday for the lessons you taught us, the memories I have, the ability to always put us first, and the incredible love you shared and showed us. You have been the most amazing father, grandfather, and friend and I need you to know how much I love you, admire you, and how grateful I am to you for everything."
    I miss you dad. . . .Thank you for everything. I will cherish the myriad of memories like the daddy/daughter dates, coaching my softball team, all the late night talks, cuddling to watch tv, step by step instructions to help me fix something, your advice whether I wanted it or not, staying in my hospital room after I had the girls, and always just like grandpa, you and he said, "love you baby".

  4. Leo Faibish lit a candle:
    12 Dec 2023
    Lit since December 12, 2023 at 12:15:21 PM

  5. Leo Faibish lit a candle:
    12 Dec 2023
    Lit since December 12, 2023 at 12:14:16 PM

  6. Nancy & Robert Munro lit a candle:
    12 Dec 2023
    Lit since December 12, 2023 at 12:36:43 PM

  7. Nancy & Robert Munro lit a candle:
    12 Dec 2023
    Lit since December 12, 2023 at 12:36:16 PM

  8. Nancy & Robert Munro says:
    12 Dec 2023
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you Val & Paige. We love you and will see you soon.

  9. Valerie Vallely lit a candle:
    12 Dec 2023
    Lit since December 12, 2023 at 12:54:08 PM

  10. Valerie Vallely lit a candle:
    12 Dec 2023
    Lit since December 12, 2023 at 12:52:20 PM

  11. Valerie Vallely lit a candle:
    12 Dec 2023
    Lit since December 12, 2023 at 12:51:27 PM

  12. Valerie Vallely lit a candle:
    12 Dec 2023
    Lit since December 12, 2023 at 12:07:54 PM

  13. Judith Bowen says:
    12 Dec 2023
    Val, Paige & family..although we have never met in person we were so fortunate to have known Tom. What a joy sharing our word games, stories of NJ flowers & weather, even sharing our love of fruitcake! Talking on the phone was like catching up with a neighbor. We will have you all in thoughts & prayer and join you in your sadness for his loss. Love John, Judy & Grace

  14. Jackie and Mari lit a candle:
    12 Dec 2023
    Lit since December 12, 2023 at 12:37:58 PM

  15. Yaque lit a candle:
    12 Dec 2023
    Lit since December 12, 2023 at 12:36:28 PM

  16. Tre Guerriero says:
    12 Dec 2023
    Sending light and love to the family. Rest in peace, Coach Rosa.

  17. ⁷wf8 says:
    12 Dec 2023
    RIP. TOMMY ,YOU WILL BE MISSED.

  18. Ellen Lillian says:
    12 Dec 2023
    You were our best man at our wedding. I will never forget you calming me down because my hands were shaking. You were the greatest friend to Scottie I loved listening to you two talk there were always lots of laughs .
    You will be very missed Tom!!
    RIP.

  19. Scott Lillian lit a candle:
    12 Dec 2023
    Lit since December 12, 2023 at 12:21:34 AM

  20. Scott Lillian says:
    12 Dec 2023
    Tom, you will be deeply missed. You will always be my best man.
    Thank you for all your help, love you.
    Scott

  21. Jer Yannotta says:
    11 Dec 2023
    I always had good time and lots of laughs with Tommy in NJ. He was always there to help me with anything I needed. He will be missed

  22. Jer Yannotta says:
    11 Dec 2023
    I had a lot of fun and lots of laughs with Tommy when in NJ. He was always there to help me with anything I needed. I miss those days and I know he will be truly missed

  23. VALERIE VALLELY says:
    11 Dec 2023
    THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE WITH YOUR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

  24. Mary Donato says:
    11 Dec 2023
    Dear Laurie and Jeff: So sorry for the loss of your father. ‘Tommy’ was such a nice guy and I know you will miss him. Remembering those fun days back in New Providence! May the love and support of your family and friends help you through the days ahead. Fondly, Cousin Mary

  25. MAUREEN HEROLD says:
    11 Dec 2023
    Rest In Peace, Tommy...you will be missed.

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