Thomas Anthony DeRose

Thomas Anthony DeRose passed away on November 14th 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born in Greenfield Massachusetts on April 17, 1943 to Wilma and Edward DeRose.

Tom attended high school at Hampden DuBose Academy in Zellwood, Florida and graduated in 1961. Thomas graduated from Houghton College in 1965 with a Bachelors of Science in Zoology and went on to receive his Master of Science for Teachers from Cornell University in 1970. Tom retained his intellectual curiosity throughout life and continued his education through various extended studies at the University of Massachusetts.

Tom dedicated his professional life to high school level science education. He began his teaching career in the Ontario New York public schools. After moving to Greenfield in 1974, he continued his teaching career there until his retirement in 2002. Tom loved educating his students particularly when coupled with real world learning experiences outside of the classroom.

Tom was a lifelong member of Saint James Episcopal Church in Greenfield Massachusetts. Over the years, he was involved with many aspects of the church life, including, Treasurer, Property Committee, Choir and the Gardening Team. Tom was especially dedicated to his service to the community through his participation in the Barnabas Guild and Second Helpings Group. Tom also proudly served as a trustee for the Diocese of Western Massachusetts. Tom deeply loved Saint James and the community of friends and family who were a constant source of enrichment throughout his life.

Tom was blessed to have a large group of friends and family that he enjoyed living and playing with. He pursued many activities that gave him happiness that he liked to share with others. These activities almost always involved being outside in nature. Many winter days were spent skiing with his buddies at Mt. Snow. Other winter days were spent skating with his grandchildren. Tom and his wife Carol loved their weeks and months traveling to their favorite ocean camping spots, including, Hunting Island, SC, Chincoteague, VA, Cape Cod and beyond. These times often included extended family gatherings.

Tom's five grandchildren were the heart and joy of his life. Tom was an extraordinary Grandfather. He enjoyed individual activities with each one of them but particularly looked forward to the annual "Grandma and Grandpa Camp", where all the kids would show up for a week of themed fun activities (last year was "Survivor" Camp).

Tom leaves behind his wife Carol of 49 years of Greenfield, MA, his son Christopher DeRose and his wife Lara of Sturbridge, MA and his daughter Catherine (Cathy) Clapp and husband Robert Clapp of Reading, MA, his five grandchildren; Carol, Sam and Todd DeRose of Sturbridge, MA and Addison and Jonathon Clapp of Reading, MA.

He also leaves his siblings Bill DeRose and wife Linda, and his sister Lonna Bassett and husband Edward, a sister-in-law Charlotte Bennett and husband Lyman, a brother-in-law Ron Krigbaum and wife Delores, several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins. Tom also leaves behind his faithful dog and companion Pebbles.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, November 20 at 2:00 pm at Saint James Church, 8 Church St., Greenfield, MA . Following the service, there will be a reception in the Whitman Room and Parish Hall.

in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the work of the Property Committee of Saint James Episcopal Church, 8 Church St., Greenfield, MA 01301

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