Armand Michael DeRose, Sr.
Armand Michael DeRose, Sr., 94, of Monessen, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 11, 2023.
He was born June 25, 1929 in Monessen, a son of the late Italian immigrants, Ottavio and Emilia Gatto DeRose.
Armand was a 1947 graduate of Monessen High School. He was a member of Epiphany of Our Lord Parish in Monessen, where he served as an usher for 62 years. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served as a Medical Operating Room Technician and Physician Assistant aboard the USS Consolation hospital ship during the Korean War.
He was employed at U.S. Steel Donora Works for 15 years and Lee Norse as a mining machinist for over 26 years until its closing. He retired in 1992 from Power Piping in Donora. After he retired, he worked alongside his daughter as a funeral attendant at the Frye Funeral Home, Inc. for over 20 years.
Armand was a lifetime member of the Sons of Italy and Knights of Columbus 954, both in Monessen. He served on the Board of Directors of Ingersoll-Rand and Frick Tri-County Credit Unions for 49 years. Armand was instrumental in founding the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Monessen and served on the Board of Directors for 22 years.
Armand was the patriarch and last surviving member of his immediate family. Some would say that he was a rather stubborn Italian who always had to be right, but he had a heart of gold and gave of himself effortlessly. He came from a very large family that continued to grow with each person he met. He held many titles in his life, but he was most proud of being a father, grandfather, and godfather. Armand’s loyalty was unprecedented, as he always showed up for those he loved.
He enjoyed tinkering at his workbench, watching Pittsburgh sports, storytelling, and making everyone laugh with his jokes. Armand and his wife, Pauline, could often be found at the 50-yard line at Monessen Greyhound home games, as they were proud season ticket holders for many years. His boisterous personality, contagious laugh, and empathetic spirit will surely be missed. Armand is now reunited with the love of his life and his siblings in Heaven. What a joyous reunion that must be!
Left to cherish his memory are his two children, Armand DeRose, Jr. and wife, Jerri Lynn, of Farmington, N. M., Pamela DeRose Behanna and husband, Kevin, of Monongahela; four grandchildren, Olivia, Amara, and Davine Behanna, all of Monongahela, Jillian Wareham and husband, Alan, of Monessen; two great-grandchildren, Peyton and Logan Wareham; special friend, Lester Waggoner of Monessen; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Pauline DeBartolo DeRose, with whom he spent 66 years of wedded bliss; four siblings, Pearl (Lester) Hunter, Sylvia (Andrew) Bednar, Devina (Peter) Bitonti, and Octavius (Joan) DeRose.
Friends will be received from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, September 17, 2023 in the Frye Funeral Home, 427 W Main Street, Monongahela. Funeral prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 10 a.m. in Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish, Monongahela. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1701 Grand Blvd, Monessen, PA 15062.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.fryefuneralhome.com.