Obituary of Julius DeRosa
Julius DeRosa, Sr., 88, of Freehold passed away peacefully on Monday, June 22, 2026 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Sonny was born in Hubbard, Ohio. He was raised and had lived in Bayonne before moving to Keansburg and then lived in Hazlet. In 2015, Sonny moved to Freehold.
He was the owner of J. DeRosa Painting for many years and later went to work with his son at Paint Tech Designs, where he was still working until two weeks ago. Sonny also served on the Sewage Authority Board in Keansburg. He relished his time with his yearly camping trips to Oceanview Resort Camp Ground. Sonny loved to joke around and socialize, always bringing a smile to those around him. His warm personality and bright spirit made him a ray of sunshine in any room. Generous and kind-hearted, he rarely complained and approached life with gratitude and positivity.
Sonny was predeceased by his son, Donald DeRosa; and three siblings, Frank, Janet, Eugene, and John. He is survived by his fiancée, Annette Simone; three sons, Julius DeRosa, Jr. and his wife, Patricia, Athony DeRosa and his wife, Patricia, and Marc DeRosa and his wife, Susan; Annette's children, Michael Simone and his fiancée, Joyce Lombardi and Denise Garahan and her husband, Mark; eleven grandchildren, Julius P. DeRosa, Paige Rose and her husband, Mithcell, Dylan DeRosa, Carly D'Ambrisi and her husband, Rudy, Anthony DeRosa, Jr. and his wife, Amelia, Marci Bienkowski and her husband, Michael, Olivia Cohen and her husband, David, Marc DeRosa, Jr., Gianna Simone, Madelyn Garahan, and Sophie Garahan; ten great-grandchildren, Lilyana, Milania, Nolan, Brayden, Madison, Adelina, Hannah, Nora, Isaac, and Henry; two brothers, Pasquale DeRosa and his wife, Peppy and Peter DeRosa and his wife, Susan; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
All arrangements are private at this time by Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township. In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions and keep with the way Sonny lived his life, please just take someone out for a drink. For information or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.