Carmen Thomas DeRosa

Carmen Thomas DeRosa, 86, of West Haven, died on January 12, 2022.  Born in New Haven on May 14, 1935, a son of the late Carmen and Antionette (Furino) DeRosa.  Survived by his loving wife of over 55 years, Pauline (Wallick) DeRosa; sons Paul (Brooke) and John DeRosa; daughters Pauline Fagan and Christine (Patrick) Noone; sisters Dolores English and Ann “Chick” Gargamelli; brother John DeRosa; grandchildren Sara, Ian, Tyler, Claire, and Julian Carmen; nephews Thomas DeRosa, James O'Connell, and Christopher Gargamelli; as well as nieces Ruth Ann O'Connell, Mary DeRosa, Heather Wallick, Karen Gargamelli, and Melissa Wallick. 

Carmen, also known as ‘Tom’, and “Jun” (for Junior), served in the US Army and developed a lifelong passion while being stationed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.  His overall manner and skillset were noted, therefore being tasked with caring for war pigeons.  Weighing barely a pound, these extraordinary birds flew unwavering, carrying messages in and out of smoke, gas, exploding bombs and gunfire.  He trained and handled “G.I. Joe”, a pigeon that ultimately received honorable distinction for saving the lives of over one-hundred Allied soldiers.  Moreover, Tom was exclusively interviewed by Elizabeth Macalester, as she conducted research for her book “War Pigeons”, then ultimately invited to Washington, DC to accept the Medal of Honor on behalf of his partner, “G.I. Joe”.   He married the love of his life, Pauline, on May 14, 1966, choosing his birthday as a fitting date to expand on what was one of the happiest and best days of his life.  As his family grew, he founded the Westville Crest Plumbing & Heating company, enjoying many years of successful enterprise- a result of his hard work and dedication.  Tom never met a stranger; he was a friend to all, always quick to offer a selfless and compassionate gesture.  Whether a genuine handshake, a ride, an intent ear, a smile, a hug, a joke, or funny story- he was always there when one needed such.  Of course, the greatest offering was that of his welcome and fried dough at home, joined by his four-legged best friend, Louie.  Every time you opened the back door ajar, you'd be met with a joyful shout of “Hey!” as if you had done something wonderful and important.  You couldn’t leave the house without hearing or telling a funny story, and it was perfectly OK to repeat a story.  In fact, the often repeated stories only got better over time.  Prior to its closing, Tom celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel each July on the hill in Allingtown, West Haven.  A man led by his faith, Tom personified what he impressed upon his family, and for that, his life, love, and kindness will carry on through those he touched so deeply.  The world has lost this great man, hero, son, husband, father, and grandfather (“Poppy”), when God welcomed him home.   

Calling hours will take place on Monday, January 17th, from 5 to 8 o’clock, in the funeral parlor.  A procession will depart the funeral home on Tuesday at 9:45am, for a 10 o’clock Mass of Christian Burial, to be celebrated in St. Lawrence Church, West Haven.  Interment and miliary honors will immediately follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carmen’s honor to the West Haven Animal Shelter.

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