Enfield Obituary: Peter DiRosa, 97

Peter P. DiRosa, 97, of Enfield, widower of Josephine (DeFronzo) DiRosa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday Oct. 28, 2015 at the Suffield House.

He was born on January 3, 1918, in Enfield, the son of the late Maria Maletta and Joseph DiRosa. Peter proudly served as a mess sergeant in the United States Army during World War II. In 1953, he founded and was the owner and operator of One Hour Martinizing Cleaners also known as DiRosa Cleaners in East Hartford for 33 years, retiring in 1986.

Peter was a communicant of St. Patrick Church and lived in the Enfield community until moving to Palm Springs, FL in 1986, returning to Enfield in 2012. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #50. He was an avid golfer and played on a weekly basis until the age of 90, and was a sports enthusiast enjoying baseball, football, and basketball. His favorite teams being the New York Yankees and New York Giants. He had a passion for cooking and especially enjoyed cooking for his family and friends at gatherings.

Peter is survived by his loving children, Peter P. DiRosa, Jr. and his wife, Eileen of Durham; Michael J. DiRosa and his wife, Cynthia, of Suffield; Maryjane Catania and her husband, Thomas, of Enfield; ten grandchildren, Michael, Lisa, Brenda, Kristina, Christopher, Peter, Tracey, Christa, Alicia, and Jill; sixteen great-grandchildren; and a devoted friend of many years, Carmen Martinez of New Jersey. Peter was predeceased by his brother; Angelo DiRosa and two sisters; Frances Camalleri and Pauline Melfa.

Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family during visiting hours on Saturday, October 31, 2015, from 10- 11 a.m at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am at St. Patrick Church, 64 Pearl St. in Enfield. Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s King Street Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Peter’s family wishes to thank the compassionate staff at the Suffield House for the wonderful care they provided.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Patrick Church, 64 Pearl St., Enfield, CT 06082.

For online expressions of sympathy please visit www.leetestevens.com.