Francisco de la Rosa aged 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife, children & his sisters on October 15, 2023. He is preceded in death by his parents Martin & Dominga de la Rosa, sister Olga Tovar, father-in-law Guadalupe Gonzalez, mother-in-law Margarita Reyna, father-in-law Santiago Reyna, brother-in-law Eugenio Gonzalez & sister in law Viola Ferrer. Francisco was born on September 27, 1951 to Martin and Dominga de la Rosa in Clarksdale Mississippi. He was born into a migrant working family of 11 children. In 1971 he graduated from Manatee High School. His passion for knowledge and education fueled his career aspirations. Later In 1971, he married the love of his life, Lidia Gonzalez (de la Rosa) They had a marriage of 52 years. During their marriage, they had & raised five children.
Francisco is survived by his wife Lidia de la Rosa; his daughter- Tina de la Rosa, Son- Ramiro de la Rosa (Hilda) Daughter-Elizabeth Muñiz (Marco) Son- Daniel de la Rosa, and daughter- Bianca Alvarez (Frankie). Francisco had 14 grandkids, with one on the way, and 11 great-grandchildren. He loved all of them dearly, especially his great-grand kids whom he often took on ice cream & McDonald dates. And with his children & nieces, he loved to make root beer floats. His love for ice cream will live on through his kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren!
Shortly after high school graduation, he enlisted in the Navy to serve his country. He was stationed in Hawaii and served in the Mediterranean tour. In 1977 he continued his education at technical college where he became a welder. He then went on to become a Sarasota County Deputy corrections officer in 1986 & retired after 25 years. Francisco was an avid countryman who enjoyed teaching his grandkids how to use tools, dig fox holes, and how to tie nautical knots.
Francisco loved to travel, attend car shows, dress to a tee, go dancing & have a great time. He enjoyed the casino and scratch-offs & often won large winnings. Throughout his life, Francisco always remained humble & would give you the shirt off his back. His family is so gracious for giving us all the fighting chance & opportunity to become who we wanted & grateful for what he put on the line. He will be dearly missed.
A visitation for Francisco will be held Monday, October 23, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park, 1400 36th Ave East, Ellenton, FL 34222. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM, 1400 36th Ave East, Ellenton, FL 34222. Interment will follow, 12:30 PM at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.groover-funeral-home.com for the Delarosa family.
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