Charles L. DeRose, 71

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Charles Louis "Chuck" DeRose, 71, of 179 State St., died early Saturday morning, March 13, 2010, at home.

Born in Newton on May 26, 1938, son of Joseph and Helen Scott DeRose, he attended schools in North Adams.

An Air Force veteran, he enlisted in 1955 and served for 12 years, attaining the rank of staff sergeant.

Mr. DeRose was employed at Pfizer Co., now Specialty Minerals, in Adams until 1985. During that time, he operated the Trading Post, an antique furniture shop, in Adams with a younger brother, the late Wayne DeRose, for many years.

Known by family as "Sonny," he was an active Scout master for 15 years with Boy Scout Troop 34. He enjoyed working with and helping kids and will be remembered for his kindness and generosity

He leaves four sons, Michael DeRose and his wife, Becky, and Joseph DeRose and his wife, Susan, all of Winder, Ga., Larry DeRose and his wife, Michelle, and Spencer DeRose, all of North Adams; a younger brother, Robert DeRose and his wife, Tammy, of North Adams; a younger sister, Joanne DeRose Carpenter of North Adams; his former wife, Geraldine DeRose Bedell of Pownal Vt.; six grandchildren, Alicia DeRose, Ryan DeRose, Shane Fuller, Amber Fuller, Chad DeRose and Nicholas DeRose, three great-grandchildren, Shaniece, E.J., and Julianah, and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and -nephews.

In addition to his brother Wayne, he was predeceased his older sisters Delores DeRose and Shirley DeRose Hebert.

FUNERAL NOTICE — Graveside services for Mr. DeRose with military honors will take place Thursday, March 18, at 1 p.m. in Southview Cemetery, North Adams.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, MA 01247. Memorial donations are suggested for the American Diabetes Assoc through the funeral home.