Larry R. Derosia

HIGHGATE SPRINGS- Larry Roger Derosia, aka “Hippie” to many, left this world unexpectedly on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at his home in Highgate Springs.

Larry was the third of seven children born to the late Roger and Arlene(Morse) Derosia on October 28, 1959.

Larry grew up in Highgate Springs and learned his work ethics at a young age on the family farm. He loved animals and after graduating from Missisquoi Valley Union High School in 1978, Larry went to work for Brian and Cynthia Hawley on their farm. Larry was employed as a right-hand man by the Hawley’s until the sale of their farm. Larry then went on to work at Superior Technical Ceramics where he spent 20 plus years until his retirement.

When Larry wasn’t working or helping someone move, he loved to go fishing on Lake Champlain, down at the Maples, or Rock River with family and friends. Larry loved to spend time with his family so much and each and every niece, nephew, great niece or nephew may have been given nicknames but were definitely given treats and so much love. Larry loved to have a good cup of coffee, play a great game of cards, request certain meals, and take trips to the Casino with family and friends. He may have had a hard exterior but he had a heart of gold and a kindness for everyone he loved. Larry will always be remembered as a fiercely independent person who was always ready with a joke or a spontaneous wise crack. You knew how Larry felt about you by how he treated you. If he loved you, look out because you were always going to get some kind of joke or comment that sometimes could be colorful. He knew how to make you laugh and even on his hardest days during his cancer treatments, he could still give you a hard time.

Larry is survived by his siblings, Susan Forant and her husband, Patrick, of Hillsdale Michigan, Jean Chevalier and her husband, Michael, of Highgate Springs, Harold and his wife, Martha Derosia of Highgate Springs, Arthur Derosia and his wife, Wendy Culligan, of Highgate Springs, Mary Roy and her husband, Matthew, of Highgate Springs, and Brian Derosia of Alburgh; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews who cherished their “Uncle Hippie”; several cousins, and too many lifelong friends that he considered family to list that will miss him dearly. He is also survived by two wonderful aunts and an uncle, Beverly(aka salt and pepper) and her husband Edgar Morse, of Florida and Myrna Hoanzl of Florida. Larry was predeceased by two great nieces, Alanna Joyce Schuster, and Belle Louise Bowman.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you enjoy a fresh cup of coffee, drop a line in your favorite fishing spot, buy a lottery ticket, or share a memory or story about Hippie as these were a few of his favorite things.

A Celebration of Larry’s life will be held at the convenience of the family. The family is honoring Larry’s wishes with no public calling hours.