Frank Robert ‘Chick’ DeRose; 81; of Little River; S.C.; formerly of Monessen and Madison; Conn.; passed away unexpectedly on Monday; Dec. 29; 2008. He was born April 28; 1927; in Monessen; a son of Vincenzo and Constance (Damore) DeRose. Chick was employed at American Chain and Cable (formerly Page’s) in Monessen; Atlantic Wire in Branford; Conn.; and Wallace Silversmiths in Wallingford; Conn. At the age of 17; he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during World War II; serving in the Pacific (Guam) with the 5th Service Department Fleet Marine Force (1945-1949). Chick was instrumental in organizing annual reunions for the Fifth Field Marine National Reunion. He attended and was honored at the 50th year Liberation of Guam. Chick was a charter member of the Marine Corps League in Calabash; N.C.; and was active in many military organizations. After retiring; Chick and his wife Irene moved to South Carolina in 1999. He was a member and very active in Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church in North Myrtle Beach. Chick was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan and an avid football fan at every level. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years; Irene (Damore) DeRose; son; Thomas and wife; Angela (Talerico) DeRose; of Ruffsdale; daughter; Tina D’Amico and husband; David; of Guilford; Conn.; granddaughter; Carlisa Maglicco and husband; Thomas; of McKeesport; grandson; Vincent DeRose and wife; Catherine (Sweeney); of Asheville; Ohio; great-granddaughter; Olivia DeRose; sister; Tressa Spadafore; of Monessen; and two brothers; Michael DeRose; of Philadelphia; and Samuel DeRose; of West Minster; Calif.; and many cousins; nieces; nephews and wonderful friends. Family and friends will be received Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC.; 427 West Main St.; Monongahela (724) 258-6136). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday; Jan. 6; at 10 a.m. in Epiphany of Our Lord Church; 618 Knox Ave.; Monessen; with the Rev. David Nazimek; pastor; as celebrant. Committal services and interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery with full military honors accorded at the chapel by the U.S. Marines Veterans Inc.; of Pittsburgh. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to: Hospital Hospitality House; New Hanover Health Network; 1612 Medical Center Drive; Wilmington; N.C. 28401.