Antonio C. DeRocha

Antonio C. DeRocha, 78, of Santa Clara, California, passed away peacefully on Wednesday September 2nd 2015 at Kaiser Hospital in Santa Clara. He was surrounded by family and friends who miss him dearly. Our beloved papa, Antonio, known to most as Tony, was born in Los Angeles and raised in Santa Clara, California. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margaret DeRocha, and his three sons and three daughters; Donald DeRocha, Margaret DeRocha, Toni DeRocha, Elaine DeRocha, David DeRocha and Cody DeRocha. He is also survived by his older brother Rocky Rocha who lives in Washington, his Aunt Marian, and many cousins and grandchildren. He was a passionate and giving man who enjoyed sports and loved swimming. As a young man he enlisted into the US Army, where met his wonderful wife, Margaret Anna, in Virginia. From there, they were both stationed in Germany. Upon completion of service with the Army, he began his career of nearly 40 years, working for the City of Santa Clara Water Department. He was always a very motivated and determined person with a very hands on, “I’m going to build that” type of attitude.Tony enjoyed his morning breakfasts at many of the diners and restaurants in South Bay. He easily became friends with many of the owners and wait staff. Music was another of his passions, he loved listening to anything from show tunes and Broadway musicals to the Platters, golden oldies and the occasional bit of country. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2015 from 5-9 PM with Vigil at 7PM at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara, where the Funeral Service will also be held on Friday, September 11, 2015 at 10:30AM. Interment to follow in Mission City Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the JW House, (408) 246-2224, http://jwhouse.org/donate/ or please make your check payable to JW House, 3850 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051.