Don Rose

Don Rose, 81, of Redington Shores, FL, passed peacefully on November 13, 2025, at Palm Garden of Pinellas Nursing Home in Largo, FL. Don was born on March 4, 1944, in Kissimmee, FL, to Don and Jean Rose. Don graduated from Plant High School and attended the University of Florida for two years. He acquired a radio operator’s license and spent 20 years in radio broadcasting. Later, Don obtained a Class A General Contractor and roofer’s license and spent 20 years in the construction industry. He was a member of Rotary (Paul Harris Fellow), Shriners, and the Masons.

To know Don was to know love. It was to know that living life to the fullest meant to live in gratitude and love loudly and fully. Don survived Polio at the age of four and faced numerous challenges with strength, resiliency, and the soul of a fighter. Let it be remembered most though that Don’s life was one that overflowed with love.

Don is survived in death by Julie Rose, his loving wife, his five children; Michele (William) Myers, Patricia (Chad) DePagter, John (Shana) Boyle, Denny (Nikki) Boyle, Christa (Ben) Reid; his grandchildren Britni Conn, Kori Szaraz, William Hiler, Paige Elger, Mariah Bone, Alyx DePagter, Dylan Bone, Jake DePagter, Sean Boyle, Shane Boyle, Ryan Boyle, Jillian DePagter, Isabella Post, Christian Boyle, Kiely Reid, and Lucas Boyle, and Oliver Donald Reid expected in January 2026; his great-grandchildren Kalynn Peacock, Jackson Conn, Madeline Lamplugh, Leo Conn, Maverick Conn, Kristina Maddox, Emma Lamplugh, Hayes Hiler, Olivia Lamplugh, Chayce Fogg, Claire Hiler, and Kennedy Elger, and his siblings Carol Hagood and Lori Rose.

Don always felt that his most important role in life was that of being a parent. He always said, “There are no free lunches,” and practiced what he preached. All the children had chores and responsibilities for which he held them accountable. This resulted in five successful and happy children who understood the meaning of his expectations for them and have passed down those same values to their own children.

Don’s love extended beyond his beautiful family and deep friendships to the outdoors – especially hunting and fishing — Corvettes, and old cars alike, vibrant paisley and patterned shirts that brought a smile to anyone who saw him, hats, and music – oh, did he love music. Don was happiest behind the wheel of a Corvette or in a tree stand.

Don’s Catholic faith came later in life through the influence of his wife. He embraced it readily and had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Don’s legacy is the devotion he had for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His famous smile that could light up any room, the genuine joy and excitement he had for family gatherings, and the bravery with which he faced life is how Don will be remembered. May the soundtrack of Don’s life bring us all peace and joy today and always as we celebrate him in the way we continue living in his honor.

In memory of Don the family requests that guests wear vivid, bright colors to the funeral with bold patterns like paisley, stripes, and florals.