Obituary of James DiRosa

James (Red) DiRosa, 94, died peacefully at home on Tuesday July 14, 2015. Born on February 10, 1921, James was a lifetime resident of Cortland, New York. He is the son of Felice and Ceresina Romano DiRosa. He is predeceased by his wife Ursula of 71 years. Red is survived by his daughters Teresa Hamilton (Ken) of Sugar Land, Texas and Jamie Prindle ( Ray Bilodeau ) of Homer, New York; his step sons Thomas Smith (Camilla) of Provincetown, Massachusetts and Michael Smith of Kenosha, Wisconsin. In his youth, Red worked in forestry for the Civilian Conservation Corp. He often spoke of his time there planting trees. In 1942 he joined the Marine Corp as part of the Pacific Theater where he served in combat in Guadalcanal and Okinawa. Red also spent six months in China after the war as a guard. He was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1947. Red purchased the Cortland Miniature Golf Course in 1956. By 1965 this had grown into The Barbarosa Restaurant now known as Uncle Louie's Backyard. Many a good time was had there on a Saturday night! Red loved cooking, golf, gardening and making garlic powder. He also enjoyed his part time work with The American Legion, The Disabled Vets and The V.F.W. Friends and family are welcome to call on Saturday from 9:00 – 10:30 AM at Wright-Beard Funeral Home 9 Lincoln Ave. Cortland NY 13045. Following calling hours there will be a graveside service at St. Mary's Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers the family requests you make a donation to your favorite charity.