On Saturday, August 10, my beloved brother, Neville "Koko" De la Rosa, went with the Lord after a battle with many health conditions. Koko was born on November 6, 1971, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and attended Zion Lutheran School, Kolbe Cathedral, and Central High School. He was a Good Shepherd Christian Church member on the West Side for many years. In his youth, Koko was involved in the arts, as an actor, singer, and musician; but he was largely known for his incredible ability to play the piano by ear.
He was loved by his large, Puerto Rican family, who will miss him dearly, especially his beloved parents, former Bridgeport educators, Neville and Gloria Rosa.
Some of Koko's favorite things: Hip Hop & rap music, cracking a good joke, telling elaborate stories, creating music & rapping, spending time with his son Jeremy, playing worship in church, and talking to every person he could.
In his departure, my brother's beautiful eyes (the cornea and sclera) were donated to individuals who needed eye transplants due to trauma. His donation is going to help two individuals receive new sight. These two patients will be used for advancements in medical science for techniques that may impact future victims of eye trauma in the future.
In this time of grief, we are making plans for a Florida AND Connecticut service (see info below) and would appreciate any contributions to put my brother to rest.
If you would like to give an offering, please use the following options:
Zelle: 203-767-0473 (Victoria Rosa-Garcia)
Venmo: @Victoria-Rosa-Garcia
These funds will put my brother to rest and support his son Jeremy Rosa. Please add a note to your contribution. If you would like to share a memory and love, please use the comments section of this blog. We would love to read about your wonderful memories.
Lastly, my family would like to raise funds to create the 'Neville De la Rosa' scholarship fund, that will support any student struggling with a mental illness & desires to pursue music and the arts in college.
Koko, we will love you forever hunny. Florida Service information is below. A service in Connecticut will follow.
If your heart is heavy today, I pray Koko's favorite gospel song offers you comfort. He would tell you, "Don't worry about it, give it to God." Be at peace my dear friends.
Please do not have a service at the funeral home he was working at in FL; the lady manager Aracely Carmona and the embalmer intern Jesus Molina were terrible towards Koko in life he suffered a lot during his troubles in Florida. He was lonely and frustrated with a lot of ups and downs and many falls. My heart is heavy knowing I met him through the grace of God at the church near the funeral home San Juan where Koko told me how evil those people were; it hurts me and I wonder what misery brought his fall. I know those people really upset him and did not respect his soul in life DO NOT give them his soul…
The Rosa Family is such a special family to me!! And Koko was a bonded member that I will surely miss. I am heartbroken with Koko’s passing but soooo thankful for him. He always had that serious Look on his face but I always got a smile out of him. Otherwise, it would be a Koko “cocotaso.” He always made himself available to me whenever needed to play keys and I will forever cherish the song “Quiero Adorar” by Rene Gonzalez which he would always play for me to sing. And it was my honor to sing it for him acapella on Saturday 8/10 before he graduated to the heavens. Rock out joyfully on those heavenly keys Koko
I am sorry for your loss Victoria. Praying for God’s comfort during this time of loss. I’m reminded of God’s word “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted”.