NEWBURY PARK, Calif. (BRAIN) — Dana DeLaRosa, a Giant Bicycles account executive who had worked for the company since August 2007, passed away on Aug, 25 at his home in Housatonic, Massachusetts, after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 58 years old.
In his 11 years with Giant, DeLaRosa worked with retailers throughout Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. DeLaRosa, a longtime industry veteran, previously worked as sales manager at Ridgewood Cycles in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and at Cycles Plus of Huntington, New York.
Colleagues said DeLaRosa's love for bicycles and the industry was only matched by his love for music. An avid drummer and musician, Dana's most recent group was Hack Monet, a rock band based in the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts.
"Our dear friend and colleague, Dana DeLaRosa, has left a hole in our hearts," said Allen Needle, senior sales operations manager at Giant. "Dana was a unique individual — intense and caring with a wicked sense of humor. He was a father, grandfather, brother, percussionist, cyclist, friend, account executive and trusted member of our Giant family."
"Dana was a dedicated employee, always enthusiastic about his ability to work in an industry he had a passion for. He really enjoyed assisting his retailers achieve success," said Mike Abrams, Giant's eastern regional sales manager. "Dana was always a bright spot for his co-workers and he strived to be a positive influence to those around him. He will be greatly missed."
DeLaRosa is survived by his son, Andre Weiss DeLaRosa, and two young grandchildren, Dante and Drake. He also leaves behind a sister and a brother.
DeLaRosa's friends and colleagues at Giant will honor his memory with a company bike ride on Friday, Sept. 21. Giant is also honoring DeLaRosa with a custom T-shirt featuring the hashtag "#RIDE4DANA". Proceeds from the T-shirt sales will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
