Michael J. De Rosa of Water Mill died April 28 at the Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead. He was 66.
Mr. De Rosa was born September 1, 1953, in Far Rockaway, Queens, the son of the late Catherine and John De Rosa.
After high school, he studied horticulture at Farmingdale State College in Farmingdale. In 1993, Mr. De Rosa opened Eastland Nursery and Farms on Montauk Highway in Water Mill, one of the most beloved nurseries on the East End, and known for the largest selection of roses on Long Island, according to his family.
He is survived by his sister, Christine Boyd, and brother in law, Billy Boyd, of Centerport; and his best friend, Peter Meislohn of Hampton Bays and Beaufort, North Carolina.
Visitation was held and live streamed on May 2, at Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton. Burial took place May 3 at Southampton Cemetery.
Donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.