Teacher dies running in July 4 race

TRAPPE » An Upper Merion School District teacher will be remembered for his passion for education after he collapsed and died Wednesday while running in a Fourth of July race in Schwenksville.

David G. DeRosa, 46, of Trappe, a math teacher at Upper Merion Middle School, was pronounced dead at Pottstown Hospital Wednesday, according to the Montgomery County Coroner’s office, which identified DeRosa’s cause of death as hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

DeRosa taught fifth-grade math at Upper Merion Middle School where he was inducted

into the Upper Merion Wall of Fame for his outstanding service, according to his obituary. He also spent much of his time outside the classroom working with the College Settlement Camp and the North Penn Boys & Girls Club.

“Dave led an extraordinary life, inspiring countless people every day. He brought math to life for his students with his creative lessons, including his custom-made Hippopotamus tie and his 20-foot inflatable whale. He was also known for impersonating a pirate and surprise visits while dressed as a T-Rex or Troll,” read his obituary.

DeRosa participated in many running events.

“Dave was passionate about running and competed in a half-marathon, mud-run, 10K or 5K nearly every weekend. He was also active in several local running clubs,” his obituary states.

He also had other interests.

“He excelled at woodworking and home improvement and always had a project underway at home or at his family’s summer home in Maine,” the obituary states. “Above all else, he devoted his life to his family and giving back in his community.”

A longtime resident of Trappe, DeRosa is survived by his wife, Wendy L. (Hall) DeRosa, and his three children, Katie DeRosa, Justin DeRosa and Luke DeRosa.