Former Roseland councilman John Derites died on April 2. He was 73.
Derites was elected to the borough council in 1994 and re-elected in 1997, 2000 and 2003.
“Councilman John Derites was the epitome of class,” said mayor James Spango. “He was a true gentleman, a calm and strong voice of reason, in addition to being a devoted husband, Dad and grandfather. In my time as Mayor, John became a trusted confidant. On behalf of all Roseland residents I extend our condolences to Roseann Derites and their entire family. John Derites’ passing is a terrible loss to our entire Roseland community.”
Derites ran for council in 2018 on a ticket headed by former mayor Michael Pacio. He scored an off-the-line victory in the Republican primary and came within 134 votes of beating Democrat Eileen Fishman in the general election.
He owned Mid-State Press, a Roseland-based printing company.
Derites is survived by his wife, Roseanne, two daughters and five grandchildren.