ONLYSION “JOHN” DEROCHEA III (April 2, 1959–January 5, 2024)

Onlysion “John” Derochea III of Fall River, formerly of Brockton, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Friday, January 5, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer.  John was born in South Weymouth, MA, the son of the late Gladys “Sis” Derochea (Avery) and the late Onlysion John Derochea, Jr., a Naval Chief & Seabee.

Prior to moving to Brockton, John’s parents lived in Arlington, Texas and East Meadow, New York, where he got his start in youth baseball and football.  Upon moving to Brockton, John continued his passion for sports, playing baseball and football before a knee injury sidetracked his high school career.  After graduating from Brockton High School in 1977, John studied at Massasoit College. 

John inherited an oversized passion for the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Patriots from his beloved parents, John and Sis.  In his youth, John loved attending Red Sox, Bruins Patriots games and WWE Wrestling events with his brothers, often finagling his way into a sold-out game by way of his charm and quick wit.  In addition to his passion for sports and biking, John was an avid reader, particularly on historical and biographic topics. John worked for Walmart for many years and most recently worked as a security administrator for Allied Universal. 

Throughout his life, John was known as a “protector” by those close to him. He was a lifelong advocate for the oppressed, abused and the disadvantaged, especially women and children, donating selflessly to many causes and charities and was an active member of several international Human Rights Organizations.  John’s philanthropy took him across the globe where he attended several human rights events, most recently traveling to Europe, Iceland, Washington, D.C. and New York for human rights rallies, over the past two years.  He also never turned down other’s request for help. Whether, stopping to aid a driver in distress, mentoring a co-worker to teach them English or helping a new neighbor move in, unsolicited, he was always eager to jump in to help others in need.

John was the loving brother to Lori Hunter (Derochea) of Bridgewater, MA & her partner Bob Rose, James Derochea & his wife Kathy of Stoughton, MA, Lynn Belmosto (Derochea) of Braintree, MA,  Jeffry Derochea of Pembroke, MA & his partner, Amy Strain, Joseph Derochea of Fall River, MA & Tammy Stockwell (Derochea) of Salem, NH.  John is also survived by his nieces and nephews, which he proudly adored, Paul Hunter, Kerri Hunter, Jennifer Smith (Hunter), Bryan Derochea, Trevor Derochea, Kasey Butera (Derochea), G. Belmosto, Jessica Belmosto, Evan Derochea, Caleb Derochea & Taryn Derochea.

Relatives & friends are cordially invited to attend the Celebration of Life for John on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at the VFW Lower Hall, 95 Essex Street, Whitman, MA 02382 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.