Julia Simonin DeRocco

Julia Simonin DeRocco, 82 of Exton, passed away peacefully on the evening of July 30, 2022.

Born in Charleroi, PA, Julia was the loving daughter of the late Joseph and Jean (Thornburg) Simonin and devoted sister of the late Jay Simonin.

A graduate of Charleroi High School, Julia followed in her father's footsteps to attend The Pennsylvania State University where she became the first woman in her family to graduate with a university degree.  Julia was the mother of three wonderful children whom she single-handedly raised. She was not fond of exercise, but she got plenty chasing her two boys for reasons they are well aware of and likely deserved. Her daughter was an angel of a child, but did have to get tapped by the family car once to stay in line. Julia taught nursery school to countless adoring children at St. James Church for many years before moving into the corporate world. She worked as a billing coordinator where her keen sense of humor and talent for baking benefitted her many co-workers for 30 years until her retirement in 2010.  

Julia had many loves and passions. She was a creative whose artwork included ceramics, decorative cakes and candle-making. Each Christmas, family members still fight over one of her more notable feline creations.  Julia was a talented cook and baker who enjoyed both tremendously--unless you wanted her to make the cherry or maple rolls, then you were out of luck.  Like her father, she was a passionate Penn State fan. When it came to cheering on her Nittany Lions, she rarely missed a game. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and dogs. Family meant everything to her and she cherished her many beloved dogs from throughout the years.

Julia is survived by her children: Tracy DeRocco-Buckley and her companion Joseph Bellace of Exton, Drew DeRocco and his companion Meredith Branca of Chester Springs, and Christopher DeRocco and his wife Susanna of Baltimore, MD; grandchildren: Joshua, Rachel and husband Chris, Benjamin, Madeline, Peyton, and Griffin; with one great grandchild on the way.

Private services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances to her most beloved friends (Nala, Lenny, Louie, Sydney, Mike, Pepper and Meg), may be made in Julia’s name via memorial contributions to the ASPCA.