SOUTH PORTLAND, ME, USA U.S. Marines LCPL, L CO, 3D BN, 6TH MAR, (RCT-6, II MEF FWD), 2D MAR DIV, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC TAQQADUM, IRAQ 03/13/2007
Born 20 July 1985, Lance Corporal Angel Rosa loved soccer. He played sweeper and was the team captain during his senior year at South Portland High School in South Portland, Maine where he graduated in 2004. He also excelled at baseball and basketball. Rosa volunteered as a referee for the city’s youth soccer program. He also worked with Latino children at Sacred Heart Parish in Portland, including immigrants from El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and elsewhere. Angel was exceptionally proud of his Puerto Rican heritage. His former coaches and teammates remember Angel not only as an outstanding athlete, but also as a dedicated leader and dear friend. Angel was never afraid to challenge himself, to push himself beyond his limits, at whatever he chose to do.
Rosa attended the University of Southern Maine in the fall of 2005 for one semester prior to joining the service. He joined the Marines in February 2006. His long-term plans were to become a police officer or fire fighter after his tour in the service.
He leaves behind his wife, Elise. They met in 2004 when she asked for a job application at a restaurant where he was working. They married in 2006. He enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve his country, while aspiring to make a better life for himself and his family.
“A lot of things came easy to him,” said Kathy McInnis-Misenor, Rosa’s aunt and godmother. “But he was never a braggart. He was as humble a young man as you will ever meet.”
Lance Corporal Angel Rosa was posthumously promoted from Private First Class to Lance Corporal. Lance Corporal Angel Rosa’s awards include the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the National Defense Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorsim Service Medal.
“Angel will be remembered as a man who touched everyone’s lives, a man who inspired us to be better all around, with a smile that could melt anyone’s heart and brighten up a day. He truly was our angel. Now more than ever he will be watching over us. We will keep him alive through the lasting impression he left on us all. We love you, Angel, and will continue to love you forever.” (Portland Press Herald)
He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Angel is survived by his wife, Elise Rosa, of Standish; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bradbury, and his sister Mariemill Giordano, of South Portland; his two grandmothers and one grandfather; by several aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins; plus many loving friends.
(Sources: The Associated Press “Marine from South Portland dies in Iraq”, “Young Widow Planned Formal Marriage Ceremony upon Soldier’s Return” March 2007; The Portland Press Herald, March 18, 2007)