Dublin High Mourns Loss Of Head Custodian, 'Amazing Individual'

DUBLIN, CA — The Dublin High School community is mourning the loss of its head custodian, Derek Rosas — a man remembered as a warm, sincere, hardworking and beloved pillar of the school.

Rosas was a musician with a kind heart and insightful wisdom, wrote Principal Maureen Byrne in a message to her staff. The school expressed its sympathies for his family.

"I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Derek," she wrote. "I know I am not alone in feeling that he leaves a void that will not be replaced."

The school set up a forum on Kudoboard to allow members of the school community to share memories of Rosas. Dozens of tributes had been posted as of Friday morning.

He was remembered as an "amazing individual," man of faith and "bright light" who was easy to talk to and had a knack for cheering others up. He was creative, dependable, gracious and caring, according to tributes posted in his memory.

"I think I saw someone else say 'this one really hurts,' and I couldn't agree more," wrote one person. "It didn't matter what you needed, Derek was always there to lend a hand. He was the kindest, nicest, most helpful person. His absence at DHS makes a very big hole; he was one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable. Rest in peace."

His colleagues were endlessly grateful for his help over the years and dedication to making the school a better place. He was remembered as "the glue" of Dublin High.

"I will miss seeing you, hearing you but will NEVER EVER forget you," wrote a family member. "Until we meet again."