by MICHAEL OTTO
Fishermen are known for their stories, but there were many stories about one particular fisherman told at St
Mark’s Church in Pakuranga on August 21.
The occasion was the funeral of Mervin De Rozario, 61, whose body was found in the sea between Waiheke and
Motuihe Islands on August 16.
The previous day, Mr De Rozario had set out on a jet-ski to do some fishing.
He notified the Coastguard about his plans and wore a life jacket, and when he did not return as advised, a major
maritime search took place.
A boatie found Mr De Rozario’s body on the Sunday, at the same time as it was spotted by the Coastguard’s air patrol.
The congregation at Mr De Rozario’s funeral filled St Mark’s to overflowing.
Mr De Rozario and his wife Hazel were active parishioners in the parish. In fact, they were scheduled to be the “Mass coordinators” for the 6.30pm evening Mass at St Mark’s on the day Mr De Rozario’s body was discovered.
He had also helped run the local Alpha Course, was involved in a family group, and had been involved with the
parish liturgy committee.
Fr Carlo Cruz, who was the main celebrant at the requiem Mass, told NZ Catholic that the parish would miss Mr De Rozario.
“He was not content to be just an ordinary parishioner, he was a parishioner who was really involved, who loved his
faith, loved his God and loved his community.”
Fr Cruz said Mr De Rozario was known for his generosity.
The priests at the parish were among the many people to whom he gave fish. Parishioner Mike Lobo noted that,
back in Malaysia, Mr De Rozario had been successful in the insurance business, and had donated a house to the Society of St Vincent de Paul to shelter the homeless.
In New Zealand, Mr De Rozario was reportedly the director of two companies and worked in the medical waste management industry.
Kyle De Rozario, in a eulogy, said his father was a role model and a hero who had touched many hearts, and would
be sadly missed by family and friends.
Kyle expressed sorrow that his father would not be physically present at his upcoming wedding. “But I know you are
in a better place, and I know you will be with us every day,” he said.
Reader Interactions