William M. Rosenberg

He was born on March 31, 1939, to Emmett A. and Hazel M. Rosenberg. Bill was raised and attended school in the Centerville, Pa., area. At the age of 17 he entered the U.S. Navy in the Buddy System with long time neighbor and best friend Rick Bromley. He served aboard the destroyer USS Strong (DD-758) from 1956 until he was honorably discharged in 1960. The next few years while living with his sister Shirley and her husband Frank he became very close to all of his nieces and nephews. In 1962 he began his career at the National Forge Company in Irvine, Pa., retiring in 2001 after 39 hard working years.

In 1973 he married the love of his life, Emma Jean, and also became the proud father of her three sons, beginning the Rosenberg family. He shared his love of the outdoors with his family, teaching them to hunt and fish. For over 50 years he was a loyal member of the Pittsfield Otterbein Methodist Church. He enjoyed caring for and spending time at the family homestead (“Over Home”), even mowing up until three weeks ago. Upon retirement, he and his wife enjoyed spending the winters in Florida for almost 20 years.

He truly cherished the privilege of being Grandpa to all of his grandchildren. He will be truly missed by all who knew him and loved him. His memory and character will live on in our hearts.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Emma Jean (Jones) Rosenberg and his three sons, Todd and his wife Tamara of Titusville, Pa., Tony and his wife Lisa of Hondo, Texas, and Tom and his wife Lois Rosenberg of Pittsfield, Pa.; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren with one on the way; four sisters: Shirley, Mary Lou, Betty and Barbara; brothers and sisters in law: Kate Rosenberg, Bump and Joyce Vandenburg, Darrell Weissinger, Fred and Skeet Lauffenburger; and several nieces and nephews; with whom he was very close.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three brothers: Emmett Jr. (Junior), Franklin (Tom) and James (Jim) Rosenberg.

Visitation will be held at the Pittsfield Otterbein Global Methodist Church, 258 Dalrymple St, Pittsfield, PA 16340, on Tuesday, May 27, from 4-7 p.m. and also on Wednesday, May 28, from 10-11 a.m. at which time a funeral service will be held there with the Rev. Jeff Canter and Rev. Raymond H. Kane, co-officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in the Riverside Cemetery.

The Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Youngsville, have been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at nelsonfuneralhome.net.