ELYSBURG - Family, friends and community service were the most important things in life to Jim, Pat and William Rosini.
They dedicated themselves to helping others and touched many lives through the years before being killed in a violent two-vehicle crash in Everglades City, Fla., on Feb. 8.
On Friday, numerous relatives, friends and co-workers joined clergy, including the Most Rev. Joseph P. McFadden, Bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg, in celebrating a Mass of Christian Burial for the prominent attorney, deputy director of the Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging and successful businessman, respectively, who all hailed from Coal Township.
The 90-minute liturgy at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Elysburg drew approximately 500 people, one day after thousands of mourners waited in line for hours to express their sympathy to family members at a viewing in the Lee Korbich Memorial Gymnasium at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School.
The Rev. Al Sceski, pastor of the host church, was the main celebrant and homilist for the Mass, which also included beautiful songs, eulogies from family members and a special blessing by the bishop.
Joy and heartaches
Sceski, who opened his homily by expressing his condolences to the families of each of the victims, reminded the congregation that nobody knows the day nor the hour when God will call them home.
He said the tragic, sudden deaths of the Rosinis and William Rosini's companion, Deborah Korbich, of Elysburg, make people realize how fragile life is.
"Life on this earth is so beautiful and joyful, but it also always has its heartaches," Sceski said. "But we must remember that we are destined for glory beyond this life. Our faith teaches us that Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death.
"Our faith also gives us consolation in times of deep sorrow. Our loving service to others is how God will judge us," Sceski said.
The priest said the Rosinis were "wonderful examples" of service to others. "Family was the most important thing in their lives," he said. "They were great benefactors who displayed a goodness to their community.
"Pat provided great care to the elderly. She was a woman who gave herself to others. Serving the elderly was her purpose in life."
Sceski said Jim, Pat and William Rosini all had a zest for life, which included good food and traveling.
The reverend talked about how proud the victims were of their children and grandchildren and their Italian and Irish heritages.
"They were called to be servants for others, and they are now with the Lord," Sceski said.
Two principles
Matthew Rosini, son of Jim and Pat Rosini, thanked everyone for supporting their families during the past 10 days.
He shared various memories, several of which were humorous stories, about his parents, and said he and his sisters, Paige Rosini and Marianne (Rosini) Taylor, were so proud to be their children.
"My mom and dad lived by two principles - love of family and service to the community," he said. "They carried on what our grandparents taught them. They touched a lot of lives, particularly senior citizens. My father represented many people over the years as an attorney, including those who couldn't pay for his services. My only regret is that their grandchildren won't be able to appreciate what truly great people they were the way we were able to appreciate it."
William Rosini's daughter, Annette (Rosini) MacLachlan, thanked everyone for honoring her father, uncle and aunt during a very difficult time for the entire family. "My dad was my best friend and hero," she said. "He was truly amazing. All three of them were very generous people. They were givers through and through and so committed to the community. They took great pride in the coal region."
Annette described her father as a good storyteller who always fought for what he got among his three brothers.
"He called himself the last breaker boy," she said. "He led a tremendous life. My dad had a rock solid work ethic and a great sense of business that made him very successful. He took great pride in all of us. He was our safety net and champion."
She talked about how her father insisted on doing things his way by referencing the song, "My Way," by Frank Sinatra.
Annette also talked about the devotion her father had for his wife, Emily, who passed away in 2002. "Part of him died with her death," she said.
Annette said she and her brother, William E. Rosini, along with their children, are extremely grateful for having two great parents and grandparents.
She closed her remarks by stating, "He's looking down on all of us and smiling that we are celebrating his life."
A blessing to people, church
McFadden, who offered his condolences to the Rosini and Dormer families, said he did not know the three victims, but heard nothing but great things about them.
"They accomplished many things in their lives and were a blessing to so many people and the church," the bishop stated. "Life must be lived to its fullest, which they all did. They were very caring and generous people, and I commend them to the Lord and ask Him to embrace them in peace. Jesus gives us eternal life and I thank you Lord for sharing your life with Jim, Pat and Bill."
He added, "My prayers are with you and I know you will make your parents and grandparents proud. Let us console one another in the faith of Jesus Christ."
Concelebrating Mass with Sceski and the bishop were the Revs. Adrian Gallagher, pastor of Our Lady of Hope Church in Coal Township and St. Patrick Church in Trevorton; Philip Burger, pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church in Hershey and former pastor of Our Lady of Hope and St. Patrick churches; Tony Curran, who grew up with the Rosini brothers in the west end of Coal Township, and Joshua Brommer, who assisted the bishop. Other participants were Deacons Robert Mack and Marty McCarthy, who serves as principal of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School.
Mack recited the gospel and intercessions, while young family members of the victims presented scripture readings and offertory gifts.
The church choir, under the direction of Anne Schlagle, provided musical selections. Schlagle also served as organist, while Beth Bebenek was the cantor and soloist. Adult altar servers from the parish assisted during the Mass.
Interment was held in All Saints Cemetery, Bear Gap.
Korbich's funeral today
A religious funeral service for Korbich will be held at 1 p.m. today with Sceski officiating in the James Kelley Funeral Home, 1001 W. Arch St. at Maple Street, Coal Township. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.