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Joseph R. Rosati Sr. | Plumbing contractor, 72

Joseph R. Rosati Sr., 72, of Drexel Hill, a plumbing contractor, died of liver cancer Saturday at home.

Mr. Rosati graduated from John Bartram High School in West Philadelphia in 1952.

He worked for other plumbers until 1962, when he and two partners established R & L Plumbing Contractors in West Philadelphia. Several years later, he established Joseph Rosati Plumbing in Lansdowne. He was still involved in the business, which his sons Joseph Jr. and Anthony operate, according to his wife, Grace Cariola Rosati. The firm's current projects include several Wawa stores and Eagleview, a residential and commercial development in Chester County.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Mr. Rosati coached a semipro football team in West Philadelphia and led it to four championships. He enjoyed playing golf and cards with friends at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield. He loved Christmas, his wife said, and decorating his family's house with lights. Their grandsons put up lights this year, she said, and he kept suggesting that they put up more.

In addition to his wife of 51 years and sons, Mr. Rosati is survived by daughters Regina Weinhardt, Lisa Lupinacci and Philomena; two brothers; two sisters; 10 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow at St. Bernadette Church, 1035 Turner Ave., Drexel Hill. Friends may call at D'Anjolell Memorial Home, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, from 5 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 to 10 a.m. tomorrow. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.