William A. Fager Sr. | School administrator, 70

William Alexander Fager Sr., 70, of Chester Heights, administrator of the Rosehill School for mentally challenged adults, died of cancer Sunday, Aug. 22, at Pennsylvania Hospital.

Mr. Fager grew up at Rosehill School in Chester Heights, which his father, William U. Fager, opened in 1927. There were few schools for the mentally challenged at the time, Mr. Fager told The Inquirer when his father died in 2000. Most children with mental disabilities were kept at home, out of public view, he said.

Rosehill, begun as a residential school for children, evolved into a residence for adults because the children needed a caring place to live after they were grown, said Mr. Fager's son, Alex.

Mr. Fager and his wife, Carol Payne Fager, joined the staff of the school after college. He took over as administrator when his father retired in 1975.

Rosehill limits enrollment to 30 adults to be able to create a family atmosphere and to give support and attention to each resident, Alex Fager said. He will continue to operate the school with his mother and other family members.

Mr. Fager graduated from Media High School. He and his wife met while they were attending Tennessee Wesleyan College and married in 1962.

An avid golfer, Mr. Fager was a longtime member of Rolling Green Golf Club. He also enjoyed boating and fishing.

In addition to his wife and son, he is survived by a daughter, Carol Elizabeth, and three grandchildren.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 576 Concord Rd., Concordville. Burial will be in the church cemetery.