Joseph N. Rosella of Holland, PA died peacefully on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at his daughter’s residence in Warwick. He was 97.

He was the beloved husband of the late Elsie T. Sokolowski Rosella and the late Amelia “Molly” Dalesandro Rosella.

Born in Boston, MA, he was the son of the late Michael and Carmella Mercuri Rosella and brother of the late Jenny Dickson.

Mr. Rosella was a resident of Holland for the past two years and formerly resided in the Rhawnhurst section of Philadelphia for 57 years. Before retiring in 1971, he was employed as a machinist at the Philadelphia Navy Yard for 32 years. During that time, Mr. Rosella was president of both the machinist union and the metal trades union. After retiring, he then started a family contracting business with his son and continued working until he reached the age of 93. He was a past Grand Knight and member of Father Thomas Ryan Council #5036 of the Knights of Columbus in Philadelphia. In his leisure time, he enjoyed taking trips to Atlantic City, NJ and visiting the casinos for a game of chance. He was an avid Phillies fan.

He is survived by his three children, Constance D. Coffin and her husband, Jay, of Warwick, Joseph M. Rosella and his wife, Karen, of Holland, and Joseph Dalesandro and his wife, Donna, of Brigantine, NJ, his brother, Lou Rosella and his wife, Clara, of Philadelphia, and his sister, Clara Brennan and her husband, Michael, of Wrightstown. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Saturday, July 16, 2011, from 9:00 AM until his Funeral Mass 10:00 AM at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Road, Holland, PA 18966. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 3331 Street Road, Suite 410, Bensalem, PA 19020.