CHILDS, Md. – Father Edward J. Roszko Jr., an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales who enjoyed a long teaching career, died Nov. 6. He was 76 and a professed member of the his religious congregation for 55 years.
Father Roszko grew up in Penns Grove, N.J., and attended Salesianum School, graduating in 1960. He spent two years at the University of Notre Dame before joining the Oblates. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1970.
Teaching was his calling. Father Roszko taught at Allentown (Pa.) Central Catholic High School while also serving as assistant postulant director at Brisson Seminary in nearby Center Valley. He was on the theology faculty at Salesianum School from 1974-80 and returned to his alma mater from 2003-16, when he retired for health reasons. He also taught in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Father Roszko was a fixture at athletic events, concerts, plays, performances and other happenings at the schools where he ministered. He was known for his sense of humor and for engaging in dialogue with those wherever he was.
He is survived by his stepmother, Mary Roszko of Wilmington.
Services were Nov. 12 at Our Lady of Light Chapel in Childs. Burial was in the Oblate Cemetery. Donations in Father Roszko’s name can be made to the Oblate Development Fund, 2200 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19806.
