Michael Rosania

Michael John Rosania, age 74, of Packanack Lake in Wayne, passed peacefully on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

Michael was born in Newark, NJ, the son of Michael Rosania and Sophie Kaniecki. He grew up for a short time in Newark before moving with his parents and brother Nick to North Arlington.

After graduating from Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington with the Class of 1966, Michael attended Fairleigh Dickinson University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and two master’s degrees – one in electrical engineering and one in computer science. Utilizing his education, Michael began a fulfilling and prosperous career in aerospace manufacturing until he retired in 2012 from BAE Systems.

Michael first met his beloved wife Nancy when they were both members of Spa 23 in Wayne. They fell in love and married on Saturday, September 15, 1984 at Packanack Community Church in Wayne. After a honeymoon in Hawaii, they started married life in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne and have remained residents there throughout their entire married life. Their marriage could best be described as precious, loving, and devoted having celebrated 39 years as husband and wife this past September.

Michael’s leisure time pursuits were numerous. He and Nancy were avid skiers regularly carving the moguls at Hidden Valley. He loved playing tennis and he was a member of the Packanack Lake Tennis Club. Golf also was a passion of Michaels and one which he was able to enjoy even more in retirement. In addition to skiing, tennis and golf, Michael was an expert archer and marksman, fisherman and photographer. His willingness to share his knowledge and teach archery at the NASP Clinics and Kids Archery Leagues was second to none and will never be forgotten. He and Nancy had the privilege of taking trips to Paris, France and Glasgow, Scotland. The whole family vacationed every summer down the Jersey Shore in LBI. 

Above all of the passions of Michael’s life nothing came close to the love and adoration he had for his wife Nancy, children Michael and Heather, his brother Nick, and his four grandchildren. Michael considered being a grandpa one of the greatest blessings of life. He was amazingly involved in his grandchildren’s lives, babysitting regularly when they were little and teaching them all the skills of archery and fishing when they got a little older. They learned so much from him but will also cherish warm and happy memories of the times when he would make them laugh by being goofy.         

Michael was the beloved husband of Nancy Rosania, blessed in marriage for 39 years. He was the loving father of Michael John Vincent Rosania and wife Melissa of Wayne, loving stepfather of Heather MacDougall of Sugarland, TX, dear brother of Nicholas “Nick” Rosania of North Arlington, adored grandfather of: Mia Rosania, Presley Rosania, Benjamin Sievers, and Amanda Sievers.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Michael’s name consider donating to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

To ensure secure, timely delivery of DONATIONS for the New Jersey Region, please mail donations to the region processing center:

NJ Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Northeast (New Jersey)

P.O. Box 22470

New York, NY  10087-2470