Ipswich - Joe Rosenberger, 90, was a father, husband, grandfather, son, brother, friend, chemist and an exceptional athlete.

Quick reflexes, line drives, grounders and pop flys were his sinister tricks of the game of softball during many years in the Over 30 Softball League. On The volleyball court, he was an assassin, nailing every spike, setting up every successful point all while giving his opponents their due when he was bested. On the golf course, he was an unruly, spoiled toddler. Known to throw a club or two when his game left something to be desired. Few knew of his skill in track and field as a young man as he was a threatening sprinter and a lithe, powerful pole vaulter.

Joe grew up in Arlington with his parents, the late Joseph B. Rosenberger Vl and Helen, sharing a large home with his brothers and sisters: Tommy, John, Arthur, Helen Marie Pellerin, Grace O'Brien and her husband Bill. A devoted Catholic, he attended Boston College High School and went on to receive multiple degrees in Chemistry, Engineering, Management and an MBA from Northeastern University. In other words, "my boy's wicked smaht." # Good Will Hunting.

Five beautiful children came from his first marriage to Joan: Elaine Byrom, Linda Rosenberger, Theresa Rassmussen, Joseph Rosenberger VlIII, and Michael Rosenberger. Joe subsequently married Laura M. Hughes, mother of his fifth daughter Laura. He moved to Ipswich in 1969 where he met his most precious, loving and loyal friends. Encouraged by Jerry Gauthier he reluctantly joined the Over 30 Softball League to "meet some nice guys around town," and had decades of joy and fun playing softball. Jerry was also instrumental in welcoming Joe and his family to town and is credited with many, many, Don Bosco picnics and countless ears of corn.

Joe loved his Riverside Drive home, his boat, and he enjoyed the spectacular view of the Ipswich River with his wife Laura, family and friends. He always had his face to the sun and a glass of wine in his hand.

Joe received so much kindness from our beautiful community of Ipswich and spoke fondly of his many wonderful experiences. He'd often remark on stories of generosity of our town by saying, "well, that's Ipswich."

Joe is predeceased by his daughters Joan Mary and Theresa, his son Joseph, Daniel and his beloved wife Laura. He is survived by his children Elaine Byrom of Modesto, Ca, and late husband Frank, Linda Rosenberger of Scottsdale Az, Michael Rosenberger and wife Amy (Settergren) Scottsdale, AZ and Laura Rosenberger of Ipswich, Ma., James Maher and wife Lisa (Kelly) of Salem, MA and Susan Horgan and husband William of New Hampshire.

Joe has seven grandchildren, Scott, Adam, Brenden, Kayli, Marissa, Michael, Emmalynn, and ten great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday December 14th. at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church 54 Linebrook Road, Ipswich. Burial will follow in the New Highland Cemetery 29 Town Farm Road, Ipswich. Visiting hours will be Friday December 13th. from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. in the Morris Funeral Home 45 North Main Street, Ipswich, relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Joe's name to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital P.O. Box 50 Memphis, TN 38101-9929. To send a letter of condolence to the Rosenberger please go to: MorrisFH.com .