Obituary of Peter J. Rohana, Jr.

Peter J. Rohana Jr., a devoted family man and honest attorney (not a typo) who derived his life’s satisfaction from serving his community and the many institutions that shaped his life and career, passed away at the home he built in Media on August 22nd. He was 76.

Pete practiced law in Media for more than 50 years and served as Solicitor of Ridley Township for 35. He was a natural leader in every group of which he was a member (and there were many). He never turned down a request for help, no matter how big or small (and there were many).

Maker of lists, creator of rules, consummate organizer and tireless fix-it man, Pete’s obsession with details was legendary. He loved assigning odd jobs to everyone within his sight, and was widely known to drive type B personalities crazy (and we are many). Chairing the Rohana family reunion committee meetings, hosting gatherings at his beach house in Ocean City, NJ and tending to his pond at home were how he spent his favorite days (and thankfully, there were many).

Pete was a gifted jurist, a proud mentor and a voracious reader with an insatiable, curious mind. He loved sailing, sightseeing and traveling abroad with his wife, Joanne, a partner in life and work who encouraged Pete to explore the world beyond Delco. He was an avid and accomplished athlete, playing football, tennis and golf, and a feminist father, before that was even a thing, who taught his daughters how to change a flat tire. He could perform miracles with WD-40, duct tape and a bungee cord and his personal motto was, “Winners never quit and quitters never win.”

Pete was a graduate of St. James High School, Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University), class of 1966 and Temple Law. He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Joanne, daughters Meri (spouse Justin Marks) and Nicole, and grandchildren Henry and Louisa.

Visitation: Monday, August 30th from 6:00-8:00PM at the Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Ltd., Middletown (Rte. #352) & Knowlton Rds., Middletown Twp., Media, PA 19063. Family request masks to be worn.

Services and Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations designated in honor of Pete may be made as follows: Widener University Athletics: To donate online, please visit https://give.widener.edu Checks payable to Widener University Athletics can be sent to Michael Felici, Widener University, One University Place, 320 Old Main, Chester, PA, 19013 Legal Aid Society of Southeastern Pennsylvania: To donate online, please visit LASP Checks payable to LASP can be sent to 625 Swede St., Norristown, PA, 19401