John J. Rozmus | Mechanical engineer, 85

John J. Rozmus, 85, a mechanical engineer and inventor, died Monday, Oct. 15, at his home at Dunwoody Village in Newtown Square.

Mr. Rozmus worked as a mechanical engineer and inventor for more than 50 years. He started out designing electronic control and navigation instruments that were used for military aircraft during the Cold War.

"What he designed was really the first of that kind that the Navy would use in the '50s and '60s," said Mr. Rozmus' son, Tom.

He continued his work by opening two businesses, Harowe Serve Controls in West Chester and MicroFab Corp. in Norristown. Once those were sold, Rozmus worked for different companies designing and inventing items "ranging from a golf putter to magnetic friction-reducing bearings," his son said. He continued to invent after his retirement.

A graduate of New York University, Mr. Rozmus earned his degree in engineering, but before graduating, he joined the Merchant Marine. During a stop in Philadelphia he met his future wife, Rosanne. They married on Nov. 28, 1953.

In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Rozmus is survived by his sister, Mary; son John Michael; daughters Janet, Joanne, and Cindy; 13 grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at St. Monica's Church, 635 First Avenue, Berwyn, with visitation beginning at 9:15 a.m. Burial will be private.