Robert Roosa, 90, microbiologist

Robert A. Roosa, 90, of Wayne, a retired microbiologist who supported scientists as a research institute administrator, died Friday, June 19, of a hemorrhage after falling.

Dr. Roosa, who earned his Ph.D. in medical microbiology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1957, spent a long career at the Wistar Institute in University City, a biomedical research institution. He joined the organization in 1960 as a researcher, working in a lab, and later went on to oversee several facilities as a science administrator.

According to William Wunner, Wistar's director of academic affairs, who joined the institute in 1976, Dr. Roosa had a passion for helping scientists as an administrator there.

"He always answered the calls of scientists to do their work," Wunner said. "He wore Wistar on his sleeve. He was a true believer in his place of work."

Dr. Roosa's wife, JoAnne, said his love for science and researching disease likely dated to World War II, when he served in the Navy on a hospital ship and worked with patients.

At Wistar, Dr. Roosa researched a range of topics, including drug resistance and cancer treatments. He had been an emeritus professor there since 1993.

Dr. Roosa's work in science connected him with loved ones. His wife met him in 1988 through her work at a medical supply company, and she said her husband kept in touch with countless others he met through his work at Wistar. He mailed hundreds of Christmas cards each winter, she said.

"He took care of people," Wunner said. "Both in and out of the lab, he was a support man."

In addition to his wife, Dr. Roosa is survived by sons Robert and James; daughter Alane; and five grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on June 29 at 2 p.m. at Wayne Presbyterian Church, 125 E. Lancaster Ave.

Donations may be made to the Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce St., Philadelphia 19104.

215-854-2819

@MadelineRConway