Rosario Sorbello Jr, age 83 peacefully departed this life on November 6, 2016 surrounded by his beloved wife, children and grandchildren. Rosario is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary (nee Nicolosi) his six daughters, Joan Adams; Nedda Grasso (Leonard); Rosemary Botto (Joseph) Susan Lewbart (Randy); Julie Barile (Dean DeBroekert, MD); Debra Conners (Peter), his fifteen grandchildren, Richard Adams, David Adams, Katherine Wilson, Ben Wilson, Julianne Grasso, Leonard Grasso, Jennifer Botto, Joseph Botto, Jeremy Lewbart, Joshua Lewbart, Kyle Barile, Benjamin DeBroekert, Jacob DeBroekert, Sophia Conners, Billy Conners and one great granddaughter, Scarlett Wilson.
For many years Rosario was the proprietor of Rosario Sorbello Farms of Mullica Hill and along with his wife and daughter, Debra, operated Sorbello Girls Farm Market. Prior to that he farmed with his father and brothers as Rosario Sorbello Sons farm in Swedesboro. Nicknamed by his friends as “The Gentleman Farmer” Rosario was a quiet, kind and extremely generous man, known for his quick smile and helpful spirit.
He served for many years on the Elk Township Zoning Board, as a Ewan Volunteer Fireman, for his church on the St. Alfio Committee and as past president of his deer club, but his days were filled with love and laughter with his children, his grandchildren and great grandchild.
Rosario was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words resonated. Never one to boast or brag, he was generous to a fault. Anyone who was in need of assistance would find him ready and more than willing to pitch in and lend a helping hand.
He dedicated his 83 years on this earth to the life of a farmer. Growing the most beautiful peaches and apples as well as a host of vegetables. He was always the topper at the end of the packing line because he knew exactly how to make the pack beautiful and he took great pride in doing things right.
Coming from a culture which prized a son to carry on the family name and a profession which needed a son to carry on the business, he was blessed with six daughters. As time passed and he grew older, as his joints hurt more as he got on and off the tractor, and when shutting off the irrigation pump at 4 am just got harder to do, he never complained. He never once bemoaned the fact that he had not had a son, instead making every child feel as if they were unique and very special. He said often, “I am the richest man in South Jersey because of these girls”. He was most proud of the fact that he raised six women who each were accomplished professionals, able to take care of themselves no matter what life threw at them. From the time they were very young he would say “They don’t make men like they used to so you girls have to know how to take care of yourself”. To his last day on this earth he was most proud of the women they had become. He raised an attorney, an accountant, a physical therapy assistant, a teacher, a registered nurse, and a public relations specialist.
He was a wonderful story teller and loved a good joke. Although a bit reticent, if asked he would participate willingly in the card games with his grandchildren, the photo shots on snap chat and in the annual Christmas skits. He had a beautiful voice and car rides with his girls were punctuated by singing along to the country radio station. Having created a very musical family, he loved nothing more than listening to his children and grandchildren sing in church, exhibit their musical prowess on the multitude of instruments they played and entertain at each family gathering with a musical review that rivaled America’s Got Talent (or maybe Hee Haw).
No description of Rosario’s life would be complete without discussing the love and joy of his life, his wife of 60 years, Mary. They had 6 children in 9 years and worked together in the shared goal of creating a life. They farmed together. While Rosario worked in the field, Mary ran the roadside market. They were blessed to enjoy a time when they could travel together, seeing the world. Mary is an avid photographer and artist and Rosario never minded taking a moment so she could stop and take a picture or two . . .or ten. He followed her on her Cape May diamond hunting excursions, and allowed himself to be immortalized in clay or paint or soap. He was a good sport. Mary was by his side for each joy and sorrow of their journey. She was his love, his friend, his companion and his biggest cheer leader.
Rosario was predeceased by his parents, Rosario and Jennie (Finocchiaro) Sorbello, his brothers, Joseph, Michael and Alfio Sorbello. His sons in law, John J. Adams, Esq.; Ens. Ralph Barile and Officer Daniel Kellett.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at the Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, 17 Earlington Avenue, Mullica Hill. A visitation will begin at 8:30 am until 10:45 am and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. For more information or to leave your remembrances, visit FertigFuneralHome.com.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory and as a tribute to his love for his children to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, stjude.org., The John J. Adams, Esq. Memorial Scholarship 1534 Kings Highway Swedesboro NJ 08085 or the Ralph A. Barile Memorial Scholarship, 607 Bridgeton Pike Mullica Hill NJ 08062.
