4 killed in Everglades City crash included former judge vacationing in Florida

Jim and Pat Rosini

Debbie Korbich

The four Pennsylvania residents killed Wednesday in a wreck near Everglades City were vacationing in Florida and staying at a home one of them owned in Fort Lauderdale.

James J. Rosini, 66, his wife Patricia Rosini, 65, both of Coal Township; William Rosini, 68, of Coal Township, and his companion, Deborah A. Korbich, 59, of Elysburg, were killed Wednesday when their Ford Taurus ran a flashing red light at the intersection of U.S. 41 East and State Road 29. Their vehicle was struck by a conversion van heading west on U.S. 41, just north of Everglades City.

None of the victims was wearing a seat belt, the FHP reported. Alcohol is not suspected as a factor in the crash.

They were visiting Florida and staying at a house in Fort Lauderdale owned by William Rosini.

James Rosini was a former Northumberland County judge and district attorney who had served as county assistant solicitor since March. He also had his own private law practice in Shamokin for many years and formerly served as a county public defender.

His wife, Patricia Rosini, was deputy director for Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging since March 2008 and had worked for the agency for about 20 years.

William Rosini was retired after serving as co-owner of Shamokin Filler Co. Inc. in Coal Township. Korbich was an officer in a longtime family gas business.

Flags were flown at half staff Thursday at all Northcumberland County buildings, including the administration center, courthouse and prison.

“Everybody at work today is just numb from the tragic news,” said Pat Rumberger, director of the Area Agency on Aging, who described Pat Rosini as her “best friend, right arm and mentor.”

Deacon Marty McCarthy, principal of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School in Coal Township, praised the Rosinis and Korbich for being generous alumni.

“This is a sad day for everyone who knew the victims,” McCarthy said. “They were all great people and very generous to our school through the years. Everything happened so quickly. It’s shocking and devastating.”

David L. Dahl, 63, and Joanne Dahl, 60, of South Williamsport, Pa. — the couple in the van — were transported to NCH Downtown Naples hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.

Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Dwayne Cooper said he thought the victims didn’t realize the flashing light was red, requiring a stop. The light at the intersection flashes yellow for traffic heading east and west, and flashes red for vehicles traveling north and south.

Former longtime Pennsylvania District Justice Wilbur Reddinger said James Rosini was the best man in his wedding, and the two worked together for many years.

“This is one of the saddest days of my life,” he said. “I lost a man I admired who was a close friend. I respected Jim as a judge and district attorney who had very good ethics, morals and integrity.”