Longtime Central Bucks Educator And Counselor Loses Battle With ALS

BUCKINGHAM, PA — Bryan Rosica, a beloved teacher and guidance counselor at Buckingham Elementary School for more than 26 years, lost his battle with ALS on March 23.

Rosica began his career as an elementary school teacher in the Central Bucks School District, where he taught first, second, and fourth grades at Buckingham.

According to colleagues and friends, in the classroom he was known for his patience, kindness, and ability to make every student feel seen and valued. His warm sense of humor and easygoing nature helped children feel comfortable and at ease, often turning nervous moments into ones filled with laughter, they said.

He later became a guidance counselor, where he formed deep and meaningful connections with his Buckingham students, offering steady support, understanding, and encouragement.

School district spokesperson Michael Petitti said the district was saddened to learn of the passing of the former Buckingham teacher and guidance counselor and said that a message sharing the difficult news and expressing condolences was sent to Buckingham staff and families.

"Over nearly 30 years of service, Bryan made a lasting impact on generations of Buckingham students and was well respected by colleagues and families across Central Bucks," said Petitti. "For many years, the school was also proud to support Bryan and his family through the Rosica Run fundraiser and other efforts, and our thoughts and hearts are with all his loved ones at this time."

At Buckingham, Rosica established the school’s character education program and coined the phrase, “Home of the Mighty Knights.” His motto is captured in a mural displayed in the gym lobby, a lasting tribute to the joy and inspiration he brought to so many young lives.

“It was more than a motto - it reflected what Bryan believed: that few things matter more than kindness and respect, and that character is formed in the small, daily choices that shape a life,” said U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, who got to know Bryan as co-chair of the ALS Caucus in Congress.

In 2020, Bryan was diagnosed with ALS, a challenge he faced with courage and determination over the next five years, his family said. Throughout his journey, he maintained an uplifting spirit and became an inspiration to all who knew him.

“Even after being diagnosed with ALS, at just 49 years old, he met that burden with extraordinary courage, grace, and his signature positive spirit — becoming not only a source of strength and inspiration to others, but a powerful advocate in the fight against ALS," said Fitzpatrick.

While ALS forced him to step back from his caeer, he frequently made trips back to Buckingham and other schools to share with students.

Using his Tobii eye gaze device, he read stories to classrooms, creating meaningful connections and unforgettable moments. During assembly programs, he showed students that even while living with ALS, he could still bring joy and make people smile.

Even in his final weeks, Bryan continued to give back, visiting elementary schools to teach children about ALS, the power of adaptive technology, and maintaining a positive spirit in the face of adversity, according to his obituary.

In his presentations, his family said Bryan shared a simple yet powerful message - that “love always wins” - a belief that resonated deeply with everyone who heard him.

Bryan also spoke at various ALS events, sharing his experience to raise awareness and help others better understand what it means to live with the disease, leaving a legacy of strength, compassion, and purpose.

As co-chair of the ALS Caucus, Fitzpatrick said he has seen firsthand the cruelty of ALS and the heartbreak it leaves in its wake.

“I have also seen the extraordinary strength of those who face it. Bryan was one of them, and his life is a reminder of why we must continue this fight with urgency. Working alongside fellow ALS warriors in our community, including Matt Bellina and our late friend Frank Mongiello, we have fought to ensure that patients and families facing terminal illness are met with compassion, support, and every possible measure of hope. And we will continue that fight in Bryan’s honor.”

Fitzpatrick asked that the community “come together to pray for his beloved wife, Lisa, their three children, his many students, colleagues, and friends, and for every ALS warrior in our community and across the country.

“May we carry Bryan’s memory forward in the way he lived — with kindness, courage, and a heart always turned toward others.”