SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Neighbors are mourning the loss of a well-known resident who was killed in a house fire in South Philadelphia.
Former Councilman Frank DiCicco was devastated to learn of the loss of 69-year-old Joseph A. DeRosa - a longtime family friend.
"Joe - uh I'm a little emotional," said DiCicco.
A fire tore through DeRosa's home in the 1100 block of Federal Street around 5:15 p.m. Thursday.
Officials say a relative arrived to find the home ablaze.
"Responders found a senior adult male, 2nd floor rear bedroom - at that time the senior adult male was still viable," said Deputry Commissioner Jesse Wilson, Philadelphia Fire Department.
DeRosa was taken to Methodist Hospital where he was pronounce dead.
The cause of the fire has not been determined but friends of the victim say he was a smoke and they suspect that it may have been accidental.
"Considering that there were working smoke alarms in the home, we believe they actually activated, the occupant was unable to get outside in time - it is a tragedy," said Deputy Commissioner Wilson.
DeRosa, a father of two who had three grandchildren, was a regular at La Casa De Pazzi, a social club on the block.
"I'm very upset because last year we did a lot together when his family was away down the shore," said Angelo Coletti.
"He was a crazy guy in his own way and a fun guy to be with. He was like a brother, I never had a brother and he's the closes I've ever had to a brother," said DiCicco.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.