ROSENSTEIN Irving, 90. The soft-spoken gentleman with the ever present cigar, who enriched the lives of so many he encountered, passed away Friday, February 22, 2013 surrounded by the family that he was most proud of and did everything he could to make their dreams a reality. That gentleman, Irving Rosenstein, born in Frankfort in 1922, came to Lexington in 1939 by train to attend the University of Kentucky. His Father, Robert Rosenstein, was a Frankfort retailer, as would be Irv's brother, Wolfe. Another brother, Sam, would rise to prominence as a lawyer in Frankfort and Louisville and eventually be appointed a Federal Court Judge by President Lyndon B. Johnson. All predeceased him, as did his sister, Betty Gendler of Brooklyn, NY, and mother, Harriett Rosenstein of Frankfort. After WWII service in the Army, where he was seriously injured in a training incident, Irv worked for Fruit of the Loom, The Union Underwear Company. It was also during this time while on a business trip to New York City that he met the love of his life, Irma Sarett. He wooed her to be his bride and move to Kentucky. In Lexington, after starting several retail stores including The Kent Men's Wear and Sportswear Mart, Irv began to demonstrate his vision for real estate development. That vision led to one of Lexington's first neighborhood shopping centers. He also established Shoppers Village Liquors, a successful chain of wine and spirits stores. Around this time he began advising and helping others which would endear him to many over the next 60+ years. Irv and Irma welcomed their children, Ann and Robert, into their lives. Irv and Irma each also became deeply involved in religious, social, artistic and educational activities, dedicating their time and resources to help create what are now mainstay organizations in the Lexington community fabric. Irv was prominently involved in the leadership of Temple Adath Israel, serving in several positions on the Board of Directors and leading the Endowment Committee. He was one of the founders of Triangle Park, served on the Founding Board of KET and became an early supporter of Junior Achievement. He was named one of their People of the Year in 1997. Irv was a 25+ year board member of the Child Development Center of the Bluegrass. He served on Hospice, Urban League, Humana, First Security Bank of Lexington, and Kentucky Mental Health Foundation Boards among many others. He was proud of his Kentucky heritage and always wanted to help his community. The Rosenstein Family was honored by the Kentucky Historical Society into the Lincoln Society for their contributions to the archives of early Jewish settlers in Kentucky. Irv was also appointed by Governor Jones to the Board of Trustees of Eastern Kentucky University where he proudly served for two terms. Besides work and service, Irv also loved his 'hobby' thoroughbred race horses! A one-time owner and breeder who raced successfully across the country, Irv never lost his love for horse racing. At the last Keeneland meet he was still holding court at 'his' table on Second Floor Main next to the giant bouquet. And he was one of a very small group to be at both Keeneland's opening day and their 75th Anniversary Celebration in 2012. Belovedly nicknamed "Chief" by his family, Irv was proudest of each one of them. Irma's endeavors in several difficult issues during the turbulent 1960's and 70's always had his complete support. Robert and his wife, Dr. Kim Clawson, and their three children, Ross, Kyle and Jamie, were daily sources of joy. When Ann married Bill Giles, he proudly introduced him to Kentucky, particularly to the race tracks. Bill's sons, Hudson and Van (Danielle), as well as Kim's parents, Dr. Kay and Jan Clawson, were also warmly embraced as members of his family. What all will enduringly remember about our wonderful Chief is the time and compassion that he always made to listen and advise. Many came to learn "Irv's way" to accomplish their varied goals. He often put concern for others first. A visit to his office was almost always somehow both a reality check and confidence booster. All would share that they found a man whom they believed cared about them, their families, this city and the Commonwealth. The Chief was in his office doing just that only a few days ago. Visitation: Sunday, February 24th Temple Adath Israel, 124 North Ashland Avenue 2-4pm. Funeral Service: Monday, February 25th Temple Adath Israel 9:30am. Interment to follow at The Lexington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, suggested donations to: Temple Adath Israel, 124 North Ashland Aveune, Lexington 40502, Child Development Center of the Bluegrass, 290 Alumni Drive, Lexington, 40503 or a charity of your choice. wwwmilwardfuneral.com
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My sympathy to the Rosenstein Family. Such a wonderful man.
---Peter Beattie
March 4, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
teresa bell
February 28, 2013
Dear Irma:
I was so sorry to hear about Irv's death. He was a lovely man and I know that you, Rob and Ann will miss him greatly. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Elsa Black
February 27, 2013
Dear Irma, Rob, and Ann,
Diane and I and our family send our sympathy. Irving was aways so nice to us when we would see him here at the Points. We will miss his kind smile.
Sincerely, Nick and Diane Lambrinides
Nick and Diane Lambrinides
February 25, 2013
Sorry about the loss of this great gentleman. He will be
missed by everyone! You are in
my prayers!!
BRENDA-AFB GOLDY
February 25, 2013
My dearest Irma, my deepest condolences during this sad time. I know you will miss your husband's physical presence but Irv will all ways be with you. Love never dies. My thoughts and prayers with you and your family. I will come by to see you one day soon. Love always. Charlene Walker
February 25, 2013
Dearest Irma, Ann & Rob,
I just wanted you to know how sorry I am for your loss. He was my husbands dearest friend and someone he always looked up to. Irv was always thinking of others and called me several times during this past year since my husband pasted away. I will always have fond memories of the good times we all had together. Your Friend, Judy Zielke
Judy Zielke
February 24, 2013
Delight to be around we became exceptional good friends. We send our deepest sympathy. Helen and Ed Peter
Ed and Helen Peter
February 24, 2013
Irma, Rob, Ann, Martha and I were saddened to hear of your loss of the Chief. Irv was one of the nicest and dearest persons we ever met. His presence and contribution to oommunity will be eternal. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and others as you continue to celebrate this great and good man. Cliff Hagan
Cliff Hagan
February 24, 2013
Rob,
Sorry to read about the loss of your father.He was always very kind to me and the employees of First Security bank and AFB.i admired him very much,he will be missed.
Jack Witt
February 24, 2013
Rob,
I,m so sorry aboout the passing of your father.He was always kind to me and to all the employees of First Security and AFB.He will be missed-
Jack Witt
Jack Witt
February 24, 2013
Family:
Jeanne joins me in expressing our deepest sympathy on your great loss, as Mr. Rosenstein was loved and respected by everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult period
James Codell
February 23, 2013
Dear Rob and family,
So sorry to read of your father's death. He was a very fine gentleman. My mother and fahter thought very highly of both parents, and it was a pleasure being aasociated with your dad at First Security Bank. I am sorry that I cannot express mysympathy to you, your mom and family in person. Pleas know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Fon Rogers
February 23, 2013
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