I. Alfred Rosenbaum

I. Alfred

Rosenbaum

Meridian

Ike Alfred Rosenbaum passed away at his home on March 17, 2012, 4 days short of his 92nd birthday. Meridian and the State of Mississippi has lost a leader, entrepreneur, mentor, philanthropist and civil servant that played a significant role in making his home town and state a better place to live. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Alfred joined the US Marines as an aviator and served in both WWII and Korea. He remained in the Marine Reserves until his retirement after 23 years of service.

Alfred was instrumental in establishing, recruiting and nurturing many successful local business ventures. Among his highlights, he was one of the founders of WTOK TV, Co-owner of Meyer & Rosenbaum Insurance, instrumental in the establishment of NAS Meridian which provides 50% of strike/flight pilots in the US Navy and many other roles that serve this nation, and recruited Lockheed Aircraft. He served on the Board of Trustees for Riley Memorial Hospital and guided the hospital through hard financial times to successful operations. Riley Hospital was acquired by Hospital Management Associates and the funds were used to fund The Riley Foundation. As manager of the investment portfolio of The Riley Foundation from its beginning in the late 90's until retirement in 2010, he laid the ground work for the foundation to be able to distribute over $40,000,000 in support of projects that benefit the Lauderdale County area.

Alfred and Lucile Rosenbaum personally endowed scholarships at Meridian High School, Vanderbilt University, Meridian Community College and Community Foundation of East Mississippi. They were supporters of historically significant and community improvement causes such as the restoration of the Densel Carousel in Highland Park, co-contribution of the land and improvements for a park in downtown Meridian.

There are an untold number of locally owned businesses in Meridian and the state of Mississippi that were helped by Alfred Rosenbaum. As a member of the board of First United Bank, Alfred served on the loan committee and was instrumental in getting funds to worthy small business owners that enabled them to establish, grow and prosper in their area of interest. Alfred would devote his personal time, experience and talent without regard for any reward other than the success of the person he was helping. As the last Mayor of the City of Meridian, under the City Manager style of management, Alfred led the city to new levels of economic development from 1977 to 1985.

Alfred was a man of courage. His service during WWII included flying the second aircraft to land at Iwo Jima on day two of the Marine invasion. His mission included dropping replacement arms, ammunition and supplies. Prior to landing, the interior of the aircraft was reconfigured to a hospital plane capable of removing up to 50 injured Marines from the island. He was awarded the Air Medal for heroism during this mission. In the 60's, Alfred was a leader in civil rights efforts and played a major role in rebuilding Christian minority churches and the Congregation Beth Israel temple after it was bombed in 1968.

Alfred's service extended to the entire State of Mississippi. His most notable roles being a member of the Executive Committee, Mississippi A&I Board, and President & Investment Committee Chair, Lauren Rogers Museum in Laurel, Mississippi. He was often contacted by business and political leaders throughout the nation for his counsel and leadership skills.

Alfred was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Lucile Reisman Rosenbaum. He is survived by his daughter Ann Stewart, her husband, Allan, and their daughters, Denise and Tammera and her husband Minor Padilla; daughter Lauren Rosenbaum Brown, her daughter Brittany Brown Rader, grand son-in-law Michael Rader and great-grandsons Riley and Briggs; son Mark (Mike) Rosenbaum, wife Tina, and their sons Jeremy and Zachary; Alfred's sister Maude Fliegleman; and Alfred's brother, Sidney Rosenbaum and wife Betty.

Alfred has donated his body to the study of science at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. A memorial service will be held at the Riley Center in Meridian, MS at 3:00 pm, Friday, March 23. Family visitation will be from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers or food, memorials to Congregation Beth Israel of Meridian, Meridian Community College, Community Foundation of East Mississippi, or your favorite charity will be appreciated.