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Jerald L. Rosenthal

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Temple University University of Pennsylvania

FUNERAL HOME

Reese Funeral Home, Inc.

911 North Second Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Jerald Rosenthal Obituary

ROSENTHAL JERALD L., of Harrisburg, PA. Died on Fri. at the Harrisburg Hospital. He was born in Phila. He graduated from Temple Univ. with a BS Degree in Education and then graduated from the Univ. of Pennsylvania with a Masters Degree in Education. He began his career in education in the school district of Philadelphia in 1961. He is survived by his wife the former Arlene Shubin, 2 children Stephanie Zacharias of Churchville, PA and Alan Rosenthal of Pittsburgh, PA, 2 grandchildren and a brother Bernard Berg. Funeral services will be held on Sun. 11 A.M. in Harrisburg, PA. Int. will be on Mon. at The King David Memorial Park, Bensalem, PA. REESE FUNERAL HOME, INC. is in charge of the arrangements.

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Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News on Jan. 5, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerald Rosenthal

17 Entries

January 3, 2004

It has been a year since the loss of our beloved friend, mentor, and teacher, Mr. Rosenthal. Throughout this past year, I have found myself sitting in silence several times, as I am tonight, simply thinking about the way in which he has affected my life, not only as a student, but as an individual. While I can see the influence of Mr. Rosenthal in my writing, through my words, I am also able to recognize the extent to which he has contributed to my life through my thoughts and actions. Mr. Rosenthal was a man of character and compassion and all of those around him felt the strength of these qualities, as he willingly embraced anyone that he had encountered. Like many of those who were fortunate enough to be under his instruction, I have not, nor will ever forget the way that he has influenced my life. When writing a paper, I rewrite it over and over again to attain what I know I am capable of, and in my daily activities, I continue to strive for all of my goals and will not settle for anything less. This is not taught in many classes, yet Mr. Rosenthal's class was indeed unlike any other. I learned many lessons from him that continue to have an impact my life and for this I am forever thankful. While under the guidance of Mr. Rosenthal, he helped me to recognize what I was capable of, both inside and outside of the classroom. I only hope that in the future, I too will be able to reach so many individuals and help them to recognize their potential as he did with not only myself, but with hundreds of others.

Brennan Rhodes

January 16, 2003

Thank you Mr. Rosenthal for all that you've done for me. Thank you for believing in me not just as a writer, but as a person. I have learned so much from you not only in literary terms but in the daily aspects of life. You taught me courage and to belive in yourself especially when others may be discouraging you. You gave me so much more than the average teacher and I just want to thank you. I will miss you more than you'll ever know.

With love and admiration

Brennan Rhodes

Margaret DeAngelis

January 7, 2003

We learn in the Retreating

How vast an one

Was recently among us --

A Perished Sun

Endear in the departure

How doubly more

Than all the Golden presence

It was - before -

-- Emily Dickinson

I was an English teacher for thirty years before retiring to write fiction and literary nonfiction. Be assured that I am not easily impressed, nor would I trust just anyone with the writing and literary education of my daughter. I held Mr. Rosenthal in the highest regard as a teacher, as a writer, and as a person. I am deeply grieved at his passing not only because a great man is gone but because Lynn did not have the fullness of two years of study with him. Yet I know the foundation that he laid for her and for her classmates will serve them well through these coming difficult weeks, as the example he set for them will serve them for the rest of their lives.

Keren Shefet

January 6, 2003

Dear Mr. Rosenthal's family and friends,

I do not know where to begin to tell you about how Mr. Rosenthal helped me. Like the many other students that have expressed their love for their teacher, I too enjoyed the class and learned a lot about literature and history combined. Yet the most significant memory and lesson I have from Mr. Rosenthal came the day he began to tell us about his writing. He said that he was going to give us an essay of his but it was not done. He had been working on it for many years, but a writing is never done. He explained that everything is a draft that can always be fixed. Thank you Mr. Rosenthal for telling me it is okay to be a perfectionist. But most importantly, I have never put down an essay or a letter, any piece of writing without proofreading it at least a dozen times. I never hand in a work until I agree it is my best, I refuse to put it down. I work hard for that 10 + and strive to meet the standards everytime. Thank you for your lessons, confidence in writing, compassion, wisdom, passion and most of all, the 10 + that I must always reach.

Mr. Rosenthal will always remain in my heart and most of all, in my mind.

To his family, thank you for sharing him with us because a good laugh can brighten anyones day.

My thoughts and love to you all,

Keren Shefet

Danielle Shefet

January 6, 2003

To Mr. Rosenthal and loving friends and family;

Mr. Rosenthal is and will always be the exact definition of a good teacher. Memories of him falling out of his chair or stories about Ollie and the fourth floor pool will always be in my mind. He taught me how to write and taught me lessons that I will also use. The loss of Mr. Rosenthal creates a gap in STHS which will never be filled in. Mr. Rosenthal is a one of a kind man. He was grieve stricken when one of his students died and we all could tell that he loved each and everyone of us uniquely. Mr. Rosenthal, you will never be forgotten and we all love you.

Bethany Bagley

January 6, 2003

Mr. Rosenthal was such an amazing person. He was always there for his students, whether as a teacher, mentor, or friend. I always took his advice very seriously, and trusted everything he said. He had such a presence; you could not help but respect him. I know I will never have another teacher quite like him, and no one will be able to fill his shoes. It was too soon for him to go. He will always be remembered and missed, for he has left an imprint on everyone's hearts. Mr. Rosenthal, thank you for everything.

Janelle Pham

January 6, 2003

Mr. Rosenthal was not only a great teacher, but a friend as well. I know that I will never have another teacher as influential as him, and my only regret is not having the chance to tell him thank you for the impact he has had not only on my education, but on myself as a whole. I was truly blessed to have him in my life. Heaven now shines brighter than ever.

Amanda Dougherty

January 6, 2003

Though I never had Mr. Rosenthal as my teacher, I couldn't help but see his effect on all his students. They spoke of his class with a sense of accomplishment-through all the work he gave them they became better writers, better thinkers, and better people. He not only taught them the curriculum, but valuable life lessons that they will undoubtedly use. Since I didn't know him as well as they, I'm not as horribly influenced by his death, just shocked and sad. I knew him as "Rosy", "J Ro", and so many other nicknames that he was given. I knew he had a passion for teaching, students, his family, friends, and cat. The teacher that brought the students of STHS and many other schools learning and friendship for so many years is gone, leaving behind a sea of well educated, tearful students and friends. I know I will miss him.

To his family - the loss of such a great person will never, ever be easy. Know that if you ever need someone to talk to, there are about tens of thousands of people who are here for you - all the people who knew Mr. R. He will be in my heart and in my prayers forever - and so will you. May God grant you peace and comfort.

--It is going to be a really well educated heaven....because I know everyone up there will be doing his labs!

January 5, 2003

Everyone had a favorite teacher in High School, Mr. Rosenthal was mine. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Josh Kwiatkowski

January 5, 2003

Mr. Rosenthal was a good man and the kind of person you never forget. He never gave up on his students -- even us hard cases. He will be missed.

Laura Sample

January 5, 2003

Jerry, you taught me so much about being a person of integrity, who lives and loves passionately. The way you adored and cared for Arlene should be a model for all married people. The way you taught and loved your students should be regarded as the very best education a parent could hope for. An extremely bright light has been extinguished here on earth, but you, undoubtedly, will be among the brightest lights from above. I am ever thankful to you for being an honest and true friend, an amazing mentor and colleague, and a wonderful father figure. I will always remeber your toast to Doug and I at our wedding. Today, I make a toast to your life well-lived. With much love, Laura Sample

Briana Ellis

January 5, 2003

As a "former" student of Mr. Rosenthals, I can tell from the way he carried himself that he cared about every action he took in life. From his family to his teaching and even to his cats Ollie and PJ, he cared. As I would walk from my 9th period class to Mr. Rosenthal's class my entire mood would change knowing that his sense of humor would scare all of my troubles away. The thought of one of his student's not feeling well or just a student who was tired always distracted him from the lesson just to check up on them, he cared. He spoke of his family daily and was always speaking of them with good words, never bad, he cared. Teaching was his passion, he was always open to options as long as you supported your concept. From the cliches to the rhetorical you Mr.Rosenthal was a great teacher. No argument could prove this wrong and there is no evidence that supports this. Mr. Rosenthal your deserve a 10 +. My condolences and love go out to the family of this once in a lifetime man who cared.

Briana Ellis

Class of 2005

Chelsea Jones

January 5, 2003

Well I only had the pleasure of being in Mr. Rosenthals class for half of a school year. It had been a while before I had a real good teacher and I was more then dissapointed to know that he had passed on. I felt that I could have learned so much from him and that a year with him would have helped me for the rest of my school career. It seems selfish at a time like this that I can only think of myself and my future but I knew that is what Mr. Rosenthal strived for us to see. He knew how much he could help us and I now know the magnitude in which he could. I'm thankful for the time I had in his class and I wish it could have been more. I will pray for his family that they have peace in their hearts and know that he will forever be remembered. No one will ever know how many lives he touched.

- Chelsea

Linda Rhodes

January 5, 2003

I had just written this email to Jerry. (Brennan is my daughter). He truly was a gift to so many young people -- I'm so glad that Brennan's life journey included "Mr. Rosenthal" ...my heartfelt sympathy to his family.

Jerry: How nice to see that all of your wonderful work and passion for teaching is recognized statewide! You had a wonderful influence on Brennan -- and it wasn't just in writing. You offered her a role model of someone who stands up for his convictions. We're all very glad that you love the classroom. Keep touching lives.

Best wishes for the New Year!

Laura (Steinig) Almirall

January 5, 2003

Mr. Rosenthal was an extraordinary teacher. He was an inspiration and a mentor to me in my own career as an English teacher. This is a huge loss for me and for all of his students. I will miss him terribly.

SHARON MCHALE-COWHER

January 5, 2003

MY FAMILY'S THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN!

Bob and Sandy Michelson

January 4, 2003

We are deeply saddened by the word of Jerry's death. We talked to him only last week about his winning the State Teacher of the Year award, when he called to thank us for a card we had sent. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to his family and our prayers are with them.

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