Search by Name

Search by Name

JOSEPH ROSENTHAL Obituary

Joseph A. Rosenthal Passed away on April 7, 2012 in San Francisco at the age of 81. After a distinguished career in three of the nation's top libraries, Joe professionally retired from his final position as University Librarian at the University of California, Berkeley in 1991. Mr. Rosenthal had served eight years as Associate University Librarian and twelve years as University Librarian. He received his bachelor's degree from Dickinson College and his master's degree in library science from Columbia University. He served as an intern at the Library of Congress (1957-58), and then in increasingly responsible positions at New York Public Library (1958-70). Throughout his career he published articles, participated actively in the activities of many professional associations, served as a consultant and was Principal Investigator on numerous grants from the Department of Education and the National Endowment for the Humanities. He served on the Boards of the Center for Research Libraries, the Public Affairs Information Service, the Association of Research Libraries and the Research Libraries Group. He held many positions of responsibility in the American Library Association and its Divisions including Board of Directors of the Library Resources and Technical Services Division, President of the Information Science and Automation Division, and was elected Councilor-at-Large in 1985. When Joe was appointed the UCB University Librarian in 1979, libraries were just beginning a massive changeover from 19th century methods to becoming modern computerized information centers. He will be best remembered for initiating major programs in conservation, automation, and private funding that guided the Library through a turbulent decade in the 1980's and became increasingly crucial to the intellectual well being of the Berkeley campus. Joe was one of the first to recognize the need to save the great Berkeley collections from ravages of time, use, and environmental deterioration. He was instrumental in starting one of the first conservation departments in a major university library. Today the Berkeley Conservation Department is considered one of the finest in that nation and is still leading local, state, and national programs to conserve, repair and preserve deteriorating collections for scholars of the future. Although born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1929, his friends really considered him a citizen of New York and San Francisco, the two cities he most loved. His life included service in the U.S. Army as a medical corpsman prior to his library career. Following his retirement, he served on the San Francisco Library Commission and volunteered as chief librarian at the American Conservatory Theatre, developing its collections into a professional theatre library. Joe's interests included education, music, opera, literature, theatre, and art. He was a generous philanthropist to many local organizations. He leaves behind many friends and former colleagues. A Memorial Service for Joe Rosenthal will be held on Friday, June 1st at 4:00 p.m. in the Morrison Library of the Doe Library at the University of California, Berkeley. Friends are encouraged to join with this celebration of Joe's life. For further information regarding the Memorial Service please contact, Thomas A. Lucas at [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Apr. 27 to Apr. 29, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH ROSENTHAL

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Mitchell Youngman

April 30, 2012

Dancing in the moonlight, dining across Europe, hiking the sierras, intermissions at the opera, exploring San Francisco, sharing theater and dance, enjoying wine and food at our homes over these last twenty years; just a few of the memories forever in my heart.

Nick Beringer

April 28, 2012

Dear Joe:

What a wonderful friend you were! Your kindness, your warmth and you humility will always be what I remember
most about you.
We had some wonderful conversations about music, opera and philosophy and , we had some great bridge games!
Rest in peace Joe,, thank you for being my friend .I"ll miss
you. Lovingly, Nick

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in JOSEPH ROSENTHAL's name

Memorial Events
for JOSEPH ROSENTHAL

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support JOSEPH's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor JOSEPH ROSENTHAL's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more