JOHN W. ROSEN

'OSEN JOHN WILLIAMS ROSEN Died while undergoing surgery at Fairfax Hospital on Monday, April 13, 2015 at the age of 45. He is survived by his mother, Elinor McKim; his three brothers, Tom, Erik (Melissa) and Jim (Melissa); and his nieces Becky, Emma, Veronika and Clarissa. John was born on October 14, 1969 in Washington, DC with a birth defect known as spina bifida. He was rushed to Children's Hospital where he underwent surgery to close his spine. Most kids born with spina bifida also have hydrocephalus, which translates as 'water on the brain'. At one month of age, a plastic tube known as a shunt was surgically implanted in John, allowing fluid from his brain to drain into his stomach. From the ages of 2 to 10, John underwent numerous surgeries to replace parts of his shunt, as well as to move muscles and nerves from one part of his body to another - in hopes of improving his motor abilities. John did not let his physical disability stop him from leading a full, active life. He graduated from George C. Marshall High School in 1989, and was extremely proud to be a Statesman. Upon graduation, John worked at the Navy Federal Credit Union, where he recently received an award for 25 years of service. Two of John's favorite pastimes were bicycling and billiards. His resourceful father created leg straps that allowed John to ride various forms of 3-wheeled bikes, from the Hot Seat to a custom Bob Jackson racing tricycle. As a youth, John participated in the Special Olympics. As he got older, John took great pleasure and pride playing various sports with his brothers, including ping-pong, frisbee, putt-putt golf, swimming, shuffleboard, badminton; and yes, even soccer. John was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed watching the Washington Redskins, DC United and the Washington Capitals. John became a regular at Capon Springs Resort in West Virginia, where he spent many days hiking with his dad and mom. From a distance, John was identified as the guy with the crutch. But if you had the pleasure of meeting him, you would immediately find that John was the guy with the irrepressible smile and who was the sincerest of friends. Even during John's last struggle to survive, John was polite to all his caregivers. Through his pain and suffering, John thanked his technicians, nurses and doctors. John's death took us all by surprise and he will be missed by all his friends and family. John touched many lives at Children's Hospital, George C Marshall High School, Capon Springs, NFCU, and Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where he served as a greeter and usher. John's face was one of pure joy when his nieces visited him. They learned at an early age how to give him hugs without knocking him over. He reveled in their stories and accomplishments. John became more of a brother to his sister-in-laws as they shared so many experiences over the years. John's brothers will feel incomplete as a trio, especially Jim, who was closest in age and closest in heart to his buddy and little brother. Weeks before John's death, he apologized to his mother, saying that he couldn't help but feel a hole in his heart, left by the passing of his beloved father last year. John's boundless empathy and love for his family may have led to his latest physical ailments. John expressed his feelings in the form of an apology because the one person who has been unconditionally caring for John every day since he was born was his mother, and he did not want to offend her. Without a special mother's devotion, John would not have lived such a full, happy life, and we would not have had the pleasure to know him, and to experience that irrepressible smile. We will miss you terribly John. The courage you displayed and the compassion you demonstrated is an inspiration to us all. We love you. A viewing will take place at Money and King Funeral Home, Vienna Virginia on Friday, April 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Vienna, VA on Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m., followed by a short reception at the church. One hour prior to the memorial service, a viewing will take place in the small chapel at Emmanuel, beginning at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to the Spina Bifida Association, PO Box 17427, Arlington, VA 22216. (http://goo.gl/ZPC33K) (http://goo.gl/ZPC33K) The online guestbook is available at www.moneyandking.com