Phillip Rose

Phillip Rothstein Rose Our dear brother Phillip Rothstein Rose died peacefully in hospice in Palm Springs on Saturday, January 14, 2012, after a prolonged illness. Phil lived life to the fullest and brightened the spirits of all who knew him. Born to Meyer and Mickey Rose on November 22, 1947, he lost his mother to brain cancer at age 5. A year later, his father re-married a widow, Frances Levy Kalman, who raised their combined family as one (six siblings). Phillip adored Frances and readily accepted her as his maternal figure. The children, who ranged in age from infancy to pre-teen, fondly known as the "Ashwood Indians," became a solid, family unit.
Phillip was endowed with extraordinary athletic prowess. At an early age, he excelled in baseball skills; he played for Bellaire High School, graduating in 1965. Later, as a catcher for the University of Houston College World Series finalists1967, he was recognized as one of the Outstanding College Athletes (Third Team All American). After graduating with a BA, he was drafted by the California Angels and played professional baseball in Iowa, Idaho, and Bakersfield CA, reaching as high as AAA in the Angel minor league system.
When he retired from professional baseball in the early 1970s, he began a career in the insurance industry as a claims adjustor with Allstate Insurance. During nights and weekends, he attended law school in Southern California and was admitted to the California State Bar. Phil entered law practice, establishing a thriving personal injury practice in Beverly Hills. Utilizing his "people skills," he showed compassion for the maimed and injured, achieving substantial financial compensation for their losses. Their partnership dissolved in the early 1990s, when Phil relocated his solo practice to Woodland Hills, CA.
Phil's other interests were broad and eclectic: In the late 1980s, he owned the popular restaurant "Picasso," and numerous real estate holdings. Phil was a rock concert promoter in venues around the country, including Yankee Stadium, hosting such talents as The Beach Boys and Willie Nelson. Phil was part owner and co-manager of baseball operations for the AAA Fresno Grizzlies, a farm team for the San Francisco Giants. He was co-partner of a casino in Costa Rico and legitimized sports betting in that Central American country. After retiring from law, he settled in Palm Springs where he was active in daytime derivative trading and sports wagering.
Phil will be sorely missed by his friends and family. Twice married, he had no natural children. He was a caring and lovable uncle to his numerous nieces and nephews. His loyal friendships from college and early adulthood continued throughout his entire life. Phil's "twinkle" and half-smile endeared him to all. Even in death, his stamina and zest for life defied the odds and medical expectations.
Phillip is survived by his siblings and their spouses: Dr. Elliott and Susan Rose, Herb and Jill Kalman, Steve and Dr. Diane Rose, and Dr. Joel Rose, and Drs. Miriam Kalman and Robert H. Friedman, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at the Allen Parkway Beth Yeshurun Cemetery at 1:00 PM, on Thursday, January 19, in Houston. Donations in his memory should be directed to Cougar Pride/U of H Athletics or The City of Hope, in Duarte, CA.