Sam Rosen Obituary
Born in Secovce, Czechoslovakia, on Dec. 7, 1921, to Esther and Bernard Rosenwasser, Sam had six brothers and five sisters, who along with his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, were killed during the Holocaust. By a great deal of luck and sheer will, Sam was able to survive the atrocities of the war. Shortly after the ceasefire, he met and married his late wife, (Holocaust survivor) Olga Sunyog Rosen. They seized the opportunity to move to America, where they started a new life and began the slow process of building and nurturing a new family.
Living in Scranton, Pa., since 1953, Sam worked in the pretzel manufacturing and brokerage business (National Pretzel/Anderson Bakery/ Jelias Inc.) until he retired at the age of 90. A devoted and active member of the Scranton community, Sam volunteered all of his free time to numerous civic and charitable organizations. Among his greatest contributions was his dedicated effort to educate society about the lessons of the Holocaust. In the past 20 years, Sam has spoken to public schools, universities and community groups of all faiths and backgrounds, reliving the horrors he experienced in order to teach others the lessons of the true impact of bigotry and racism with the mantra of "Never Forget/Never Again."
He is survived by two sons, Raymond (Debby Rubinow), York, Pa.; and Steve (Eleanore' Coutin), Tarzana, Calif. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Lisa (Philip) Kroop, Jessica (Chad) Harvey, Dr. Brett Rosen, Marissa Rosen and Nicole Rosen; and four great-grandchildren, Olivia and Tyler Kroop and Gavin and Hannah Harvey; as well as his longtime beloved companion, Ruth Gelb.
Services will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Temple Israel of Scranton, located at Monroe Avenue and Gibson Street. Shiva will be observed at the home of Raymond Rosen on Thursday, March 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., as well as on Friday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.
Scranton friends may pay their respects to Ruth Gelb at her home (619 Colfax Ave.) on Thursday, March 6, from 1 to 4 and 7 to 9:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sam and Olga Rosen Family Holocaust Fund, c/o the Jewish Federation of NEPA, 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510.
Arrangements are by the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc., Dunmore, Pa.
To offer an online condolence, please visit www.ScrantonJewishFunerals. com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 4, 2014
I used to be Mr. Rosens paperboy when I was a kid. He was always so nice and happy. He would tell me to be careful out there. He gave me good tips and pretzels. I wish I knew he was a holocaust survivor. I would love to go back and spend more time with him. He is an inspiration to all. God Bless You Mr. Rosen.
Vicki W
March 4, 2014
I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Rosen at Wegmans, where I work. There are so many good things to say about him, but the most important would be that "we will never forget". And we will never let future generations forget. RIP sir.
Larry Mark
March 4, 2014
Mr. Rosen will be greatly missed by every child who ever received a pretzel from him and any person who met him. Truly a hero in our midst. As a son of Secovce, we felt a kinship with Sam, since our family emigrated from the Humenne area, a mere 20 miles away. Without Mr. Rosen, I doubt there would have been as string a daily minyan at TI for the past several years. I am grateful for the kindness he showed my family and the rides he gave to my late father in order to attend the minyan. May his memory be for a blessing, and our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and community,
Ray Strohl and Family
March 4, 2014
Never Forget/ Never Again!
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Rich Propper
March 4, 2014
My sincere condolences to you, Ray and Debby, and all the rest of your family.
James Hallock
March 3, 2014
Sam Rosen was one of the kindest and generous person I have ever met.I came to know Sam when I made deliveries to National Pretzel in Scranton Pa many years ago.
Ray Strohl
March 3, 2014
Condenses.
KATHI MARCHEGIANI
March 3, 2014
DEAR RUTH & FAMILY,
SAM WAS TRULY AN ICON. IT SEEMED LIKE HE SHOULD LIVE FOREVER. HE LIVED LIFE TO IT'S FULLEST. A TRUE INSPIRATION FOR LIFE. IN PRAYERS---KATHI
Keith Kleinman
March 3, 2014
RIP Sam! I am a better person because you were my friend! I will miss you!
Sr. John Michele
March 3, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Rosen family and with Ruth. Sam was the kindest, sweetest man I've ever met and taught me so much.
March 3, 2014
To the Rosen Family and Ruth. We are so saddened to lose such an outstanding man, whose warm and caring personality was felt by everyone who had the privilege to know him. He will be missed, but not forgotten. Adele Pollack and Family.
Ephraim Green
March 3, 2014
R.I.P. Mr. Sam Rosen, you've gone through so much suffering in your life, but also through so many enjoyable experiences. Your Holocaust teachings and warm personality will never be forgotten within Scranton.
March 3, 2014
Raymond & Steve:Your Dad & Mom, two great persons to be held in memory! Bill Gondela, Wm.Edw.Flortst
L R
March 3, 2014
Rest in PEACE, Mr. Rosen. We won't forget.
Charles Connell
March 3, 2014
Of all the people I met since moving to Plaza 550 in November, Sam was my favorite. He and I bonded instantly and I truly loved him and will miss him very, very much. My sincere sympathy to all his family.
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