Malcolm Maurice Rosenberg

Malcolm Maurice Rosenberg, born November 3, 1928, died Sunday, September 2, 2007. Mr. Rosenberg was predeceased by his parents, Lake and Bessie Rosenberg. After attending the University of Virginia and graduating from the University of Miami, Mr. Rosenberg returned to Roanoke. He owned Oak Hall Cap and Gown, which had its roots in Oak Hall, M. Rosenberg and Sons started in 1889 by his grandfather, Morris Rosenberg. Oak Hall Cap and Gown evolved into a major force in the academic, choral, pulpit and judicial apparel business. Mr. Rosenberg pioneered the fabric souvenir cap and gown, revolutionizing the industry, which had been exclusively rental. Mr. Rosenberg was a philanthropist at heart with his main interest being charities supporting the State of Israel and Jewish organizations. He served on the Young Leadership Cabinet of the United Jewish Appeal and later as a member of its National Cabinet. He served on the Friends of Tel Aviv University Board. He was a member of the 400 Club in Norfolk which is composed of leaders of the Norfolk Jewish community. He was a life long member of Beth Israel Synagogue in Roanoke and served as a past president and chairman of the board. In 1996 Mr. Rosenberg endowed the Malcolm and Diane Rosenberg Judaic Studies program at Virginia Tech which enabled students to attain a minor in Jewish Studies as a part of their degree in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. Mr. Rosenberg complemented the academics of Judaic Studies by joining the board of Hillel at Virginia Tech and supporting the engagement of students outside of academics.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Diane Rosenberg; his sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren, Rick and Rebecca Rosenberg, Sarah, Lake, Abby and Gabe of Chapel Hill, N.C., Dr. Stephen and Eliane Rosenberg, Talia and Lucas of Atlanta, Ga.; and a daughter, Elise Rosenberg of Hallendale Beach, Fla. He is also survived by a sister, Mildred Ann Rosenberg of Washington, D.C. and his mother-in-law, Betsey Mattox of The Glebe, Daleville.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel with Rabbi Lawrence Forman officiating. Interment will follow at Beth Israel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hillel at Virginia Tech, Attn: Sue Kurtz, P.O. Box 708, Blacksburg, Va. 24063 or Saint Francis of Assisi Service Dog Foundation, 8232 Enon Dr. Roanoke, Va. 24019. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 982-2100.