Gil Rosenberg Obituary

Two years ago, Gil Rosenberg wrote an opinion piece for the Herald-Leader, sharing words that helped fuel his drive for helping others.

"I am but one voice among many," the migrant-worker advocate and college sociology teacher wrote in the 2010 article. "But in our country one voice can still count."

Mr. Rosenberg, 57, died Saturday in an automobile crash on Interstate 75 in Fayette County. His family and friends said he lived by those words as he advocated for farm workers, undocumented Hispanics, and others in the Bluegrass.

In the late 1990s, Mr. Rosenberg co-founded the Migrant Network Coalition a broadbased group of public and private organizations advocating for Hispanics.

Mr. Rosenberg believed "in the basic dignity of every person" and advocated for those who had little means of support, said his wife June Widman.

Mr. Rosenberg, who lived in Berea, taught sociology at Eastern Kentucky University's campuses in Manchester and Lancaster and Danville and at Bluegrass Community and Technical College.

In the 2010 Herald-Leader commentary, Mr. Rosenberg said he had been involved in issues of immigration and undocumented workers since 1976 when he worked in an orchard in Oregon during a college break.

Mr. Rosenberg said he worked in a labor camp with 30 undocumented workers from Mexico for four years, doing harvest and fruit-packing work. In Kentucky, he said he worked for UK's Cooperative Extension Service, educating farmers on migrant labor issues when the first migrant workers came to the state.

Mr. Rosenberg worked for migrant health clinics at the University of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University and taught English as a second language for EKU adult education.

"Gil always put the interests of the children and families of the migrant community as a priority. He encouraged the pursuit of education and he sought out opportunities to help those students who wanted to put forth the hard work to achieve their dreams," said Michael Hay, Director of the Migrant Education Program at EKU.

Mr. Rosenberg, in the Herald-Leader commentary, said he worked on a national research project examining immigrant farm-worker issues and wrote a report representing the situation in Kentucky in the 1990s.

More recently, he was supporting passage of the federal Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, known as the DREAM Act, which would allow illegal immigrants who arrived as children and graduated from U.S. high schools to go on to college.

In 2009 and 2010, Mr. Rosenberg also taught English as a second language to the Spanish-speaking ballplayers on the Lexington Legends minor-league baseball team.

"They, too, are migrant workers away from their families," he said at the time.

Wherever he taught, Mr. Rosenberg relayed to his students a message that he carried out in his advocacy work, said Widman.

He believed "every person deserves a chance and by telling their story'' their humanity comes through, she said.In addition to his wife, Mr. Rosenberg is survived by a son and a daughter.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Saint Clare Catholic Church in Berea. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are being handled by Davis & Powell Funeral Home.

-- By Valarie Honeycutt Spears | [email protected]

Published by Lexington Herald-Leader on May 9, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Gil Rosenberg

Not sure what to say?





10 Entries

June, you have my sympathy and my prayers. Your husband obviously shared your commitment to those who need an advocate in our society. I trust you will be encouraged and strengthened as you remember the ones he helped and whose lives will be better because Gil chose to stand up for them. May God bless.

Jack Whitaker

May 13, 2012

We have lost one the most dedicated advocates for migrant farm workers and new immigrants who began his work in the 1970s. And I have lost a great colleague and friend. He and I were founding co-directors of the Migrant Network Coalition. His light will shine on in the hearts of all who knew him and all he touched. Goodbye my friend. I will always remember you and forever miss you. My heart goes out to June, Jess and Greg. I know all our lives are richer having known Gil.

Kathryn Luchok

May 13, 2012

Our community has lost a great man who demanded we "think". Such a loss for the entire state of Kentucky. My prayer for the family is for strength to carry on the great work of this blessed man. He was a great witness for many and now is rewarded by our Heavenly Father.

Susan Thomason

May 13, 2012

Conrad Pfeiffer

May 9, 2012

I will never forget my sociology class my freshmen year of college. You truly were one of those professors who taught me to seize the day.
Thank you.

Chrissy Herren

May 9, 2012

For my friend Gil, You are one of a kind and I will miss you. For June, Jess and Greg -hugs all around from New Jersey to Kentucky

Lorraine Corsale

May 9, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as Gil's departure is a true and traumatic loss for all of us at EKU and Kentucky. My prayers are with you all.

Stephanie McSpirit

May 9, 2012

As a co-worker at BCTC I remember Mr. Rosenberg well. I am very sad at his passing. I wish peace and blessings for his family & friends.

Julie Williams

May 9, 2012

Gil was always such a bright light in our family, and a shining example of expressing his love for all of us. Through his death, I am seeing how many lives he touched, and know his spirit will always carry on in our hearts. To June, Jessy, and Greg, may all the love and wonderful lifetime memories hold you up and give you comfort during this most difficult time. I love you all, and I'll sure miss you, Gil!

Lois Widman Welch

May 8, 2012

Gil will be missed by all who knew this kind, caring soul. I extend my sincere sympathy to his family. He cherished you.

Jeanne Humble

May 8, 2012

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Gil Rosenberg's name

How to support Gil's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished 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 Write an Obituary

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

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
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
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gil Rosenberg's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

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

Read more
Obituary Templates

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

Read more
Obituary Examples

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

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