Samuel Rothberg

Boys Town Jerusalem mourns the passing of a legendary leader whose committment to Israel and the Jewish people will endure as an everlasting legacy and blessing.

Sam was a wonderful and great friend to me growing up. I will never forget the generosity he showed me.

Sam was a wonderful man and such a good friend to my father, Jay, and our whole family. I have many happy, and often funny, memories of him from my childhood in Peoria, and I treasure the words he spoke at my father's funeral. I was amazed when I went out into the big world that so many people I met knew "Uncle Sam." Jean, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.

I am reminded by my Uncle David Oxenfeldt of all the times my father Stanley Bernstein and Sam agreed and disagreed over issues of importance in the volunteer lives each led in Peoria and certainly Sam well beyond the borders of Illinois. My father, should he be alive today, would have suffered a great loss as he counted in the sporty bantering and times of debate. I know my memories still remain -- times shared in your home as a young child of Peoria. My hope is that in time you will all...

The children, teachers and Board of Directors of Peoria Hebrew Day School express their condolences to the Rothberg family. We are gratified to the many children's lives he influenced through the support he demonstrated to Jewish/Hebrew education.

Michael and Patrick
Condolences to your families. We would be fortunate to live such a long and productive life.

Growing up in Peoria, Sam Rothberg was 'simply' Heidi's Dad. It wasn't until I began my grad studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem that I became aware of Sam's role in the larger world. He helped my family in uncountable ways while we lived in Jerusalem, from scholarships that I never applied for (!) to the bear blanket at the birth of my younger (which she still cuddles up in evenings in the winter). It is hard to imagine where my career would be today without his concern for us.The ...

Dear Jean, et al,
Our condolences to you all. Sam was certainly a very giving person and a credit to Peoria, Israel, and to the world.
Bart and Shirley Rochman
Oro Valley, AZ

Dearest Jean
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Sam was a giant among men and set the standard for Jewish leadership. It was an honor and privilege to work with him in the Israel Bond Organization and to be mentored by such an outstanding individual. My late husband Saul Volchok, and I felt enriched to have known both of you.