Rosalyn Gross Rosenthal

1924 - 2024

Rosalyn Gross Rosenthal

September 18, 1924 - March 20, 2024

Fort Worth, Texas - Rosalyn Gross Rosenthal, a beacon of generosity and a pillar of the Fort Worth community, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 99 ½ years old.

Born on September 18, 1924, in Trenton, New Jersey, to Sadie and David Gross, Roz's journey was one of remarkable achievements and deep connections. Fate serendipitously united her with 2nd Lt. E.M. "Manny" Rosenthal during the throes of World War II, igniting a love story that would endure the test of time and war. Following Manny's return, the couple married and settled in Fort Worth, Texas where Roz quickly became an esteemed member of the community.

Roz's impact on Fort Worth was immeasurable. From her early days, she embraced her mother-in-law Annabel's advice to "join everything," a mantra that saw her immerse herself in the city's philanthropic, religious, and cultural fabric. Roz was not just a participant, but a leader, a driving force for change and support across many organizations. Her efforts ranged from underwriting the neonatal unit at Cook Children's Medical Center to supporting the arts and ensuring the construction of a new temple for Beth-El Congregation. Her legacy includes the endowed clarinet chair at the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Rosenthal Dome at Bass Hall and significant contributions to the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, the American Heart Association, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Planned Parenthood, Oregon Health and Science University-MS Center, Myelin Repair Foundation, and a chair in the MS Center Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Her partnership with Manny was not just personal, but also professional. When faced with financial hardship in the 1960s, Roz's resilience shone brightly as she played a pivotal role in turning Standard Meat Company into a success, all while maintaining her and Manny's commitment to philanthropy. In 1987, Roz and Manny donated funds for the first endowed chair in the United States to provide research and education in meat sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station. That same year, a West Campus building was renamed the E.M. "Manny" Rosenthal Meat Sciences and Technology Center.

Following Manny's passing in 2001, Roz continued to be a driving force for good, leading community projects and serving on numerous boards, including the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, The Cliburn, and the Fort Worth Opera. Her dedication to community service was recognized through numerous accolades, including being honored as a Great Woman of Texas and a Legacy Award recipient in 2016.

Roz's legacy is carried on by her loving family, including her daughter and son-in-law, Marcia and John Mike Cohen; her son and daughter-in-law, Billy and Rozanne Rosenthal; her grandchildren, Erin Cohen, Chloe Cohen, Ashli and Todd Blumenfeld, Madolin and Ben Rosenthal, and Dr. Madelyn Rosenthal; and her great-grandchildren, Ely and Myles Uettwiller, Elanor and Will Blumenfeld, and Hank, George, and Robbie Rosenthal, all of whom reflect the love, strength, and compassion that Roz exemplified throughout her life.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 in the morning Friday, March 22, 2024 at Beth-El Congregation located at 4900 Briarhaven Road, with Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger officiating. Following the service, Roz will be laid to rest in the Beth-El section of Greenwood Memorial Park. The Bearers of the casket will include Alan Benjamin, Jack Benjamin, Todd Blumenfeld, John Mike Cohen, Marvin Lesser, Ben Rosenthal, and Mark Wollens. Honorary Bearers are Will Blumenfeld, Jon Brumley, Howard Katz, Nate Levine, Richard Mellina, Richard Minker, Hank Rosenthal, George Rosenthal, Robbie Rosenthal, Ricky Spiegel, and Ely Uettwiller.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring to make memorial contributions are encouraged to honor Roz's lifetime of giving with gifts to the Alzheimer's Association of North Central Texas, Beth-El Congregation, or the AIDS Outreach Center. Roz Rosenthal's legacy will forever be a testament to a life lived with purpose, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of her community and the lives of those around her.