Joe Rosenblatt passed away July 29, 2018 surrounded by the love and respect of his family and friends. Joe was an enthusiastic and energetic lover of and participant in the arts, with a strong affinity and talent for instrumental music. A credentialed music teacher and administrator, Joe served with distinction in the San Francisco Unified School District, serving as Dean and Assistant Principal of A. P. Giannini Middle School and later as Principal of the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts. Joe had an encyclopedic knowledge of classical music, seemingly able to recall major themes from just about any piece in the repertoire. Joe was a grand adventurer who traveled the world entire, visiting sites that others only dream about. In all, Joe visited 192 countries. His love for travel was equaled only by his passion for symphonic music, opera, ballet and the arts. Not a week went by when Joe was not out and about with his dear wife Bonnie, attending all manner of performances and opening nights. He had complete subscriptions to the San Francisco Symphony, Ballet, and Opera. On other nights he went to sporting events, films and theater. He had an incredible thirst for knowledge, reading every non-fiction book he could get his hands on. Most importantly, Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, a true and loyal friend, and a respected educational leader. He famously knew every single student's name under his care. Hundreds of students have their own "Mr. Rosenblatt stories" of Joe going out of his way to inspire and help them attain their goals. His generosity and kindness were well known and revered. He leaves behind a legacy of humble excellence in all that he did and with all whom he touched.
The memorial service will take place at 12 Noon, Sunday, August 5th at Sinai Memorial Chapel (1501 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94115).
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, 555 Portola Drive, San Francisco, 94131. Please note the donation is for the Joe Rosenblatt Scholarship Fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 3 to Aug. 5, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Joe Rosenblatt

Sponsored by Sinai Memorial Chapel Chevra Kadisha.

15 Entries

Laura Hurley

July 29, 2023

Joe was an amazing individual, outgoing, friendly, always reaching out, including others.
As an counselor, dean and AP I'd run into Joe at meeting, gatherings and parties.

Bill Snyder

February 13, 2020

I realize this late but I was very sorry to hear about Joe's passing. Mr Rosenblatt was my orchestra teacher in 7th and 8th grade at Levittown Memorial High School. He was fresh out of college and so full of enthusiasm. He loved music and teaching students. Condolences to his family.

PS I became a music teacher here in Brooklyn

November 24, 2018

I'm a cousin he was truly a great guy and extremely kind to me and my family

Leila Van Gelder

August 9, 2018

Mr Rosenblatt had a big influence on my life from 7th-9th grade in orchestra. We're talking 1967-70 at APGiannini Jr High School. He raised the bar and expected me to reach it. Otherwise he'd yell til I understood in my young brain that he actually really cared about me. When I figured that out I felt special and very lucky.
His passion for the music was so impressive as he conducted us and waved his baton, piercing us with those amazing eyes and pushing us always to do our best. I'm grateful to have benefited from his very special wisdom.
Although I haven't seen him in 48 years I will never forget this wonderful man.
Condolences to all of his loved ones and may his memory be a blessing to us all.
Leila van Gelder ( Sorrell )

Maurice Rivers

August 7, 2018

I now realize that if you are waiting for someone else to do something for you, it's never going to happen. My high school principal, Joe Rosenblatt, visited 192 countries in his lifetime and was absolutely fearless, absolutely larger than life. The message is this: you are the one that has been waiting to save yourself. You are the only one that can make it happen. You are the one you have been waiting for. Anyone whose life he touched is all the better for it.

Tony Barbieri

August 5, 2018

Condolences to his family. 50 years, and I can hear his voice as if it were today. Some things you never forget, and positive reinforcement is one of them.

August 5, 2018

My sympathies to all of Joe's family. My husband,Jim worked with Joe at Giannini Middle school many years ago, and always enjoyed him, and spoke highly of him.my he rest in peace.
Margaret Diggins

Karen Dresser-Rathe

August 4, 2018

So saddened to hear of your passing. As I grow older I now realize what you and the Dean of Girls Mrs. Murphy were trying to accomplish. While back then, it was hard for us to understand and we continued to rebel. When I think of APG I think of you and Mrs. Murphy and want to say thank you. I wish more teachers TODAY had the same passion about their career choices than what is available today. Back in the day we did not have Fitbit but if we had Mr. Rosenblatt you uwould have blown it up with all the miles you put in running up and down the hallways. You were truly awesome. May you rest in peace and your family find comfort in knowing that you are truly respected and admired.

Patty Reynolds

August 4, 2018

my deepest condolences to hear of the passing of our beloved "Mr. Rosenblatt". No matter what your musical ability encompassed, he made you believe it was inside you ready to blossom. I will forever remember his passion for music, his big smile and nod as he hustled thru the halls of APG ...

May the wonderful thoughts and memories shared be a comfort to your hearts always, especially in these tender days ahead. he was a great teacher.

Patty Reynolds
AP Giannini, 1970-1972

Laura Hurley

August 3, 2018

I will always remember Joe from SFUSD Dean and Administrative meetings, he was always friendly and outgoing. Once time when my boyfriend and I were flying to St. Maarten over Winter Break I saw Joe and his wife on the same plane. While talking with Joe I found out he and his wife hadn't made hotel plans on St. Maarten so I told him to look at the Flamingo where I was staying. They were able to get an unit right on the beach.

Rick Soufi

August 3, 2018

Thank you for your efforts in steering us unruly kids in a positive direction...RIP Mr Rosenblatt

August 3, 2018

You were a great teacher and a man with many, many talents.

Elizabeth Murphy

August 3, 2018

A talented and memorable teacher. His impact still felt and remembered over 40 years later. It's remarkable to think how many lives he touched.

Albert Dumas

August 3, 2018

As I grew older, I understood and appreciated fully, what you offered. A love and passion for this world we live in. Getting into your class and experiencing that environment....was one of the coolest things. Mr.Rosenblatt, you touched lives. "That" is a worthy goal. Peace to you...and peace to your family.

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