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Milton Rosenberg Obituary
of San Francisco passed away peacefully in his home. In his 90th year, he is survived by Martha, loving wife of 66 years, sons Bruce, Stuart (and wife Debbie), and daughter Robin Cerf (and husband Dan) and grandchildren Jordan, Bradley, Josh, and Kara who all loved him very much. Family was extremely important to him, and he touched the lives of many, including countless patients under his care during his 60 years of medical practice. He was always interested in hearing about others, while modest in sharing about himself so that few knew of his life long accomplishments.
Born Sept 13, 1923 in Morristown, New Jersey, Milton graduated Phi Beta Kappa from University of Virginia in 1943, and earned his Medical Degree, also from University of Virginia in 1946. Shortly after he enlisted in the armed forces, stationed in the US Army Surgical Unit in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was elevated to Captain and honorably discharged in 1950. Stanford University then offered Milton a Professorship during which time he received several awards and commendations including induction as both a Giannini Foundation Fellow, and a prestigious Graham Fellow. Simultaneously, he completed intensive renal research at the Peter Bent Bringham Hospital in Boston, MA after which he became the first doctor on the west coast with such knowledge of artificial kidney usage and dialysis treatment, now a widely utilized practice.
As Mt. Zion Hospital's Chief of Urology from 1968-1982, and in private practice for much of his career, Milton was universally beloved by all and renowned especially for his tremendous bedside manner. Patients have admitted to making appointments to see him, even when there was nothing wrong, just to have some time with "Dr. Milt."
Milton's research and achievements were widely celebrated by the American Medial Association and the American Urological Association, with works published in multiple Journals and trade publications.
A longtime congregant of San Francisco's Temple Emanuel and perennial philanthropist and supporter of the Arts, Milton was one to put others' comfort above his own. His signature wit and humor "Poppie-isms" as they were known, as well as his devotion to his family and compassion for others will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
In leiu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Jewish Family and Children Services, designated for the Rosenberg Family Fund, 2150 Post St, SF, 94115 or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Milton Rosenberg
Don Foree
June 1, 2020
The litany of accolades for Milt written at the time of his transition to the next stage remains. This anniversary is a great reminder of the man with whom we shared life. He was a man of eminent integrity, one with whom I would trust my life. Happy anniversary, Milt, we look forward to the grand reunion, and seeing your welcoming, smiling, gracious face. Peace, Mary and Don Foree
Eugene Spake
July 29, 2014
This really Was a fantastic physician! I wanted my wife to meet him just to get a sense of it...which she did. He took
the time to follow my medical path between infrequent visits to his office. He wanted to know what I thought first before offering advice.
Gordon Brownell
February 21, 2014
Dr. Rosenberg was a wonderful physician and a wonderful man. I remember him with great fondness and respect.
October 17, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met and the nicest doctor I had. When he did a procedure on me a dozen or so years ago, he gave his home phone number to my wife in case she wanted to ask him anything and called me each of the next couple of nights to make sure I was OK.
He was a great man. He will be missed.
Robert Westerlund
Bart Gershbein
June 30, 2013
Stuart...Well said...your dad will be missed in many ways...Just this past week one of my patients recalled Dr Milt Rosenberg in glowing terms and he had not seen him in decades...He made patients feel cared for ...an unusual skill always making sure they were remembered in some way. He had people skills which came easily to him, rarely seen these days... encouraging to colleagues and patients alike...We can all learn something from him and the way he interacted with people...he had a good sense of humor, humility and a realistic understanding of life's frustrations.
May his memory give you strength.
Stuart Rosenberg
June 29, 2013
Thank you all for your kind words about my Dad. He was a special man but would be so pleased to know so many are thinking about him.
Lee Schwartz
June 27, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Rosenberg Family with the passing of our friend Dr Milt. He was a distinctively kind and generous person and taught me much about how to care for our patients. I greatly enjoyed our many conversations at Mt. Zion and appreciated his love and concern for his family.
June 26, 2013
A Master Mason for 55 years.
Soft and safe to thee, my brother, be thy resting place! Bright and glorious be thy rising from it! Fragrant be the acacia sprig that there shall flourish! May the earliest buds of spring unfold their beauties o'er thy resting place, and there may the sweetness of the summer's last rose linger longest! Though the winds of autumn may destroy the loveliness of their existence, yet the destruction is not final, and in the springtime, they shall surely bloom again. So, in the bright morning of the resurrection, thy spirit shall spring into newness of life and expand in immortal beauty, in realms beyond the skies. Until then, dear brother, until then, farewell!
The Officers and Members of Pacific-Starr King Lodge # 136, F.& A.M
San Francisco
Dr Mike Wener
June 24, 2013
How will be remembered.
Barbara Jones
June 18, 2013
Dr. Rosenberg saved my life and think of him often. He was the sweetest, most caring doctor and I will never forget him. Such a loss!
Mickey Rokeach
June 11, 2013
It was a real pleasure knowing Milton for all these years, both at Mt. Zion and at CPMC. The best way to describe Milton would be that "he was such a sweet man". He will also be missed at the doctor's dining room where I last ran into him.
Bonnie Ransom
June 11, 2013
Robin, So sorry for the loss of your father. Such a beautiful obit in the SF paper. You and your family are in my prayers.
Jeffrey Swisher, MD
June 11, 2013
One of the kindest men I have had the privilege to know and work with. My thoughts for his family and friends who will miss him tremendously. He was truly a giant among his peers and an inspiration to all.
Ellen
June 10, 2013
Dr. Milt was a wonderful doctor. He was doctor not only to me, but to my grandfather, father, etc. We would talk about music. He told me he use to be friends with Benny Goodman and played in the garage with him. He was the role model of what a great doctor should aspire to. He will be missed by all. My deepest condolences to the family.
Melissa Holmes Snyder
June 9, 2013
To the entire Rosenberg Family, Dr. Rosenberg was an exceptional person, in his work and as a family man. I was great friends with his daughter in high school and went with her family to Hawaii over Christmas. As teens we wanted to play on the beach, but one afternoon he said he had a arranged a date for me with him the next morning. We met for breakfast, then, as it was my first time in Hawaii, he took me to see the Pearl Harbor Memorial. He said he couldn't forgive himself if I didn't see it. What a kind and honorable man.
Gary Case
June 9, 2013
I had the good fortune to not only do business with Dr.Rosenberg and his family but to count him as a close friend and mentor. He was a wonderful and kind person that always put his family first.
All of our lives were blessed by having known him.
He will truly be miss by all.
Terry Christman
June 9, 2013
Dr. Rosenberg took care of me after I had a severe prostate infection in my early 30's in 1972. I remember he said we are going to do a "Roter Router" surgery and you will be fine. His great sense of humor allowed me to handled this procedure. Medicine has lost a great man and I am sure a wonderful husband, father and grand father.
June 9, 2013
My heart goes out to the Rosenberg family on hearing of Milton's passing. How fortunate I am to have reconnected with him, Martha and the family at Jeremy and Monica's wedding in Monterey in April. Seeing them celebrate my son and his new bride's happiness was a gift I will treasure always.
Jeremy Silk
June 9, 2013
My great - uncle Milton was a wonderful, kind generous man. He was an inspiration to me during my own medical training. He will be missed.
Mary & Don Foree
June 9, 2013
The author of Milt's obituary eminently captured the heart and soul of a truly wonderful man. As we desire to see, to know, to love and be loved by God, we need look no further than to experience God's presence so beautifully reflected in Milton Rosenberg. This man - so bright, so kind, so humble and self-effacing, so inclusive and focused on whomever he met, so overflowing with humor - will be sorely missed were it not for the consoling memories of him imprinted in our hearts. We are so much better folks for having known Milt. Now with Martha, Robin and all his lovely family we are brought closer together on this journey until we meet again at the Great Feast. As we mourn our loss we are reminded that in death life is changed not ended. Milt, we love you, Mary and Don
Bradley Kulman
June 8, 2013
Milton had a wonderful ability to make everyone around him feel special. His good humor, caring and interest in others were infectious and could brighten the most difficult days. My family and I miss him dearly. Our deepest condolences to the Rosenberg/Cerf families. Much love, Brad
June 8, 2013
Stuart, sorry for your loss.
Greg Marell, Oakland CA
June 8, 2013
When Jack and I moved to Seacliff, one of the first people to welcome us was Martha with a gorgeous wreath she had made for our front door, as well as an invitation to their club; and it was the formation of a wonderful friendship with two of the nicest people in the world. Jack and I and our entire family are so very saddened to learn of the great loss--to his family, his patients, his friends. Milt was one of a kind--a unique, beautiful man. With all my love, Dorothy Leylegian
June 7, 2013
I had the privilege of being one of Dr. Rosenberg's patients in 2006. His exquisite manners and gentlemanly approach to this patient was something I will never forget. He was a close friend of the late and great Rabbi Fine of Temple Emanuel who had been my teacher at SFSU. One feels a big void when people of such high caliber pass. My sincere condolences go to his entire family.
Mr. William A. Mc Guire
City College of San Francisco
June 7, 2013
raquelbuenrostro
Kathy Graham-Snyder
June 7, 2013
Dr. Milton was one of the best doctors I've ever worked with. It was a pleasure when he was in the office. He will be truly missed by the "old" staff at 2186. To Mrs. Rosenberg, my deepest condolences to you. He was well loved by many patients & friends and he was a very compassionate and caring man. He will be missed.
Fondly,
Kathy Graham
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