David Rothenberg Obituary

ROTHENBERG, David Ph.D. 81, of St. Petersburg, died peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007. Born in Detroit, MI, he was a resident of Miami for 50 years and a U.S. Marine prior to a long and successful career as a clinical psychologist. His family and friends were his great joy and he is survived by Trudy, his wife of 36 years; six children; and nine grandchildren. To those that received his unconditional love, now is the time to pay it forward to fill the void. In lieu of funeral services, his humor and optimism will be celebrated with a party on his next birthday.

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

Published by Tampa Bay Times on Sep. 25, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for David Rothenberg

15 Entries

Sonya and Stuart Rapee

October 15, 2007

The following is a rememberance at David's burial at sea on October 13, 2007, from the "Double Eagle" out of the Clearwater Municipal Marina. Many of his friends were aboard for a final goodbye.

Excerpts from The Book of David

I met David in a parking lot before a Miami Beach Power Squadron meeting in the early 1960s. He lingered in the lot a bit, waiting to see if I would park too close or scratch his car with my door. We became fast friends after that, attending classes, studying boat navigation and going to meetings together.

David was fascinated by boats, uncommon cars, cameras and computers. Over the years, he had a few of them. He couldn’t wait to show off his newest proud possession, and he would often invite me for a test drive.

When he got a new 23 foot single engine boat in the summer of 1964, there were a lot of accessories and additional equipment to install. David just couldn’t bring himself to drill holes in his new boat, so it became my job ever after.

Shortly thereafter, David and I were planning a trip to Bimini in his new boat. David had not sold the old one yet and left it tied up near his home on Normandy Shores. The hurricane that threatened our plans took aim on the Bahamas and Miami, and then took a turn to the north, and when it was clear that the storm would not hit, we left to cross the Gulf Stream.

Of course, the storm turned around after it reached South Georgia and returned to ALL the places David had boats, both South Florida AND the Bahamas! And we were now in Bimini! As it approached, I worked to get air tickets home, and David attended to securing his new boat. He hired a Bahamian to check the bilge pump and keep the battery charged during and after the storm. When David finished his arrangements, we waited for a seat on the plane to Ft. Lauderdale. We were huddled in the open-air “terminal” in Bimini. It was more like a carport than something you’d associate with an airline. The wind was roaring and rain was coming through the open areas that served as windows. The crowd was becoming increasingly nervous as the storm neared, wondering when the airline would suspend flights, whether we would get a flight or whether we would have to wait out the storm in Bimini with no accommodations.

Well, we finally got to Ft. Lauderdale on what we were told was the last flight out. David had to sweat out the condition of his house and both his boats. Fortunately, he had no damage to any of the three.

On another boat trip, this time to Freeport, Grand Bahama we went sightseeing towards West End. We stopped in the grocery of a small settlement. While I gorged on homemade chicken and pigeon peas and rice, David had great difficulty deciding on lunch and I couldn’t figure out why. He limited himself to a Coke and a can of tuna. While we never discussed it, after several similar incidents over the years, I realized David avoided many local foods, favoring pre-packaged goods from the US.

Next is story is on Trudy. Sonya David Trudy and I were anchored in David’s houseboat west of Adams Key in South Biscayne Bay. A sudden summer storm came up, and because of the poor bottom, the anchor began to drag. The boat started drifting towards shore, the wind was roaring and it was raining fiercely. I jumped into the water to set a stern anchor and shouted to Trudy to tie the anchor rode to the starboard stern cleat. She didn’t seem to hear me over the noise of the wind, so I yelled to her again. She glared at me, put her hands on her hips, stamped her foot on the deck several times and screamed back “Don’t you shout at me!”

David was a good friend. Always willing to give of himself. David was good company and a thoughtful person. This was one of those cases where both the husbands and wives were all friends and stayed so over the years.

When they moved to St. Petersburg, we continued to visit in Miami and on the west coast. Our last visit together was in December, when David and Trudy were guests in our home. We ware surely glad to have this last chance for all of us to be together.

Jack Reich

October 6, 2007

Dear Trudy & Family
It was with great sorrow that we learned of Dave's passing. Although we didn't know him well, we remember his hospitality on the ocassions we were guests in your home. I still recall the time many years ago at the VA when you were pregnant and were given a baby shower by the SWS staff and Dave came in special to take a group photo of all of us. Those were the days.

May Dave's memory be for a blessing.

Jack & Roz Reich
Hollywood, Florida

John Asgeirson

October 4, 2007

Trudy and Family
I'm very sorry for your loss. Dave was a great fellow and I was lucky to be included in many family events held in Miami and appreciated being included.

Leslie Loewenthal

September 29, 2007

To Trudy and David’s family,

There wasn’t anything that meant more to David than all of you. … his family.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

Your names came up often in my conversations with David when you lived in Miami. He often discussed Trudy and his family as examples of loving behavior and of what was really important in life. Please know how much he loved, valued and appreciated all of you.

I am grateful for having had the privilege of knowing David Rothenberg. To say he made a difference in my life would be a vast understatement. At a time when I lost my family and was uncertain, David was there to guide and help me. I learned so much from him and will always carry those lessons with me. He taught me unconditional love, generosity of spirit, kindness, encouragement, consistency, new ways of looking at things, how to handle difficult situations and people, to take risks and to believe in myself. Had I gotten married, I would have asked David to give me away. I am sad to hear the news and wish I had a chance to say goodbye. I will be forever grateful for all the gifts and blessings that David brought to my life.

To David’s family, I hope you will find great comfort in knowing how much he loved you. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends and by wonderful memories of joyful times.

At any time, please feel free to contact me at 305-576-5310.

Love to all of you,

Joseph Dennison

September 28, 2007

Trudy,
So sorry to hear about David's death. I remember him well from all that he gave me while I was a social worker at the Miami VA. His love for life, his knowledge and skills were just pieces of an amazing man. My life has been enriched by our relationship. Trudy, the best to you during this difficult time.

Joe Dennison

Roy Gonzalez

September 27, 2007

To David's family:Yet again God was gracious to me:I am thrilled I was notified of his illness in time so I could have a last visit with him at the St. Pete hospital. I loved him as I loved my own father. He assisted me with many court cases in Miami beginning in 1973. We shared quality time together as friends. I will miss him. God bless you all. Roy Gonzalez

September 27, 2007

Sir David...never to be forgotten!
XX00 K & K

Jim and Heather Molans

September 26, 2007

Dear Trudy,

I was so saddened to see your husband's obituary. I remember seeing the two of you before you moved, and he was excited about moving to Florida's west coast. I frequently got little snippets of information about your life all through the years that you helped my father at the VA Hospital, and I feel as if I know you and your family in a very personal way. My heart goes out to you and your family now, and I wish you well as you begin your healing process. If there is anything I can ever do for you from here in Miami, please don't hesitate to let me know. You can contact me at (305) 232-2173, 16100 SW 173 Ave. Miami, Florida 33187, [email protected]
Love, Jim and Heather Molans

Stuart Rapee

September 26, 2007

David Rothenberg

To Trudy,
It has been about 40 years since we met David at a Power Squadron navigation class. Since then we had many adventures together, including cruising to the Bahamas (there was the year David had a boat in both Florida and Bimini during a hurricane), Freeport, Nassau, and the overnights in his houseboat in south Biscayne Bay, together with other great times. We celebrated new children, homes, cars and boats. We had lunches and dinners together over the years. We watched your family grow.

So much has happened during our friendship – so much of it good. David represented the qualities of kindness, friendliness, compassion and loyalty that drew him to us. He was a constant and reliable friend sharing his professional, photographic and computer successes. There was always something to talk about and learn from David. He was always a good and caring person.

Sonya was pleased to count David as a colleague later, when she too became a clinical psychologist. There was much to talk about and many professional concerns to share.

It was an honor for me to preside over your wedding so long ago and to have the reception in your honor at our home.

To Stephen, Lisa, Melanie, Bradley, Heather and Jennie,
Sonya and I have known you since you were children and we’ve seen you mature. We constantly heard of and saw your dad’s pride in each of your accomplishments. We feel that he raised you to be industrious and honorable too. You can be proud of your dad.

We look forward to David’s birthday celebration.

Sonya and Stuart Rapée

Noble David

September 25, 2007

Dear Trudy, The news of David's passing was the sad note that informed me, after all these years, of your whereabouts. In my occasional collaborations with David I learned to respect his ethics and his intellect. He deserved all his listed honors and more. Enjoy the birthday celebration of his full and productive life. You were both lucky to have found each other. Convey my sympathy to his daughter. Love, Nobby David

Melanie Rothenberg-Davis

September 25, 2007

Dad,
Thank you for all the love you so easily shared with so many over the years. You will be missed but not forgotten. Your love of others and of life was so freely given. Your camera lens could only capture a glimpse of that beauty and love. Thank you for sharing your love of photography with me. "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you" (Phil. 1:3)
Love,
Melanie

Barbara Howie

September 25, 2007

My deepest sympathy to all of David's family. You were very fortunate to have such a man in your lives. I hope the happy memories will carry you through these difficult times.

david rich

September 25, 2007

in foundest memory of a fine man doctor--i'll always remember you. david z. rich

Melanie Rothenberg-Davis

September 25, 2007

Thanks for all the love you so easily gave to all of us over the years. Your love for others coupled with your love of life is how I will remember you. Your camera lens could only capture some of that beauty and love. Thank you for sharing your love of photography with me. You will be missed but not forgotten. I love you.
Love,
Melanie

Shayna Stein

September 25, 2007

Dear Trudy,

How sad I felt for you as I read about David's death this morning. I hope you are doing okay. When things settle down and you are able, please write to me. I am leaving my e-mail address here. Be well, my old friend. I will say a prayer today for David and for you.
Much love,
Shayna

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