Gilbert Malakoff Rosenthal

1925 - 2021

ROSENTHAL, Gilbert Malakoff, 95, lifelong Richmonder, died peacefully at Westminster Canterbury Richmond on Saturday, February 13, 2021.

He was born December 11, 1925, in Richmond to Samuel and Esther (Malakoff) Rosenthal. He graduated in 1942 from Thomas Jefferson High School. He joined the U.S. Navy's V-12 program, attending the University of Richmond and Notre Dame before becoming an officer. After the war, he graduated from the University of Richmond.

After graduation, he joined his father and two uncles at Standard Drug Company, which had grown to be a small chain with stores in Richmond and around Virginia. He helped grow the business and was an excellent merchandise buyer. He was always open and fair with his employees and customers and devoted his time and energy to making Standard a great success with the aid of many loyal, dedicated long-time employees. Standard's 53 stores were sold to CVS in 1993.

Gilbert married Fannie Gunst Straus (daughter of Arthur Lee Straus Jr. and Sonona Meyers Straus) in January 1948.

Gilbert loved Richmond and wanted to share his financial success with the people and the institutions that made up the city. He was known as the "quiet giver" and he and Fannie supported many non-profits in the greater Richmond region. The family foundation started by Sam and Gilbert now continues their legacy of philanthropy. He was a founding member of the Secret Seven, a small group which meets regularly and encourages its members to extend their efforts to support non-profits.

He served on the boards of Jefferson National Bank, American Filtrona Corporation, the University of Richmond, Sheltering Arms Foundation and Temple Beth Ahabah (Board and Trustees).

Gilbert was kind, patient and supportive of family and friends. He was always honest, compassionate, transparent and responsive. His family and many friends will miss his ready knee-slap and hearty laugh, his insistence that he always knew the best roads to take around Richmond and his willingness to lend an ear and a hand to those in need.

He is survived by his children, Jerry (Faye), Jean (Dave Kingsley), Tom (Wendy) and Nancy Belleman (Scott); his grandchildren, Sarah (Morgan Coy), Abigail (Sean Taylor), Jesse (Rachel Pohl), Amy (Derek Pieper), Wade Munroe (Emmalon Davis), Kate Belleman (Aaron Brenner), Liz (Mickey Ryan) and Claire Belleman; his great-grandchildren, Archer Coy, Theo Coy, Nathan Taylor and Sacha Taylor. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces, Larry Creeger, Carol Creeger Pope, Jeffrey Berenson (Adriana) and Craig Berenson (Betsy); and great-nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his first cousin, Barbara Peskin and her children, Andy (Maya) and Mindy Guyer and their children.

He was predeceased by his wife, Fannie Rosenthal in 2013; and by his sister, Louise and her husband, Allan Creeger.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Gifts in his memory may be made to Congregation Beth Ahabah, 1121 West Franklin Street, Richmond, Va. 23220 or online at bethahabah.org, or to your favorite charity.