Don Rosenthal's Obituary
Don Rosenthal, beloved for his bright smile and contagious energy, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on August 15, 2025. Don was a Miami native, born on December 28, 1950, to his loving parents, Herschel and Marjorie Rosenthal. He was the oldest of three children – a proud brother to Alan (Natalie) Rosenthal and Gail Appelrouth.
After graduating from Miami Senior High School in 1968, Don moved to New York City to explore an acting career but soon returned to Miami to enlist in the United States Coast Guard. After proudly serving his country for six years, Don was honorably discharged in 1976. He then began his 40-year career in the mortgage insurance industry, beginning with the Republic Mortgage Insurance Company. Don’s energetic personality, charm, and ability to relate to anyone led him to become No. 1 in sales in the country and a role model for the industry. After 30 years with RMIC, Don spent the rest of his career with Essent Group Ltd., before retiring in 2018. Many of Don’s colleagues and customers became lifelong friends, a testament to the dedication and heart he brought to his work.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Monique; his three children, Matthew Rosenthal, Evan (Fernanda) Rosenthal and Paige (Mitch) Hyman; his grandchildren, Jordan Rosenthal and Shay Hyman; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, along with countless friends and colleagues. Don lived each day to the fullest with laughter, love and joy. He cherished his family and all the friends who became family. Don loved connecting with people, whether through work, playing tennis or golf, working out at the Alper JCC, or spending time with his loved ones. He was known as “the life of the party,” always making people laugh and ensuring they felt valued and important.
Don’s love for people inspired his lifelong mission to give back to his community. Notably, in partnership with the Mortgage Bankers Association of South Florida, Don spent over 30 years as the iconic Jewish Santa Claus at Jackson Memorial Hospital, delivering gifts and joy to every child during the holiday season. In his later years, he continued this effort by reading to the children at Holtz Children’s Hospital.
Don’s life was a life well lived. His radiant smile, positive energy, silly demeanor, and strong character will be forever remembered by all who knew him. May Don’s memory be a blessing that lives on through the love of his family and friends. We will miss him so much.
Donations can be made in Don’s honor to the Dave and Mary Alper JCC, https://www.alperjcc.org or the Holtz Children’s Hospital through Jackson Health Foundation, https://[email protected]. A Temple Service will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Beth Am, 5950 N. Kendall Drive, Pinecrest, FL 33156. Arrangements by Levitt-Weinstein Blasberg-Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapel, (305) 932-2700.
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