Dr. William Rosenberg's Obituary
Rosenberg, Dr. William, 82, a long time educator and resident of Miami and Pembroke Pines, passed away on April 11, 2013 from complications from heart disease and a stroke in 2008. William was born in New York City on June 8, 1930. He was predeceased by his parents Harry and Sarah (nee Werbin) Rosenberg. Also predeceased by his sister, Miriam (nee Rosenberg) Cherney, his brother-in-law, Mike Cherney and sister, Sylvia Rosenberg. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Floraine (nee Unger) and his loving children, Dr. Steven H. Rosenberg of Redondo Beach, California and Alana (Jay) Rothlein of Miami Beach, Florida. He was an adoring “Poppi” to his 5 grandchildren: Carly Rothlein, Joshua Rosenberg, Stefany Rothlein, Kyle Rosenberg and Naima Rosenberg. He also leaves behind his wonderful brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ray and Sandra Unger of Bronx, New York and his nieces and nephews: Hal, Ronnie Beth, Suzanne and Howard.
William was born during the Great Depression and his parents, both immigrants from Eastern Europe, spoke only Yiddish. One of his first jobs was a shoe shine boy in front of Tavern On The Green. He was the first person in his family to attend college, graduating from Oswego State Teachers College in upstate New York, where he met his wife, who was also studying to be a teacher. Upon graduation, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his discharge, they married and settled in Levittown, New York where he later went to Hofstra University to obtain his Masters Degree in Education. In 1960 they moved to the Norland area of Miami where he began his teaching career with Miami-Dade County Public Schools. He started at Sabal Palm Elementary teaching 6th grade mathematics and he also taught math during summer school at Norland Junior High. After a few years, he began a long career as a school administrator, becoming Assistant Principal at West Little River Elementary School and later Assistant Principal and ultimately Principal at Orchard Villa Elementary in Liberty City, where he was known for his strong leadership and support for the community and students. Years later, he received an honorary Doctorate from Florida Memorial College, Miami’s only historically black college in Miami. William also served as Principal at James L. Bright Elementary in Hialeah until his retirement in 1992. He mentored many teachers and administrators during his career.
In Addition to education and administration, William had a parallel and successful second career in insurance business, helping countless individuals and families save for their retirement. He became a trusted advisor to many educators and relished working hard to help others. He worked with insurance companies including Lincoln Benefit Life and ING (formerly Northern Life) where he was one of the top 1% licensed agents in the country for many years.
William understood the value of education and hard work and imparted this to his children and grandchildren. He was a self-taught, but very skilled investor and really enjoyed investing in the stock market, especially after his retirement. He also enjoyed traveling the world, visiting all great art museums, attending the theater with friends and family, going to Miami Heat games and spending time with his grandchildren in Miami and California. William possessed abundant love for his family and was known for his generosity, his gift of gab, and his warm hugs and for making his “signature” French toast for his grand-kids. He loved life and lived it fully. William will be sorely missed but his memory will live on in the familiar jokes and beautiful memories he left us. The family would like to thank his loving caregivers, Clevena Robinson, Sharon Wood Raina, Ivy Francis and Ionie Pitters, who took exceptional care of William over the last 4 ½ years and Hospice by the Sea, which provided comfort in his final days. Contributions in William’s memory can be made to The American Heart Association, any program supporting the arts or to the charity of your choice.
Funeral Services will be held at the Chapel at Lakeside Memorial Park at 10301 NW 25 Street, in Miami, Florida at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2013 under the direction of Levitt Weinstein NMB (305) 932-2700. The family will sit Shiva at the home of Alana and Jay Rothlein immediately after the service.
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