ROSEN, SIGMUND JOSEPH, age 88, of Birmingham, AL, passed away Friday, November 23, 2012. Dr. Rosen was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and as a newly trained young doctor moved to Miami, Florida in 1956 where he resided for over 50 years. The last seven years of his life were spent in Birmingham, AL, surrounded by loving family.
Dr. Rosen was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Elaine Hirsch Rosen, and his parents, Mania and Jacob Rosen. He is survived by his cherished daughters and son-in-law, Lisa and Alan Engel of Birmingham, AL and Debra Ann Rosen of Syracuse, New York; his granddaughters who were the pride of his life, Andrea Haines (Kent), of Chicago, IL, Marci Engel of Seattle, WA and Ilana Engel of Birmingham, AL; and his newly born great-grandson, Oliver Joel Haines. His many friends and family members throughout the country never went long without a phone call from Sig to check on them and stay in touch.
Dr. Rosen graduated from Tulane University and received his medical degree from the Long Island Medical School. He did his residency at Maimonides Medical Center in New York. Dr. Rosen was a Board Certified Hematologist and was the first in this field to practice in Miami, Florida. As Oncology was established as a new medical specialty, Dr. Rosen, always a lifetime learner, took the Board exams, and became a pioneer in the field.
After practicing medicine for over 30 years, Dr. Rosen retired from private practice and turned to his passion, medical research. He dedicated himself to a teaching and research position at the University of Miami Health System, searching for new treatments in Hematology and Oncology.
Dr. Rosen served in the U.S. Army in World War II, fighting bravely for his country in Europe, and received a Purple Heart medal after being wounded in his right arm. Not regaining full use of this arm, he became proficient in using his left hand and not only practiced medicine with this hand but played a mean game of singles tennis several times a week.
The family is grateful to Doc’s compassionate caregivers who surrounded him each day with loving hands and hearts: Frances Brown, Anner Evans, Eddie Pearl Green, Susie Williams, Vachel Goudy, Pam Grier, Helen Gooden, Carol Mathews, and LaQuita Bester.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Elaine H. Rosen Fund of the Birmingham Jewish Foundation, P.O. Box 130219, Birmingham, AL 35213, or a charity of your choice.
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