Robert was born on May 6, 1937 to Mike and Bess Rosenthal in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up with his older brother Donald, AKA…the crazy fun Uncle Don. Robert was affectionately known as "Bobbie" by his mom.
One can only imagine the fun he had growing up in the 1950's on the streets of Brooklyn with his "cronies", as he called them. Bob would often head to Ebbet’s Field early to try to catch a ball tossed into the centerfield stands by his favorite Brooklyn Dodger, Duke Snyder. Or he would crash a friend’s party trying to scare them after seeing the movie "The Thing". Bob went by many nicknames, from Whitey (playing football for James Madison High School) to Rosie.
In the summers, Bob ran around the Catskills from resort to resort, until he met Helen, the love of his life. Helen was a beautiful gal from Queens, and just like that, he left the rest behind. When meeting Helen's parents, Murray and Pauline Perlman, Robert "the artsy Graphic Designer" had her mom ask if she could "sew holes in his jacket", not realizing that was the style. He politely declined.
It was the beginning of a true love story. Bob and Helen eventually moved into a mustard yellow house, at 2929 Len Drivein Bellmore on Long Island, and their love blossomed into their three children, Larry, Michele and Steven.
60 years later, their love found its way to Greenbriar at Whittingham in Monroe Township, NJ. There they found a second lease on life. Then they finally settled in Boca Raton Florida after years of snow-birding.
Everything Bob did was BIG and LOUD. He just wanted everyone in the room to know that he had arrived, whether it was getting just the right table for dinner, so Helen wouldn't be under the AC vent, or teaching his kids how to cheer for his beloved New York Mets. Robert was always happy and proud of his little family. And there was nothing he wouldn't or couldn't do for them.
Like the time he and Helen brought Larry to portfolio day at Pratt Institute, or as Robert viewed it, the Harvard of art schools. By luck of the draw, Larry got interviewed by the Chairman of the Industrial Design Department, whom, after looking at his portfolio just walked away leaving three people with concerned looks on their faces. But when he returned, he offered Larry a scholarship. To our dad, this was the ultimate accomplishment. Four years later, Larry was the first Rosenthal to graduate college, and they couldn't be prouder.
Michele was always his "little girl". So, when she was worried about leaving for Ohio State graduate school and being on her own for the first time, Bob surprised her with a Scarlet Red Mustang. He put a big red bow on it in the driveway, and then drove her all the way to Ohio to help alleviate her fears. Then in typical Robert Rosenthal style, he set her up in her first "big girl" apartment, in first class fashion. Then he spoiled his grandchildren, Jennifer and Jason, just like his daughter.
And then there’s Steven, the baby of the family, who has grown into a family man just like his dad. At Steve’s wedding, Bob was glowing and told his son, he just saw Keira, and she looked like Grace Kelly. He couldn't have been prouder for Steve to start on his journey as a family man with such a beautiful bride. Then there was the sheer excitement of hearing his son say his granddaughter’s name “Lila Liberty!” for the first time. And the pride in sharing his grandson Sam's first Mets game with Steve at their second home, Shea Stadium.
Bob gave 100% of himself to his family, and took care of them for over 60 years. And he loved his wife Helen until the very end. Bob lived for Helen, and his love for her was more than anyone could ever understand. And his love for Larry, Michele and Steve, was more than they could have ever hoped for.
One of the things that will be missed most is the way Bob delivered the Passover line... “LET MY PEOPLE GO!” He always said it with such strength, robust energy and excitement. Bob will always be remembered that way, along with Helen just "giving him the look”, while the rest of the family loved him for it.
Now it’s time to “let him go" - to Helen. To a beautiful place, where rain delays don’t exist, and he can be at peace with Helen, and start their 61st year of marriage together. They both will be loved forever.
Robert Rosenthal will be laid to rest at Beth Israel Cemetery 1098 Woodbridge Center Dr., Woodbridge, NJ 07095.
The family wishes to invite family and friends to join them virtually via Zoom to celebrate Bob’s life at 11:30 a.m. on Thurs., Aug. 20th, 2020.
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95991417373
Meeting ID: 959 9141 7373
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+16468769923,,95991417373# US
Robert would love to help send children to SLC for summer Camp. His children enjoyed many summers there, so instead of flowers, please make a donation to surpriselake.org/donate
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