Charles J. Rose

Charles (Chuck) was born to Herbert Rose and Paula Rose Weissman (nee Stein) on November 2, 1952, in Gardner, Massachusetts. Following his time at Gardner High School, Chuck attended Rutgers University, and attained a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Moreover, he served as the school paper's editor and received national attention for his progressive and investigative articles surrounding topics of social justice.

Chuck's adoration of fact-finding journalism led him to the doors of the University of Miami, moving in with his childhood and lifelong best friend, Keith, to obtain a law degree to bolster his expertise as a journalist; however, through the guidance of one of Chuck's great mentors in life, Jay Demer, Chuck opted for a career in law.

In 1977, Chuck graduated law school, married, and promptly moved to Colorado. Once in Colorado, Chuck worked as a City Attorney for Westminster and in his private practice. He later became a City Attorney in Lafayette before becoming an Associate Judge in the Cities of Wheat Ridge, Aurora, and Thornton, respectively. In 1992, Chuck was appointed to be the first full-time, Presiding Judge of the city of Thornton, and he remained in this position he loved until his last day.

An enthusiastic traveler, Chuck’s first international trip was with his father in 1969, and born from this initial trip, Chuck decided to make traveling a foundational aspect of his leisure time. The summer between graduating Rutgers and beginning law school, Chuck backpacked through Europe with his friend Jon for six weeks. He told many stories of this time, took many photographs, and was even detained by the East German guards for about four hours. Since those introductory trips, Chuck and his son Jason experienced countless adventures of cultural learning overseas and visited over 18 different countries. Chuck never stopped planning the adventures they could have together as they, with the inclusion of Jason's wife Abby, were planning to go overseas this past May before the reoccurrence of cancer.

Outside of traveling, Chuck had a love of sports, no more so than baseball, skiing, and the entirety of the Olympics. He was an avid athlete, playing competitive softball for many years. For all their heartbreak, Chuck was a die-hard Rockies fan from the inaugural year and could often be found with his son and other friends, enjoying a game at Coors Field.

Chuck is survived by his son Jason, his daughter-in-law Abby, his brother Jonathan (Jon), his sister-in-law, Donna, his niece Megan, his nephew Kenneth, and his loving dog Akina. He is preceded by his father Herb, his mother Paula, and his stepfather Nate.

The memorial service will be on Friday, October 15, 2021, at 9:30 am at Olinger at Crown Hill (7777 W 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033)

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to one of these causes that Chuck adamantly supported.

• The Kempe Foundation for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse Neglect

• Denver Dumb Friends League

• Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado

• MaxFund Animal Adoption Center

• Jewish Family Services of Colorado

• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center of Colorado