Dr. M. Richard Rose

Dr. M. Richard Rose was born March 6, 1933 in Fredonia, Pennsylvania and began coming to Brooksville as a teenager spending many wonderful winter months building houses and residing in a home built by his father.  He proudly served his country as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.  Dr. Rose was on active duty from 1955 to 1959, joining the active reserves in 1962 and retiring in 1986 with a total of 31 years of service.  He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh and held several teaching positions before serving as a Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Defense Department (1971-74).  A former president of both Alfred University (1974-79) and RIT (1979-92), Dr. Rose served on the board for numerous corporations, and as a trustee for several colleges, including the U.S. Air Force University.  As Chairman of the Capital Campaign Committee for the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery he served as the leader and spokesman of the campaign, guiding fundraising efforts and spearheading various outreach and educational initiatives.  He was a member of the Brooksville Wesleyan Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Willis & Bertha (Wasser) Rose; his brother, Wilbur Rose; and sister, Marilyn Alexander.  He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Clarice Rose; sons and daughters-in-law, Craig & Wendy Rose of State College, Pennsylvania, Eric & Amy Rose of Union, Ohio, and Scott & Mary Rose of Pittsford, New York; five grandchildren and one grandchild.

He leaves a legacy of love and a good life lived to his family and friends. "Well done my good and faithful servant."

A Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12:00-1:00pm, Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at the Brooksville Wesleyan Church, where Funeral Services begin at 1:00pm, with Pastor Jerry Pence officiating.

ARRANGEMENTS BY

MERRITT FUNERAL HOME

BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA

(352)796-6699

“Family Owned & Operated”

www.merrittfuneral.com