My deepest sympathy at your loss. May the memories dwarf the grief and carry you through the dark days ahead. Dr Rose was a bigger than life presence in my life and yet took time to make you feel like he really cared. And I still recall his laugh, mostly at those time when he flubbed and not at one of us! SHS Class of '65 and MBJHS '62

I spent the last two days out of town reading a book about education policy in the U.S. As I thought about how in the world we could ever turn things around, my mind kept wandering back to Scott Rose. I kept wondering, how would he feel about this? What does he think about this? Aren't we repeating some of the same mistakes? The first thing on my "to do" list upon return home was to give Scott a call and see if I could stop by for coffee and talk. 

Dr. Rose was the Superintendent when I started school. He taught my son not to fear the water as a Seminole Kiwanis Every Child A Swimmer volunteer- a task I hadn't quite been able to accomplish myself. We came together most closely around the SVEC. He was my sponsor as a Seminole Kiwanian.

But, more than all of that, Scott was a real grown up in the community that helped raise me. He was the kind of grown up that made (what seemed to be) the entire world better for kids. He dedicated himself to others in his community and never asked for anything in return. It was always about what he could give to others.

He was down to earth. Sensible. Uncomplicated. Simple commonsense fixes were just that-simply commonsense and it went without saying that he expected everyone to use a little commonsense to solve problems. I remember his chuckle. When he heard something that was counter to common sense, he never had a negative thing to say, just a chuckle. You might get an eyebrow raise if it was really far out, and then he'd quickly move on to something else. 

I was lucky enough to spend time talking with Scott about schools and governance. About the history schooling and what the future might hold. About what we were doing right and how we were just sometimes repeating the mistakes of the past. 

Those were the conversations that came to mind as I read over the past few days. I jotted down questions for Scott as I read, hoping he'd be able to give me a certain answer and send me off in the right direction.

To Dr. Rose's family, Thank you! Thank you for sharing your dad with the our community. Know that the time he spent away from you was precious to the rest of us. I am very grateful for the time he spent with me and my son. But, mostly I am grateful for the way he helped shape the community I grew up in. When I walk on the Seminole High School football field for my son's first senior football game next year, I know your dad will be there with us.

I can honestly say, if I look closely at that list of questions I wrote down for Scott, he's probably already given me the answers to all of them: Work hard, give of yourself and know what you do makes a difference to others.

I'm just sorry I didn't get an opportunity to have one more talk with him. Because, maybe, just maybe I would have worked up the courage to tell him what he really meant to me.

In some ways, your dad was much more progressive than I am. My first response was to "save" every little school, his assessments were always a bit more measured. He'd tell me that sometimes we had to move forward, no matter how hard it was. That sometimes the right thing to do was the toughest thing to do. So, as we move forward may we both learn from the past as well as honor it. And, if we're dead set on repeating it...may we repeat the kind of dedication, motivation and generosity Dr. Scott Rose displayed.

In our family, we will honor Scott by continuing to volunteer in our community.

I waited to get my thoughts together before writing.
Your father was such a part of Pinellas County School System. It's like he was a founding father. It was him who bought us into realizing our students were important individuals. That each one had different levels of learning. It was him worrying about his own children on double sessions that he wanted change in school sizes.
I guest I trying to tell you his family that he made changes in the school system watching his own children and grandchildren growing up. He always wanted the best for all. After retirement the school employees wanted to stay in contact with him. He was a guiding light for all. He was a person who was a regular guy wanting to help in any way he could. For over twenty years that I have been at Seminole High he would come with Kiwanis and serve the faculty a luncheon before the start of every school year. It was like he and the Kiwanis appreciated the staff in their community. I always have felt so special and honored having him on the campus. When school begins next year...we will all feel the greatest loss. He was truly a man of honor.


Barbara Metz-Bookkeeper-Seminole High

A true Gentle-man and a dedicated GATOR! It was an honor to work with him.

Scott helped me be a better School Board Member by focusing on the important things. He had a vision for our school staffs and students that pushed us all to be better. He still is the standard by which I judge Administrators.

I am thankful that I had the privilege of working with Scott as his administrative assistant until his retirement.  To me and all who knew him, he was a man of great integrity and compassion.  His love for children and family was immeasurable.  He possessed a smile that would brighten anyone's day.  He truly was one in a million!   Blessings and prayers go out to Ruth, Scotty, John Joseph, Leland and David.

I was fortunate to have been an student at both Madeira Beach Jr. High and Seminole High School under Scott Rose. He was a wonderful administrator--fair minded, friendly with absolutely THE greatest smile, and someone who really understood kids. I'm not sure they make them like your dad any more. He was one in a million. I know he made a difference in many children's lives and I was lucky to be one of them!  God Bless you and hold you close during this difficult time of loss.

Dr. Rose was an exceptional person and a great leader in education. I was fortunate to be a subject area supervisor and worked with him during his entire tenure as Superintendent of Pinellas County Schools. He had a straight foward work style I always appreciated. He was a tireless worker, and always sought the very best for the students in Pinellas County. I will miss the person who was such an outstanding credit to his community.

Ruth, John Joseph, and the rest of your beautiful family~  I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Scott.  He was such a great man and I feel so honored to have been able to speak to him on many different occasions.  As Joan and Connie were great friends of mine, Scott offered many words of wisdom to me on behalf of my son Dylan.  I will treasure his advice and hold your family near and dear to my heart.  God Bless all of you~

In loving memory of a wonderful person. I'm sorry to hear of your lose. Mr. Rose was my principal at Seminole High class of '67. He touch many lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I was sorry to hear of Scott's death. I knew him as Neil Rose at St. Simon's YPF in Buffalo, so long ago. I have many memories of the fun we had back then. I did get to talk to him on the phone one day when we first moved to Fl. and saw his picture in the news. He was a great guy then and I'm sure he was loved by all who knew him. I will relay his death to any of his "old" friends back in Buffalo.

Mr. Rose was a great principal at Seminole and very much respected.   He will be missed by all the classes I am sure.
Sheri Johnson Class of 67

Although I do not know Dr. Rose personally, I have had the honor to work with his daughter Ruth Gorlin and just by knowing her, I can tell he was a wonderful man for raising such an awesome lady. I am truly honored to work with such an outstanding person. My condolences go out to the family and may you be blessed with strength to get you through these rough times. 

Fawn Chow - Pembroke Pines.

Your father was an exceptional Man, I worked and served with him on many committees your loss is even a bigger loss to the community.  Our prayers are with you and if you need anything let us know.

Howard and I are so sorry that we will not be able to attend the funeral.  Scott played such a big part in Howard's professional life, and was a perfect mentor to him. He was also a dear friend, and we will never forget him. May God comfort you all.

I have known and worked with Dr. Rose when he was Assistant Principal and Principal at Seminole High School and I was the Americanism vs. Communism Teacher.  I shall always be grateful to him for sponsoring me into Phi Delta Kappa,the professional education association, to which I still belong.
He was an inspirational leader who led by example. He wanted his school and, then, his school system to be the best.
He will be missed by many for his wonderful work for students, teachers, and administrators.
In deepest sympathy.
Robert J. Safransky, Ph.D., AvsC Teacher, 1962-1967, Principal and Administrator, 1968-1997.

Dr. Rose was an influencing force in my life at Madeira Beach Jr. High and Seminole High School.  You could always count on him to lead and listen.  He helped me decide to pursue a career in education and I recently retired after 35 years of service.  I know he had a positive influence, not only on me, but many of my friends and colleagues and have much to be proud of in you Dad.  I was in class of 1969.

I developed my love for working within the educational field while working with Dr. Rose.  His drive and dedication were truly inspiring.  I asked him once why he worked so hard and suggested he was grooming himself to become a Senator or Governor.  His response was that he merely wanted to be the very best School Superintendent that he could be.  All will agree he succeeded.  Truly he was one in a million and will be greatly missed.

Your father's path and mine crossed so many times and in so many ways.  I was in the gym seated near Ron Stone when your father was introduced as the next principal of Seminole High School following Stanley Moore. How he would effect both of our adult lives.  Later, your parents and mine could relaxed quietly at the original Oakhurst Lounge. Two memories I especially recall. I was a guidance counselor and had taken paper-pencil schedule forms with me to the Oakhurst.  My family was relaxing and I was sitting at a table when your folks came in.  Your dad smiled at me, shook his head and joined my family at the counter.  From there, he sent me a Coca-Cola and told me to keep up the good work!  But my favorite memory of your father was early Christmas Eve when he and I shared our own bowl of pickled eggs prepared by the owner of the Oakhurst - she always put some aside for your dad and I at their open house. Your father was a great superintendent and a wonderful friend to so many people. He has earned a special place in Heaven.

Dr. Rose was principal of Seminole High School during my years there.  He was warm, caring and set a wonderful example for students.  Surely there is a place in Heaven for one who gave so much to so many.  My thoughts and sympathy to his family.  Pat (Botwright) Casey-Davis, Class of 1967

To the Rose Family - Your father will be tuly missed.  He was a wonderful principal at Seminole.  He was school spirited and you know he cared about his students.  I feel privileged to have known him the four years I attended Seminole.  Sympathy and Prayers to each of you.  Diana Stiffler Larson (Class of 1967).
Flat Rock, NC.

Dr. Rose holds a special place in my heart since I was a student at Maderia Beach Jr High and Seminole High school during his years there. He was a firm but fair principal and truly loved by his students. Blessings and prayers go out to the family. God Bless.

Dr. Rose asked me to join his management team in 1987 as the Pinellas District's chief financial officer. I will never forget his unwavering commitment to all students of Pinellas County and his incredble understanding of the many facets and complexities of our school system's budget and funding issues. Dr. Scott Rose was a great person and I will always be indebted to him for his professionalism and caring for all who served under his very capable leadership. Dr. Rose, I consider it a high honor to have worked under your expert guidance. May God bless and comfort your family as we celebrate and reflect upon your most meaningful life at this time.

Your father lived his life with kindness & dignity while accomplishing so much for education & for the community, particularly through Kiwanis.  My memories start at Madeira Jr. High & move forward through the years.  In recent times whenever our paths would cross he always had a smile & a hug.  I cannot recall a time growing up that he was not fair while being firm.  In conversations you had his full & sincere attention.  My father has been gone 2 years but I know he felt blessed for his association & time with your dad in school & community activities. Be proud of the life he lived & the legacy he left. Our lives are all better for having known him.

Dr. Rose was the last of the great superintendents.  A man with great wisdom and foresight.

I will always remember your Father.   Such a loving and caring man.  I feel your loss and your pain

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

To the Rose Family,
Your father Scott Rose will live on in many of us that have been touched by him through his guidance of a principal and friend.  When I think of how principals are there will never be one like your dad.  He was a WARHAWK true and true like a GATOR!  
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.  I will miss seeing Connie at our next reunion as well.  
Cathy Robbins Laucirica, Class of 71 and classmate of Connie as well as a co-worker at Fuguitt.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

OBITUARY

Dr Scott N Rose

October 1, 1931 – February 11, 2011

Serenity Funeral Home

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