Remembering Philip Rosen, Einstein Benefactor and Life Overseer

The Einstein community mourns the passing on January 19, 2014, of Philip Rosen, a Benefactor of the College of Medicine and a distinguished member of our Board of Overseers. He was 92.

Philip Rosen

Faithful Support

Together with his wife, Rita, a leading member of the Einstein Women's Division, Mr. Rosen was a supporter of the College of Medicine for more than 50 years. The couple have been passionate advocates for Einstein's mission to improve human health.

Mr. Rosen joined the Board of Overseers in 1977, served as vice chair from 1994 to 2007 and was honored with the title of Life Overseer.  He also was a founding member and a past chair of the Einstein Men's Division and served for many years on its executive board. He conceived the division— whose members provide philanthropic leadership to advance Einstein's mission—as a training ground for the Board of Overseers. Many current Board members are “graduates” of the Men's Division.

The College of Medicine recognized the Rosens for their extraordinary service with its Humanitarian and Lifetime Achievement awards. Mr. Rosen also received an honorary doctorate from Yeshiva University in 1992. In addition, Einstein's department of communications and public affairs is named in their honor.

Early Background

Philip Rosen was born in the Bronx on September 1, 1921. He graduated from Cornell University in 1942 with a bachelor‘s degree in civil engineering and a varsity letter in crew.  He was soon employed as an engineer while working for the United States government on “The Manhattan Project.” During World War II, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. After the war, he joined his father's masonry contracting business, constructing many buildings throughout the New York metropolitan area.

Philanthropist with a Special Cause

Although success in business was important to Mr. Rosen, “giving back” and social responsibility were paramount. True to his values, he contributed his time and energy to a number of Jewish and other charitable causes.

Among them, Albert Einstein College of Medicine was the closest to his heart. His interest in Einstein was inspired by his mother, Anna, who established the College of Medicine's first cancer research laboratory, in memory of his father, Isadore.

Zest for Life

Mr. Rosen enjoyed many hobbies, including collecting shells and stamps. He also loved art, literature and, most of all, skiing. He skied well into his 80s and passed on that love to his children and grandchildren.

A Lasting Legacy

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and esteemed Life Overseer,” said Dr. Ruth L. Gottesman, chair of Einstein's Board of Overseers. “We have cherished and will sorely miss his friendship, wisdom, passion and creativity. Our hearts go out to Rita and her entire family.”

“Phil truly exemplified Albert Einstein's credo that 'man is here for the sake of other men—above all for those upon whose smile and well-being on our own happiness depends,' said Dr. Allen M. Spiegel, the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean. “His exceptional devotion to Einstein and its mission will have an enduring impact on the College of Medicine.”