1915
John
2010
John L. Rosenthal
February 8, 1915 — June 30, 2010
John Levy Rosenthal, born February 8, 1915, died June 30th, 2010 of natural causes. Preceded in death by his wife Frances, last September, John was the third, and last of the 5 Rosenthal boys.
Growing up in Portland in the depression, he and his brothers learned to make the most of what was available. This resulted in adventures and hard work that shaped him for life. John and his brother, Norm, were young entrepreneurs as they operated their own wooden button business among other enterprises.
Like most pioneer stock in the Pacific Northwest, John learned the life of hunting and fishing in the magnificent mountains and rivers of Oregon and Washington. It was a way of life (hunter-gatherer) he extended to his own family. In early spring, family trips to East Lake with his and Norm's family was a ritual. Those were long weekends of fishing in the chill and camping next to snow banks. And they loved it! Let's not forget trips to the coast for crabbing and digging clams. Actively devoted to the Boy Scouts, he was a mentor who led by example, not as preacher, and undoubtedly was a positive influence to many boys in his troop.
John and Norman operated a gas station, which was where he met his wife, Frances, as she visited weekly to fill up the tank. They were married 69 years, bringing twins Virginia and John into the world in 1943. Starting a family and building a home took a backseat to service in the Navy as World War II wrapped up.
Once home, John went to work at Northwest Marine Iron Works, where he remained employed for 35years. His career took him from drill-press operator ultimately to shop superintendent. He traveled around the world, taking Frances with him, to bid on jobs for his company and see the sights.
He and Frances were active through their church and had a loving network of family and friends with whom they entertained and celebrated life and one another.
John's knowledge and talents cannot be quantified. He was a woodworker, ironworker, fisherman, hunter, engineer, designer, fabricator, mathematician, sportsman, gardener, investor, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather, among other things to countless people who may have encountered him.
In his final years, he showed stubborn grace and much humor. He was a dedicated spouse, at Frances side daily for nearly 8 years as she progressed through Alzheimer's disease.
He was the genuine article. A man of family values before anyone had heard of the concept.
Growing up in Portland in the depression, he and his brothers learned to make the most of what was available. This resulted in adventures and hard work that shaped him for life. John and his brother, Norm, were young entrepreneurs as they operated their own wooden button business among other enterprises.
Like most pioneer stock in the Pacific Northwest, John learned the life of hunting and fishing in the magnificent mountains and rivers of Oregon and Washington. It was a way of life (hunter-gatherer) he extended to his own family. In early spring, family trips to East Lake with his and Norm's family was a ritual. Those were long weekends of fishing in the chill and camping next to snow banks. And they loved it! Let's not forget trips to the coast for crabbing and digging clams. Actively devoted to the Boy Scouts, he was a mentor who led by example, not as preacher, and undoubtedly was a positive influence to many boys in his troop.
John and Norman operated a gas station, which was where he met his wife, Frances, as she visited weekly to fill up the tank. They were married 69 years, bringing twins Virginia and John into the world in 1943. Starting a family and building a home took a backseat to service in the Navy as World War II wrapped up.
Once home, John went to work at Northwest Marine Iron Works, where he remained employed for 35years. His career took him from drill-press operator ultimately to shop superintendent. He traveled around the world, taking Frances with him, to bid on jobs for his company and see the sights.
He and Frances were active through their church and had a loving network of family and friends with whom they entertained and celebrated life and one another.
John's knowledge and talents cannot be quantified. He was a woodworker, ironworker, fisherman, hunter, engineer, designer, fabricator, mathematician, sportsman, gardener, investor, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather, among other things to countless people who may have encountered him.
In his final years, he showed stubborn grace and much humor. He was a dedicated spouse, at Frances side daily for nearly 8 years as she progressed through Alzheimer's disease.
He was the genuine article. A man of family values before anyone had heard of the concept.
Memorial Service
Rose City Funeral Home
5625 Northeast Fremont Street
Portland
,
OR
US
97213-1754
Thursday, July 8, 2010, 1:00 PM
Cemetery
Willamette National Cemetery
11800 S.E. Mt. Scott Blvd.
Portland
,
OR
US
97266
Tuesday, July 6, 2010,
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John L. Rosenthal, please visit our flower store.