Jerome Rosenberg, Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather
We celebrate the life of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Jerome (Jerry) Rosenberg, who passed away peacefully on Monday, August 12, 2024. Jerry was 93 years old and lived in Westfield, New Jersey, for 53 years.
Born in Newark, New Jersey on March 9, 1931, Jerry was the son of the late Sam and Dora Rosenberg (née Feldman). Jerry was predeceased by two brothers, Charles Rosenberg and Irving Rosenberg, and one sister, Ruth Sidman.
Jerry was a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Elaine Rosenberg (née Brown); his beloved children, Beth Shak (Jay) of Tilghman, Maryland, Michael Rosenberg (Lydia) of Westfield, and Barry Rosenberg (Harlee) of Bridgewater; and adored grandchildren, Marcus, Nina, John, Elizabeth, Daniel, and Gary. He enjoyed spending time, sharing meals, and traveling with his family, and he always greeted his children and grandchildren with great excitement and the highest enthusiasm.
Jerry served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and attained the rank of Sergeant. Jerry frequently recounted his experiences during his years of service as his “college education.” Returning from his service in the mid 1950s, Jerry went into the retail clothing business, working with members of his mother’s family and later opening his own stores. Jerry owned and operated Jerry’s Discount Department Store in Rahway (famous for its “7000 square feet of bargains”) for more than two decades. He also owned and managed numerous rental properties in Rahway for many years. Jerry was a lifelong learner and avid reader whose curiosity was insatiable. Family, friends, and business associates frequently sought his advice and counsel on important matters.
Jerry was gifted for his remarkable technical and mechanical abilities and was self-taught in the field of computer software and hardware, embracing new technology throughout his life. Jerry was assembling his own radios and then computers in the earliest days of computer technology. He loved to trade in computer parts and electrical devices. Jerry was a HAM radio operator and hobbyist for more than 70 years, having the call sign “WA2GFO.” Jerry was also supremely accomplished with plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems as well as carpentry, tile, and masonry, and he knew how to repair anything and everything. Jerry very much enjoyed an ambitious home renovation project, even building his own custom-made shed when he was well into his 80s.
Jerry and his wife, Elaine, loved traveling all over the world with friends and family. His favorite destination was the Cotswolds region of England. He also was a self-proclaimed film aficionado, having immensely enjoyed going to the movies since he was a small child. He continued to email his children and grandchildren with recommendations for his favorite movies. He especially loved musicals and, most of all, a good love story. More recently, Jerry became a great fan of BritBox and its many British detective programs. He also loved music, especially the music of Gershwin and Beethoven.
Throughout his life, Jerry always showed his love for others through his many deeds. Jerome Rosenberg will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew him, and his memory will live on through his children and grandchildren.
A memorial service will be scheduled.
Zichrono livracha. May Jerome Rosenberg’s memory be for blessing.
August 22, 2024
