Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Submitted by the family

Charles B. Rosner, 85, of Kissimmee, Fla., passed away Feb. 6, 2019. He was our dad—a man of ageless stories and quip answers that made one think then laugh, and he most always brought the discussion back to his hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y. When he wanted something simply explained, he asked for it in “Brooklyn English.” He loved his family very much and worked hard to see his two daughters graduate college. He was a wonderful husband to his wife, Phyllis, who he met 60 years ago on a beach. They honeymooned in the Borscht Belt of the Catskills at the Nevele Hotel where they danced beautifully. Over the years, Charles impressed people dancing the difficult Russian Kazotsky kick. We will miss him.

Charles was born to Louis and Regina Rosner in 1933. They were young Jewish immigrants from Austria who arrived through Ellis Island and later met at a Jewish social club in New York City.

Charlie graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, where one of his classmates was the well-known singer and actor Steve Lawrence (Sidney Liebowitz). A fan of the Brooklyn dodgers at Ebbits Field, he grew up pitching softball for the Brownsville Boys Club and played stickball in the streets. As a young man, he enjoyed black and white photography and developed his own pictures proudly stamped “Photography by Chas.”

Charlie would share childhood stories, often with his wonderful ability to add detail, of the old neighborhood—describing trips with his mom to the fish market or chicken farm, where she would pick out the live fish or chicken that would eventually be part of the Shabbos meal.

Charlie looked forward to a good meal. Chinese food and Arby’s roast beef were favorites along with solid white tuna fish on a bagel with cream cheese. He liked smoked whitefish, lox, creamed pickled herring and skinless and boneless sardines in olive oil. He enjoyed Hebrew National hot dogs and steak fries.

Years later, bus tours were a fun way to spend family vacations. Closer to home, they enjoyed going to Coney Island for Nathan’s Hot Dogs, French fries and pea soup. The family took car drives to the Jersey Shore and upstate New York mountains for a bite at the Red Apple Restaurant.

As a trucker in the New York City area, he rolled clothing racks on the sidewalks of Manhattan’s garment district, transferring women’s clothing from manufacturer to warehouse. He later became a dispatcher. In his older years in Florida, he worked at Target stores in stock and inventory. Throughout his life, he arrived early to work and rarely missed a day. Target honored him with a TV for perfect attendance. He was also active in the Knights of Pythias and in 2011 was recognized by the Supreme Lodge for becoming a 50-year Pythian.

Over the past 20 years, Charlie developed a passion for wood and a saw. He was proud of his work creating both large and small dollhouses, a firehouse, bar and other items.

Charlie was a music fan of the male singing group II Volo from Italy and would often watch their concert videos. He also loved to listen to AM radio talk shows and watch sports programs. His favorites were the Little League playoffs and the World Series, basketball and women’s college softball. He loved to throw the softball and football with his older daughter, Linda and play wiffleball and go shopping with his younger daughter, Rhonda.

Charles is survived by his wife, Phyllis; daughters, Linda and Rhonda; in-laws, Charlotte and Louie, Herman and Lynn; as well as nieces and nephews Robert, Jeffrey, Howard, Roni, Beth, Mark, Jennifer, Heather, Jeremy and Jonathan. Charlie was “Grampy” for nearly 19 years to the family dog, a Lhasa Apso names Brownie, who died in 2014.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Lillian, Frieda and Rosalin.

Funeral services and interment were held at Bet Chaim Cemetery in Gotha with Rabbi Arnold Siegel of Jewish Family Services officiating. The family requests contributions in memory of Charles B. Rosner be made to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando FL 32810. 407-599-1180 http://www.bethshalommemorialchapel.com.