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Celebrating the life of
Retired Lieutenant General Donald E. (Rosie) Rosenblum
June 03, 1929 - September 06, 2022
On Tuesday September 6th, surrounded by his loving children, Retired Lieutenant General Donald E. “Rosie” Rosenblum, of Savannah, Georgia passed away at age 93.
Rosie was born on June 3rd, 1929, in Flushing, NY and raised during the Depression in Hell’s Kitchen in New York. In 1948, he graduated from high school and followed his older brother, Bob, to college at The Citadel in Charleston, SC. His gregarious personality and self-confidence allowed him to thrive in its challenging environment. There, he played varsity baseball, commanded Mike Company, was a member of the Junior Sword Drill and Summerall Guards, was sports editor of the college paper, and a distinguished military graduate. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army and promptly deployed to lead an Infantry Platoon in the Korean War. For the remainder of his life, his experience at The Citadel and leading men in combat would be the foundation for his long and prestigious military career, post military success, and community involvement.
After returning from Korea, Rosie married his college sweetheart, Laura Maree, at the St. Catherine’s School for Girls Chapel in Richmond, VA. Rosie and Laura would go on to raise seven children and move 22 times in his 33-year Army career. Highlights of his Army career include commanding an Infantry Company in the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg NC and serving as a staff officer in Berlin, Germany when “The Wall” was built. He commanded 2nd Battalion 327th Airborne Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division and the 101st Division’s Support Command in Vietnam, giving the 2-327 the name “No Slack”, which still stands as their motto today. Between Vietnam tours, he graduated from the US Army War College and later served as the Executive Officer to the Army’s Director of Operations at the Pentagon. There, he received his first general officer star. It was this promotion that brought him to Ft. Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia - a region which would later become his home. He earned numerous awards, decorated for valor three times, earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge with a star for combat service in two wars, and was a senior rated paratrooper/jumpmaster. After retirement, the Officers and Soldiers of the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division named him Honorary Colonel of the 327th Regiment.
In 1974, the Army Chief of Staff, General Creighton Abrams, selected Rosie to lead the Division’s reactivation and installation restructuring of the 24th Infantry Division at Ft. Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, GA.. As a 46-year-old, newly promoted Brigadier General, he realized he needed to quickly strengthen the bond between the military and the local community. On the heels of the Vietnam War, this assignment was considered an extremely challenging one, but Rosie’s determination and exceptional leadership allowed him to rise to the task. His unwavering pursuit of excellence and professionalism, coupled with his quick wit, intellect, unswerving honesty, and love of Soldiers propelled him to the promotion of Major General and the command of the newly re-formed 24th Infantry Division. In the process, he developed lifelong friendships with State Senator Tom Coleman, Mayor John Rousakis, local engineer Roy Hussey, WTOC anchorman Doug Weathers, and WTOC General Manager Bill Cathcart.
Following command of the 24th ID, he served in various General Officer billets with his final assignment as a 3-Star General in command of First US Army at Ft. Meade, MD. When he retired from the Army in 1984, Rosie and Laura chose Savannah as the community they called home. Post retirement, Rosie worked with US Representative Bo Ginn, and began consulting for private defense contractors as well as serving as the chair of Savannah’s Metropolitan Planning Commission. In 1988 he formed Rosenblum and Associates and continued his consulting business for the next 32 years. While he never officially retired from business, he finally ceased consulting at the age of 90. In 1990 his alma mater, The Citadel, awarded him an honorary doctorate in Military Science.
In 2006, he married Nancy Terry Hooten and enjoyed his time exercising at the Islands YMCA, playing golf at The Savannah Golf Club, solving world issues with his 1 to 3 Club, and attending Monday luncheons with The Rotary Club of Savannah. He was an avid reader and was never without a library book after exhausting his own collection. He was a 50-year season ticket holder for his beloved Washington Redskins and loved his NY (baseball) Giants, even after they moved to San Francisco. Rosie continued to enjoy a strong connection with The Citadel, having two sons and two grandsons graduate, and one grandson currently attending. He consistently attended football games through his 92nd year and remained a dedicated member of The Citadel Alumni Association and The Savannah Citadel Club. As a community volunteer, he served on the boards of YMCA of Coastal Georgia, The Rotary Club of Savannah, Starbase Savannah, St. Andrew’s School, The Citadel Foundation, Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Savannah, among many others. He remained most proud of his seven children, fifteen grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren throughout his life, and was known for never missing a birthday.
He is pre-deceased by his parents, Colonel (retired) AJ “Jay” and Rose Rosenblum, and his brother Robert Rosenblum. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Hooten, and seven children from his marriage to Laura Rosenblum: Alice (Tom) McDonald of Athens, GA, Jay Rosenblum of Georgetown, TX, Nancy (Dennis Devito) Doelling of Atlanta, Carol (Tord) Norstedt of Athens, Sarah (Al) Jordan of Sumter, SC, David (Katherine) Rosenblum of Bluffton, SC, and Anne Patrick Moore of Mt. Pleasant, SC; fifteen grandchildren, Meredith (Ryan) Hruda and Claire (Andy) McLaughlin; Daniel (Ashley) Rosenblum, William (Samantha) Rosenblum, and Scott Rosenblum; Richard (Meg) Doelling, and Ross (Anne Gray) Doelling; Erik Norstedt and Karl Norstedt; Philip (Katie) Jordan and Harris Jordan; Davis (Jillian) Rosenblum, Carol Ann Rosenblum, and John Rosenblum; Madelyn Moore; and eight great-grandchildren, Watson and Rollins Hruda, Palmer McLaughlin, Reed, Jack, Mila, Sloane Rosenblum, and Wright Rosenblum.
Rosie’s memorial service begins at 2pm at Hunter Army Airfield’s Truscott Terminal, 1843 N Lightning Road, Savannah GA on Friday September 16th with a visitation and reception immediately following. The internment service begins at 2pm at The Citadel’s Summerall Chapel and Columbarium, 2 Avenue of Remembrance, Charleston SC on Saturday September 17th and performed by lifelong friend and spiritual advisor Father (retired Colonel) Frank Ziemkiewicz, Headmaster at Benedictine Military School in Savannah, who first met Rosie while serving as an engineer in the 24th Infantry Division in 1977.
In lieu of flowers, please send your donation to Benedictine Military School 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah, GA 31406 or The Citadel Foundation 171 Moultrie St, Charleston, SC 29409.
He was one of the most remarkable people I have ever had the pleasure to know - warm, supportive, engaging, bright, funny and kind and compassionate. It was only later I life, actually at my own father's funeral (his brother) that I actually got to know Donald, but in the years that followed we became ever closer. I only regret that we did not connect many years earlier. His children were fortunate to have had him for a father. Trust me
- Michael Rosenblum, Dale Abbey, United Kingdom
My condolences to you and your family. "ROSIE" was obviously an exceptional person.
- Cheri Freeman , Gettysburg, PA
Our Nation lost a great warrior and leader. Prayers to the family especially my Cid86 Classmate Dave Rosenblum.
- David Taylor, Summerville, South Carolina
What a fabulous life your father enjoyed.....remarkable to say the least....the trumpets must be playing above....he must have been an amazing person to his grandchildren
- Babbie Guscio, BLUFFTON, South Carolina
My heart goes out to the family. Gen Rosenblum was a true hero and a role model for so many of us military commanders who follow in his legendary footsteps. - Capt Brian Erickson USCG
- Brian Erickson, Washington , DC
A candle has been lit!
- Bill Edwards , Savannah , Georgia
On behalf of the entire Citadel Class of 1979, we wish to extend our sincere condolences to the family and to our classmate brother Jay, for your loss while extending our humble respect for the service and sacrifice Lt. Gen. Rosenblum gave all of us as a Country. We have lost yet another warrior, that can't be replaced. God Bless the Rosenblum family.
- The Class of 1979 - on their behalf / Frederic N. Howe, III, Fredericksburg, VA
God bless General Rosenblum. It's been said many times, "thank you for your service, sir". Without question he epitomized what a true patriot is and represented our great institution, The Citadel, with tremendous pride. May our Lord continue to bless his beautiful family. Our condolences and continued prayers are extended out to his family and his bulldog brothers.
- James W Phillips, Orlando, Florida
A candle has been lit!
Heartbreaking news. My prayers are with your family. I am trying to find a photo that I took of Rosie, David and David's son - at Rotary. I know I have it. What an amazing, amazing life.
- Marjorie Young, Savannah, Ga
I first met General Rosenblum in our office building in 2009. He was friends with my father and Godfather who were also retired officers in the military. He was always so engaging and quick witted. I will miss him. I am so very sorry for your loss. He lived an amazing life.
- James Thomas V. Smith, Savannah, GA
Deepest condolences to the Rosenblum family. Enjoyed our many conversations and times at the Sein Fein meetings every St. Pats Day. Will always remember him asking "did you get our table?"
- Bill Barbee, SAVANNAH, GA
The world is a lesser place without Rosie. He was one of the most intelligent men I've ever known, and his ready smile could brighten any room. We are all fortunate to have known Rosie. I will miss him so very much. Sending much love to the family.
- Stacy Jennings, Savannah, GA
I salute Gen.Rosenblum who wrote me a letter to gain entrance into flight school. I owe my career to he and another Citadel grad. I served in the 24th ID for 6 years and wear that Combat Patch proudly! I hope to see you on the Green. God Speed! Bless you and your family!
- Barry Thomason , Tullahoma , Tennessee
It was my honor to have served with him in the 24th Div and more a pleasure of our chats in Savannah at the 4th Precinct. Learned immense leadership tips from him and forever grateful.
- William Harvey, Appomattox, VA
What a great human being !
- Claudia Venable, Atlanta, Ga
Rest in peace, Gen. Rosie. With me you were always kind, gracious, funny, and friendly. Always with a smile. Your presence made the world a better place.
- Tony Center, Savannah, Chatham
Rest in Peace Sir. Thank you for all you did to influence me and countless others.
- Tim Spilliards, DMD, Sylva, North Carolina
It was my privilege to have two of the General's daughters as excellent students of mine. Nancy and Carol were obviously brought up good people to have the work ethic they had as teens. It speaks well of the General himself that he would send his children to the local public high school, Bradwell Institute. I was not under his command during my active military service but as a Georgia National Guardsman, I did get to be under his command of the 24th. Obviously a multi-talented man, General Rosenblum leaves a rich legacy for his descendants to strive to emulate. Thank you, Sir, you completed yourission very successfully.
- Sampie Ward Smith, Hinesville, Georgia
I am so sorry to read of General Rosenblum's passing. He was a terrific leader and person. I especially remember his humor and wit, especially on St. Patrick's Day. My thoughts and prayers for the family.
- Rhett Mouchet, Savannah, GA
My sincere condolences to the family of Rosie. He was a great patriot and will be missed. Enjoyed working with him on the YMCA Board and playing golf with him on several occasions. May he rest in peace. What a great life he lived.
- Al Pace, savannah, Georgia
RIP Rosie.
- Frank Titus, Dayton, OH
Our sincere condolences to the entire Rosenblum family with the passing of General Rosenblum. Rosie was an important part of our family, too. He is and will be missed.
- Dr. Nancy T. Hooten family, Savannah, GA
Our sincere condolences to Rosie's family. We first met Rosie when after I retired from the Army, I worked for Cong. GV Sonny Montgomery. We would see each other a couple of times a year and always at the military association conventions. I moved back to the Pentagon as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and we continued our friendship. We have always stayed in touch with each other by exchanging Christmas cards. We will miss this true patriot and friend. He was always a bright smiling face in the crowd. RIP Rosie.
- Al & Patricia Bemis, FAIRFAX STATION, VA
General always put a smile on my face when he would come eat lunch with us at Henry’s. I will miss him so much!
- Tammie Baldwin, Rincon, GA
Our Sincere Sympathy in the Great Loss of your Dad. Sincerely, The Hartman’s Ken, Ruth, Cindy & Jane (Former Ravensworth Farm Neighbors.)
- Ken & Ruth Hartman (Cindy & Jane), Springfield , Virginia
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 2:00 p.m. on Fri, September 16, 2022
- Hunter Army Airfield's Truscott Terminal
-
1843 N Lightning Road (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31405
- Inurnment
- 2:00 p.m. on Sat, September 17, 2022
- Citadel's Summerall Chapel and Columbarium
-
2 Avenue of Remembrance (map)
Charleston SC 29409