Dr. Robert K. Rosenthal MD

Dr. Robert K. Rosenthal

Devoted and respected physician at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Of Brookline, Lenox and Sarasota, FL, on February 25, 2021.Beloved husband of Esther (Zamore) Rosenthal. Devoted father of Geoffrey and his wife Lucy Guo, Emily Moses and her husband Eric, Jocelyn Rosenthal and her husband Steven Richardson. Dear grandfather of Lia and Jeremy Moses. Dear brother of Leonard J. Rosenthal and his wife Nancy. He was a proud and grateful graduate and supporter of Tufts University School of Medicine.

After completing his training at New York City’s The Hospital for Special Surgery in pediatric orthopedic surgery, he returned to Boston to begin a very gratifying professional career that spanned 45 years at Boston Children’s Hospital where he specialized in treating patients with cerebral palsy and other special needs conditions.  During that time he took care of thousands of children and their families, many from other countries, and was able to follow and help these patients for decades into their young adulthoods.  In his capacity as a member of Harvard Medical School, he helped train hundreds of students, interns, residents and Fellows which gave him great satisfaction in watching the development of future physicians, some of whom eventually joined him at Children’s.

He belonged to the main orthopedic and pediatric orthopedic Associations but his primary affiliation was with the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine where he served as Chair of several committees, Treasurer, Vice President and President. Following his term as President he remained active as a member of the Past Presidents group.

As a 40-plus year member of Temple Israel, he served on several committees and was active in the Brotherhood.  During the time he was President, the Brotherhood helped launch the Passport to Israel program.

His personal interests and activities were gardening and all aspects of investing.   His passion for the companies he invested in was obvious to all who knew him.  He was always ready to share what he knew and felt would be helpful to others.   Together with his wife, Esther, the most cherished interests and activities centered on the arts, especially music and theater.   Over the years, he served several terms on the Board of the Celebrity Series of Boston.  Summers in the Berkshires offered opportunities to be active in support of Tanglewood and Shakespeare & Company.  For the last 10 years he served on the Board of Barrington Stage Company where he dedicated much time, enthusiasm and other support.

While all his many professional and personal achievements were important, at the top of the list was his family.  He loved and was so proud of his children and the wonderful people they are.  He loved his children-in-law as they came into the family as well as two extraordinary grandchildren with whom he has created many good memories.  The family shares all the years of common experiences that will give us enduring memories of him.

During their 60 years of marriage, he and Esther have made so many wonderful friends, many over more than a half-century, some more recent.   His family is grateful and appreciative for these friendships and all the love and support received during his last difficult weeks.

Services are private. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Tufts School of  Medicine,136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111 or Sarasota Memorial Hospital,1700 E. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239.