Mark Jefferson Rosenthal, IT specialist
Mark Jefferson Rosenthal, 71, of Milton, passed away Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014, at Baltimore-Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie, Md. He was born March 1, 1942, in Bronx, N.Y., son of the late Irving and Gertrude (Hertz) Rosenthal.
Mr. Rosenthal enjoyed a lifelong career as an IT specialist with the Federal Aviation Administration, specializing in flight standards. He was a very community-minded man and actively had a voice serving as a board member of NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Workers), the Eastern Sussex Democrats, the Mill Pond Commons Homeowners Association and also the Delaware State Board of Land Surveyors. Mr. Rosenthal was devoted to his family and friends and had a lifelong love for public service.
He loved the Yankees and Pitt basketball and could quote statistics and game details from the far past. He was also passionate about history and was a voracious reader of nonfiction and fiction of all kinds. Mr. Rosenthal moved to the beach seven years ago so he could be near the water. He loved running and walking at Cape Henlopen State Park and spent many hours walking in his neighborhood. He also loved travel, having been to all 50 states, and seeing much of Europe.
Mr. Rosenthal was an avid supporter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. He was a true advocate who believed in the research and patient support this organization provided to many, including himself. He was a man who was never afraid of an idea and whose intellectual curiosity provided stimulating conversations with people holding different points of view. He had a wealth of knowledge and enjoyed sharing that knowledge with others as well as learning from others. He will be remembered for his spirited conversations and unique sense of humor. His high energy and love of life were the motivation that kept him going these past three years.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Rosenthal was preceded in death by his first wife, Sarah Rosenthal. He is survived by his wife, Eileen Talbett Rosenthal; three daughters: Laura Rosenthal and partner Kat Thompson of San Diego, Calif., Kim Rosenthal and fiancé Phil Donatone of Centreville, Va. and Monica Talbett of Manassas, Va.; a son, Dennis Talbett and wife Erin of Springfield, Va.; a granddaughter, Evelyn Rose Donatone; a brother, Dr. Loren Rosenthal and wife Charlene; a sister, Celia Anderson and husband Elliot; and several loving nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at noon, Thursday, Feb. 6, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Cancer Support Community, 18947 John J. Williams Highway, Suite 312, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, the Tunnell Cancer Center, 18947 John J. Williams Highway, Suite 10, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
