Obituaries

Ed Rosenthal, Teacher, Former Bolingbrook Mayor, Missed By Many

Tuesday marked the funeral for Ed "Rosie" Rosenthal, a popular high school science teacher at Joliet Catholic and Naperville North.

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BOLINGBROOK, IL - Ed Rosenthal was a long-time science teacher, at Joliet Catholic High School and then at Naperville North High School. Others got to know him as a golf coach. And more people around the community of Bolingbrook got to know him through politics. During the 1970s and 1980s, Ed Rosenthal served ono the Bolingbrook Plan Commission, as a village trustee and then he fulfilled one term in office as mayor of Bolingbrook. Rosenthal died late last week. He was 69.

According to his obituary, Rosenthal is survived by his wife, Hilary, of 48 years, two daughters and a brother. Tuesday marked his funeral service at Chicago Jewish Funerals chapel in Buffalo Grove. "He was a cherished and popular teacher, coach, union leader, former mayor of Bolingbrook, and friend to many," his obituary noted.

Since his death, dozens of people have visited the funeral service's website to offer their condolences and reflect upon Rosie.

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Here's just a small sampling of the many people who went online to offer a warm tribute about Ed Rosenthal.

In no particular order:

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"Ed was a many of many talents. But above all he was a caring individual with regard to others and their interests and concerns. He will be missed by many." - Phil Acton

"Words cannot express the respect I have for this man. He seemed to want to support me when I had no other supporters. He taught me more as a friend and mentor than any teacher I ever had. I will and do miss him more than I ever imagined that I would." - John Cole

"I moved after my freshman year at Naperville North but there's always a handful of teachers that make an impact. Rosie was one of those teachers... Thanks for the memories." - Richard (Rangel) Morava. Class of 84

"I was only at Naperville North a short time, and I wasn't fortunate enough to have had Mr. Rosenthal as a teacher. But when I think of the NNHS staff, Rosie tops the list. His personality was such that he left an impression on even the students he didn't have. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and his former students who have kept in close contact. - Mindy Overmyer Class of 1985

"Rosie was a great man. He is one of two teachers that had a huge impact on my life. His sense of humor always made me laugh. Sending the Rosenthal family love and light. Rosie will truly be missed by myself and many others. RIP Rosie." - Jennifer Peterson

"Ed, Rest In Peace, dear friend and colleague. Naperville #203 Teachers Association owes a debt of gratitude for your dedicated service and perseverance toward fairness and doing what is right for teachers and their students. Proud to be your friend throughout the years." - June Doughty

Image via Chicago Jewish Funerals website

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