Rosenthal, Robert Eugene

Robert Eugene Rosenthal. July 16, 1931 – April 8, 2025 Born during the Great Depression, as a youth Bob formed associations with others through sports in the Fresno, California area.

Even past middle-age he continued to be an athlete. Being an only child and having parents who split up when he was in elementary school, he did not have a close family life. He played clarinet in his youth, and he always enjoyed singing. When he was a senior in high school, he was amazed to learn about a loving God who offered to adopt him into His forever family.

He became a believer in Christ shortly afterwards, and his life changed. He gave up plans to play baseball professionally because he desired to build the close family he had not known growing up. He married Barbara Spencer in 1951, and they lived together harmoniously for 68 years. They had two children, Robert and Suzanne.

Bob’s working years were spent managing telephone business offices in Northern California. After retirement, he managed a tax preparation office for several seasons. As an example to his children of the importance of education, he worked on his bachelor’s degree in business at night until he completed it in 1971 at Sacramento State University.

Bob was a leader with a dry sense of humor and an ability in public speaking. He often led Bible studies or served as master of ceremonies at gatherings. He made an effort to connect deeply with others, and he would often ask others questions about their relationship with the God that held him so dear.
In their last years, Bob and Barbara moved away from their home in California to Virginia and Warm Hearth Village so they could live out their days close to extended family they had not been near for years. Even when he was past his athletic days, Bob competed good-naturedly in table games. He had a sharp mind to the end, and he eagerly looked forward to meeting his Heavenly Father.

Besides his wife, his children, and his in-laws, Papa Bob was proud of his three grandchildren, and he took an interest in their spouses and his four great-grandsons.
A memorial will be held for Bob at Blacksburg Christian Fellowship on May 10 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Samaritan’s Purse at https://www.samaritanspurse.org.