Harold B. "Hal" Rosen
"Under Hal's leadership, we saw explosive growth and change in the ways JUF projected its message and profile to its different constituents and community," said JUF president Steven Nasatir. "Hal's contribution to the growth and development of JUF was huge. He was a pillar of our Federation staff. I cannot overstate my gratitude to Hal for the devotion and dedication he showed, for nearly three decades, to the work of the Jewish United Fund/Federation. With his knowledge, skills, wit and loyalty to JUF, Hal led in so many ways. Even after his retirement in 1996, Hal did much to help us prepare and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Jewish Federation. He has been a wonderful asset to our organization and a loyal friend."
Hal was born in New Jersey and graduated from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to coming to Chicago, Hal was a vice president with Ruder & Finn, which he joined in 1962. A foreshadowing to his later work within the Jewish community, the accounts he supervised included the Government of Israel Investment Authority and the Office of the Israel Trade Commissioner.
Hal also served as an executive with other public relations firms in New York City and Philadelphia, and ran his own advertising and p.r. firm in Washington, D.C. for four years. Aside from p.r., Rosen was involved in journalism, serving as managing editor of the Philadelphia Jewish Times and an entertainment columnist at the Washington Daily News.
Hal died in 2008 of brain cancer at age 81, battling the disease for the previous two years with his characteristic good humor and determination. Rosen is survived by two sons, Michael (Adelina) Rosen of NYC, Paul (Shari) Rosen of Rochester; two grandsons, Josh and Craig; and two sisters, Maxine Spewak and Selma Simon. He was preceded in death by his brother, Mordechai Rosen.
