WARREN — Donald Carl Rose, age 87, passed away Sunday, August 5, 2012, at Washington Square Health Center, Warren, Ohio, after a long illness.
He was born July 4, 1925, in Andover, Ohio, the only son of Carl and Rosalie (Woodruff) Rose of New Lyme, Ohio. During his youth he was known as “Bud”.
Following his 1943 graduation from New Lyme High School, he was accepted by the U.S. Merchant Marine Officer Candidate School. He served as an officer aboard the Liberty ships during World War II.
For many years, he managed Gilmour’s Furniture Store in Warren. Later, he owned RLR Appliance and more recently Harding Auto, both in Warren.
Don was an automobile enthusiast and a licensed pilot. He enjoyed reading, traveling, and boating. He and his young son once rescued a family whose boat had capsized on a stormy Lake Erie near Conneaut. Don was a good-natured and generous man.
Surviving him are a daughter, Karen (Dan) Miller of Sarasota, Fla.; two stepdaughters, Jacqueline (Andrew) Susce of Alvin, Texas, and Sandra (James) Mask of Willard; daughter-in-law, Sandra Rose of Oakland, Calif.; six grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Matrisciano of Ashtabula.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Edith; his second wife, Karen; and his son, Donald Carl Rose Jr.
The family is grateful to the staff at Washington Square Health Center, to Harbor Light Hospice and to Don’s niece, Lynne Crawford, who has visited him frequently at the nursing home and monitored his care for seven years.
According to his wishes the body will be cremated and there will be no calling hours. At the convenience of the family there will be a Private Memorial Service at New Lyme East Cemetery.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the New Lyme Baptist Church, 1280 Dodgeville Road, Rome, Ohio 44085.
Arrangements are being handled by LANE FAMILY FUNERAL HOMES, ROBERTS CLARK CHAPEL. Obituary and condolences at starbeacon.com.
