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The family of Hy Rosen uploaded a photo
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
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Rabbi Reuven Taff posted a condolence
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Last Sunday I received word that my best friend’s father growing up, Hy Rosen, had died after a valiant fight with bladder cancer. I was so saddened to hear this news so I wrote a tribute to him which was read by Rabbi Dan Ornstein at the Shiva Minyan on Monday night. Before I share with you what I wrote, you should know that Hy was the editorial cartoonist of our daily newspaper, The Albany Times-Union for more than 45 years. His son Ed (who we all called “Rafi”) and I were best of friends and we certainly got into our share of ‘trouble’ during our teenage years. Rafi’s father grew up in Albany in the south end of the city, a pretty rough neighborhood and despite his small size (5’3”), he held his own and actually did some professional boxing, known as “Punchy Rosen.” I was very fortunate to get to know Hy over the years and loved hearing his stories of growing up in Albany. Hy loved Israel and loved Yiddishkeit. One of Hy’s colleagues at the newspaper, Paul Grondahl, delivered a moving eulogy at the funeral which was published the next day in the Times-Union. Feel free to read the eulogy by going to the following link: http://blog.timesunion.com/michaelhuber/paul-grondahls-eulogy-of-hy-rosen/733/ Here is what I shared with the family: I am so saddened to hear of the death of Hy (Chayim) Rosen. Although he was not a tall man, he was a giant of a man who had an insatiable appetite for conversation. He could talk about anything and everything: art, literature, movies, theater, sports, and politics. No topic or subject was beyond his capability for discussion. I remember the time when he allowed me and Rafi to hang out on Election Night in his cubicle at the Albany Times-Union. I was mesmerized by his ability to read several newspapers, watch several news programs at once and then distill everything to its essence often in a single image. How he came up with that image which would be published in the next morning’s edition of the newspaper is beyond my comprehension; that was his genius. About twelve years ago I called Rex Babin, the Editorial Cartoonist for our local newspaper (the Sacramento Bee) with an idea for a cartoon. He told me that he doesn’t accept ideas from the public for his cartoons. But after I told him that I knew Hy Rosen, who he explained to me he succeeded at the Times-Union and who was a mentor to him, he kindly listened to my idea and the next day my idea was published in his cartoon on the editorial page of the Bee. In June of 2005 I received a call from Elaine, Hy’s dear wife of 61 years telling me that she and Hy would be in Sacramento for the annual American Association of Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC) conference, of which Hy was one of the founders many years ago. I arranged to meet them at the Sheraton Hotel and as we sat in the lounge reminiscing about the ‘old days’ growing up in Albany, I marveled at how many of his colleagues would come over to him to chat. He was like a king in his court, proudly introducing me to editorial cartoonists from all over the country. And Elaine, as elegant as always, was smiling as her husband accepted the accolades from his peers. Just yesterday after our Shabbat service, Phil Angelides, former California State Treasurer and candidate for Governor (who attended the Bar and Bat Mitzvah of Jacqueline and Jordan Anapolsky), came up to me to share that his daughter would be getting married this coming summer to a Jewish Bostonian, Zachary Kanin, who is the cartoonist for the New Yorker. I then told Phil and his wife Julie about Hy Rosen and the impact he had on me and on so many people who were caught lovingly into his net. I never thought that the day after just speaking about Hy, that I would hear from my sister in Israel about his death and that the funeral would be this afternoon in Albany. On behalf of the entire Taff and Solomon families, I extend sincerest condolences to Elaine, his Eshet Chayil (woman of valor) who was so devoted to him for all these years. To Elaine, Rafi, Margot, Eve, Ben, and to Hy’s grandchildren, Arielle, Claire, and Josh, I pray that G-d will comfort you and give you all strength to bear this great loss. The world has lost a man who during his life was able to impact so many people with his G-d given talent. But Hy’s great love for his family, the People of Israel, his Jewish heritage, his love of this country and his menschlekeit will be indelibly etched into our hearts and memories. May his memory always be for a blessing. Rabbi Reuven (Bobby) Taff
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Jean Hipwell and Family posted a condolence
Monday, February 28, 2011
Dear Elaine and Family, Carey and I were so sorry to learn of your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathy. God bless Hy's soul and may he rest in peace.
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Joel and Francoise Chadabe posted a condolence
Monday, February 28, 2011
Dear Elaine, it's been a long time since we've seen you and Hi, but we've thought of you both and our thoughts are with you now.
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Shirley Boyer McLauchlin posted a condolence
Sunday, February 27, 2011
...and I was one of your babysitters, at the time! Through the wonder of the Internet, friends and family told me of Hy's death, and I'm able to communicate with you like this! My sincere condolences to all of you.
I've lived in CA for six years, now, but am very much an Albany "girl". Anyone who lived in Albany had his/her life enriched by Hy's talents, and his interest in that community.
Hy and I renewed our acquaintance through skiing some year later.
Fond and caring thoughts, Shirley
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Miriam Buchsbaum & Bruce Genter posted a condolence
Saturday, February 26, 2011
We were so sorry to learn of the passing of your wonderful husband, father, & grandfather. Over the years we were lucky enough to have met him & were always charmed & impressed by his intelligence & good humor. He will be greatly missed. With deepest sympathy, Miriam Buchsbaum & Bruce Genter
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david brickman posted a condolence
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Dear Elaine, Eve, Ed and Ben, My heart goes out to all of you at this difficult time. Hy was a great guy and an impressive artist, but to you he was so much more than that. Sincere condolences from me and Karen. - david brickman
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norm and Betty Shapiro posted a condolence
Friday, February 25, 2011
Dear Elaine and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of HY.I will always remember him at hebrew school on Franklin St in Albany drawing cartoons and having fun.He was an excellent skier and most of all a wonderful person with his special smile.we will miss him
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Lynne Winston Trigilio posted a condolence
Friday, February 25, 2011
To the Rosen Family, I always cherish my fond memories of coming to your home to visit Eve and always feeling welcome there...besides being cousins. My sincere prayers are with all of you. We all admired Cousin Hy and all of his accomplishments, but his best was in his family.
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Cousin Roz Winston posted a condolence
Friday, February 25, 2011
Dear Elaine, Ed & Margo, Eve and Benji: So very saddened to hear from Phil Ziffer that our dear Hy passed away. I was so glad I got to speak to him last month. It is so difficult to put into words how I am feeling. He was my last first Cousin. He now joins all the Bellin Family, along with the Rosens. Wish I could be with you during this time. My Son, Paul, Sue, Jeff and Moe Bender will represent me. The Obituary was awesome. We were always so very proud to have Hy in our family. With love, Cousin Roz, West Palm Beach, Florida
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paul richter posted a condolence
Friday, February 25, 2011
I extend my sincere condolences to Hy's family on his passing. I had the good fortune to get to know Hy when we collaborated on the ''Gray Rider Trooper'' statue project. It was a pleasure to work with such a gifted sculptor. Hy was a ''man's man'' and gentleman at all times. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend. Paul Richter, ret nysp
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Chana Cotter posted a condolence
Friday, February 25, 2011
Hy was always an inspiration to me. He was a wonderful man and brilliant artist. May his memory forever be a blessing.
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Margaret posted a condolence
Friday, February 25, 2011
Dear Mrs. Rosen I read about Hy's passing in this morning's paper. Please accept my condolences to you and your children. I enjoyed reading about Hy's life in the southend followed by his success as a local artist. He will be missed by many. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Margaret Former secretary to Dr. Stuart Rosenberg
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Patti Becker posted a condolence
Friday, February 25, 2011
With deep respect and sympathy at Hy's passing. We have lost such a bright and shining light. God bless you.
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Nicole posted a condolence
Friday, February 25, 2011
I wanted to say how sorry I was to hear of Hy's passing. He always had a smile on his face when he was in the office. My sympathy goes out to you and your family.