George Isaac Rose, Sr., son of the late John W. Rose and Sarah Ida Wilder Rose, was born on November 20, 1929 in Sumter, SC. He departed his physical life peacefully on Friday, December 23, 2022. George was the thirteenth child in a family of sixteen children and was predeceased by his parents and all of his siblings (Robert, Thomas, Minnie, Edmund, James, Booker, Willie, Evander, Margaret, John, Luke, Sarah, Joseph, Jacob and Roosevelt). He was married to Naomi A. Hall Rose (divorced) and leaves to cherish his memory two daughters: Janelle Rose Parker (VA) and Petrine D. Rose Sherlock (MD); and two sons: George I. Rose, Jr. (FL) and Terence D. Rose (NY); seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

He served his country in The United States Army in the first integrated outfit in 1950 when he was stationed at Belington, Germany at the end of World War II. George re-enlisted to serve in the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged as a decorated veteran.

In his youth George attended Jehovah Baptist Church in Sumter, SC which led him to become a minister after his military service and served in many churches. Rev. Rose was a member of Varick A.M.E. Zion Church in New Haven, CT. He also received his Bachelors of Science from Southern Connecticut State University as a testament to always stressing the importance of education.

George spent most of his childhood working. He obtained his first job at the age of nine delivering packages. George was a man of service who received many awards. To name a few: State of Maryland The Governor's Commission on Migratory and Seasonal Farm Labor Certificate of Recognition (1981); Award for Outstanding Contribution from the Department of Police Service - City of New Haven (2006); City of New Haven Board of Alderman Official Citation for being an active member of the Whally-Edgewood Management Team to keep order, cleanliness and beauty in the neighborhood; and many newspaper articles for his community service in New Haven, CT. He also worked with different organizations in support of women's rights and civil rights.

Other historic events that George experienced include: 17 US Presidents (he never thought he would see an African American as President), The Great Depression, segregation, Jim Crow, World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, The Cold War, assassinations, space flight and the first man on the moon, riots, 9/11, Iraq War, War in Afghanistan, etc. He never wavered from being a student of history and having an informed opinion on all events.

Some cherished nuggets of life that George liked to share were:

"To be successful, you must be able to research, write and present."

"Keep people out of your business."

"I'm my own boss."

"Be of good cheer."