Eugene H. Rosenberg

The world lost a true hero and champion. Eugene (Gene, Poppy, “The Godfather”) Rosenberg of Simsbury, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side after a short battle with Pancreatic Cancer at 86 years young. The epitome of a mensch, everyone who knew Gene instantly felt the impact of his love, zest for life, and generous heart. His compassion for humanity was unparalleled and he had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room when you were with him. The world was truly a better place because of his gentle soul. Gene was born on May 2, 1935 in the South End of Hartford and graduated from Buckley High School. The son of Dorothy and Philip Rosenberg, and also stepmothers, Pauline and Sarah Rosenberg, whom he loved dearly but lost too soon. Gene was a lover of cards and all sports with the tendency to bet a few dollars on a game or two. He was an avid tennis player and was known to be extremely competitive in all aspects of his life. Gin was his card game of choice, playing all around the country during his lifetime, including winning tournaments in Las Vegas. His fondest memories are of playing with his “gin buddies” either at Tumble Brook Country Club or as it came to be in the last several years, at his home in Simsbury. The schedule was iron clad and the game was held three times a week. The word is, they may have played four times if Gene wasn’t so slow. As much as he loved to play cards, his most cherished and precious time was the time spent with his family, lighting up each time he saw them. His joy for his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and family was a buoy that carried and brightened the lives of all. There was nothing more important than having his family around him to share laughter and love. Family was everything to Gene. Gene came from humble beginnings starting his furniture career as a bookkeeper earning $40 a week. Over the years he built an empire that has employed thousands of people over many decades. He spent a lifetime in the furniture industry as the co-founder of Planned Furniture Promotions with partner and lifelong friend Paul Cohen. He also co-founded Bob’s Discount Furniture with his cousin and true friend, Bob Kaufman. Gene was inducted into the American Furnishings Hall of Fame in 2013. He was a serial entrepreneur, involved in many businesses including a partnership with his son in law, Mickey Toro, at CTEC Solar located in Bloomfield, CT. He was actively involved in all of his businesses with not a day passing without a “check in” to see what the numbers were, but most importantly to see how “his people” were doing. He never found a deal he didn’t like, but his intentions always were to help anyone in need. Gene has mentored and helped thousands of individuals and their families. He has served on numerous boards and is a lifelong member of Congregation Beth Israel. He had a very special bond with the many Rabbis of Chabad House, especially Rabbi Gopin. As a pillar of the community and philanthropist, he will be remembered as a hero to his family, a savior for his clients, an iconic legend by the furniture industry and as a mentor and friend to all. His legacy for compassion, empathy, and business acumen will live on with his family and the people he has mentored along the way. The most important thing Gene leaves behind is his unconditional love and selflessness. He had an unmatched willingness to care for others without judgment. Gene was always there to lend a hand, share a laugh, or words of wisdom. He was most definitely a Hall of Famer in Life. He is survived by his loving wife, soulmate, and true confidant of 48 years, Anja Edman Rosenberg. He lovingly referred to Anja as the “Olive’ to his “Popeye.” He also is survived by his daughter Donna Rosenberg Bricker and her husband Andy, son Gary Rosenberg and husband Aaron, son Michael Rosenberg and wife Ellen, daughter Pia Rosenberg Toro and husband Mickey, who he shared his home with. He is fondly known as “Poppy” to Rob, Sarah, Barry, Bethany, Matt, Nicole, Rachele, Alexandra, Hunter, Victoria, Hannah, Zev, Anthony, Danny, Marcella, Maddie, Mackenzie, Mya, and predeceased by his grandson AJ Bricker. With endless love for his many, many, adorable great grandchildren. He will forever be known as “The Godfather,” a mentor and friend to many. He also leaves a large and loving family in Sweden, cherished cousins, and friends. Gene has made many friends in his life, but no one is more special than David Lejfer. David has been Gene’s confidant, sounding board, support system, and brother, who has literally been by his side for the last 16 years. A lifelong friend that the family extends endless gratitude to for all that he has done for Gene and all who love him. And without whom Gene’s quality of life would have been severely diminished. It’s inconceivable to think how much more difficult this time would have been without the loving care provided by Gene’s caregiver, Samuel. Sam has been by his side for the last three years and became not only a caregiver, but a member of the family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the staff, doctors and nurses at Hartford Hospital who cared for Gene throughout the years, especially Jeffrey Flaks, Patty Veronneau, Dr. Elias and his entire team. We would not have been able to get through this difficult time without all of their care and compassion. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 1st, at 11:00 am at Congregation Beth Israel located at 701 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT. Masks will be required and for those who can not attend in person, a live stream will be provided using the following link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=congregation+beth+israel+west+hartfordA Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the Farmington Club located at 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington, CT 06032. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gene’s honor to the following organizations: Jewish Family Services-Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry, West Hartford, CT, Chabad House of West Hartford or Chabad House of Glastonbury CT, Charter Oak Cultural Center of Hartford CT, and Hartford Hospital. Funeral Arrangements provided by Weinstein Mortuary. “IT’S NICE TO BE IMPORTANT BUT IT’S MORE IMPORTANT TO BE NICE.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gene’s honor to the following organizations: Jewish Family Services-Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry, West Hartford, CT, Chabad House of West Hartford or Chabad House of Glastonbury CT, Charter Oak Cultural Center of Hartford CT, and Hartford Hospital.