Richard Anthony Rosenthal

Richard (Dick) A. Rosenthal 91, died peacefully on June 11, 2024 at his home in South Florida.  A devout Catholic, he was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was an exemplary athlete, businessman, community leader and loyal son of Notre Dame. Known for his infectious smile and positive spirit, he brought great energy and light to his beloved family and friends throughout his entire life.

Dick is survived by Charlotte V. Rosenthal, his loving wife for the last 25 years; and eight living children:  Kathy Bax (Michael), John Rosenthal (Mary), Lori Rosenthal, Joe Rosenthal (Blanca), Carol McClory (Michael), Ellen Bruneel (David), Susan Braun (Andy), and Mary Pat Davis (Scott). He is also survived by his 21 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; four stepchildren; ten step-grandchildren; a cousin, Jo Ann Lorek; and many extended family members.

Preceding him in death were his beloved wife of 41 years, Marylyn; his infant son, Richard Peter; his parents, John and Bertha; and his brother, Robert (JoAnn).

Family always came first for Dick.  His family cherishes many fond memories with him including storytelling around the dinner table, ski trips, Notre Dame sporting events, Sunday family bike rides, time in the mountains of Colorado, and special travel adventures. He taught his family, by example, to create wonderful times with loved ones and friends, to work hard, to share one's gifts with others, and to honor God.

Born In St. Louis, Missouri on January 20, 1933, he began playing basketball in 8th  grade and went on to captain his McBride High School team to the 1949 Prep League Championship.  Dick was awarded a basketball and baseball scholarship to the University of Notre Dame and had an illustrious career there. A first-team All-American and team captain in basketball, he became Notre Dame’s all-time leading scorer in his era. Known for his “aggressive style of play”, for many years after his playing days, he held the all-time record for personal fouls!  He often quipped, “…they give you 5 fouls, it is ‘wasteful’ if you don’t use them all”.  He was a proud recipient of the Byron Kanaley Award, presented annually to the top senior student-athlete. His friendships with his teammates continued throughout his life with frequent golf gatherings of the “ole' gang”.

Dick was the fourth overall pick in the 1st round of the 1954 NBA Draft and selected by the Fort Wayne Pistons (now the Detroit Pistons).  He played three seasons with the team while serving in the U.S. Fifth Army Division during the offseason.  While signing his Pistons’ contract, he met his future wife, Marylyn, who served as secretary to the owner of the team. They were married on April 7, 1956, and over the years became parents to nine children, with whom they shared immense gifts of humor, generosity, and unconditional love. Those gifts were also shared with Dick’s mother, who lived with them for 30 years, and with many dear friends they frequently entertained in their home.

In 1957, Dick began his business career as a banker in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Five years later, at the age of 29, he became the youngest bank president in the U.S. when he started his 28 years of service at the St. Joseph Bank & Trust Co. in South Bend, IN. That was also the beginning of his 50-plus years of service to the Michiana area. In addition to growing the bank enormously, he worked in leadership roles with the Jaycees, the United Way, the YMCA, the South Bend Chamber of Commerce, the Century Center, Special Olympics, the Sisters of St. Francis, St. Joseph Hospital, and the Diocese of Fort Wayne – South Bend. He was invested as a Knight in the Order of the Holy Sepulcher in his hometown of St. Louis in 1968.  He also participated in several trade missions for the state of Indiana to Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, the Middle East, Australia, and South America. During his banking career, he remained active at Notre Dame by serving as President of the Alumni Association in 1968 and as a long-serving member of the Mendoza College of Business Advisory Board and, of course, the Monogram Club.

When Dick retired from the bank in 1987, the University of Notre Dame tapped him to become its Director of Athletics. His nine year tenure in that role produced many highlights, such as: the top rankings of many teams, including the football National Championship in 1988, the unprecedented improvement and success of Olympic Sports, the tremendous expansion of women’s varsity sports, the NBC Sports television contract, the initial football stadium expansion, joining the Big East Conference, high graduation rates of student-athletes and the formation of the Rosenthal Sports Leadership Academy. His time as Athletic Director was also marked by the legendary gatherings that he and Marylyn hosted in their home. He cherished the many friends he made during his time in the athletic department.

On April 10, 1999, Dick and Charlotte married – after many years of knowing each other as neighbors and friends. They embraced each other's children, their spouses and their growing families.  They traveled all around the globe for pleasure and to countless family births, baptisms, First Communions, confirmations, graduations, weddings, and family reunions. In retirement, Dick and Charlotte became snowbirds in Estero, Florida, where they made many friends with whom they golfed, played cards, and attended performances at the Naples Philharmonic. Dick also served in leadership roles on many boards during retirement, including St. Joseph Capital Bank, Lacrosse Footwear Company, and Advanced Drainage Systems.

In a 1990 article about Dick, author Irene Davis described him accurately: "He's admired and respected in the community, the University, and beyond. He's tall, handsome, articulate, outgoing and extremely talented. He's committed to his family and his faith. Rosenthal is happy, and it shows. He smiles easily and often."

He will be remembered in all these ways, along with his willingness to help family, friends, friends of friends, and people he barely knew. His positive spirit, love, giving nature, caring, and wonderful smile will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be held at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 IN 23, Granger, Indiana 46530, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 3-7 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at The Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of the University of Notre Dame on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 2:30 p.m.  The Mass will be live-streamed at http://basilica.nd.edu/sacraments/funerals/funerals-livestream/

Dick will be interred at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s name, would be greatly appreciated if sent to the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, http://ssfpa.org/contact/ or P.O. Box 766 Mishawaka, Indiana 46546; the United States Congregation of Holy Cross http://give.holycrossusa.org or P.O. Box 765, Notre Dame Indiana 46556-0765; or the Diocese of Ft. Wayne – South Bend, http://diocesefwsb.org/give/ or 915 S. Clinton St. Ft. Wayne, IN 46802.