Merrill Alan Rosenberg

Merrill A. Rosenberg passed away at his home in Boston on August 3, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born and raised in Boston, Merrill was the only child of Abraham Rosenberg and Minnie Seidman Rosenberg. A lifelong scholar, he graduated from Boston University with a degree in Romance Languages before earning his Ph.D. in Romance Languages from Harvard University.

Merrill devoted much of his professional life to education and international service. He served as a professor at the University of Chicago, where he shared his passion for language and literature with many students. His career also took him abroad, including service at the U.S. Embassy in Iran.

He later joined HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigration Aid Society), where he worked in Rome and Paris, helping Jewish refugees fleeing persecution rebuild their lives in new countries. This work reflected his deep commitment to humanitarian service and international understanding. Merrill lived in Paris for many years, embracing the culture and experiences of the city before returning to the United States in the early 2000s.

An avid traveler, Merrill was endlessly curious about the world. He was exceptionally well read and had a lifelong interest in politics, history, and current events. He enjoyed thoughtful conversation and was known for his broad knowledge and intellectual curiosity.

Merrill is survived by his cousin, Linda Lowenstam, and by her children and grandchildren, who will cherish his memory.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 1:45 PM at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA. Please follow signs to Graveside Service which will lead you to the back of the administration building to line up for the burial.

Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be donated to HIAS, PO Box 97077, Washington, DC 20090-7077 or at www.hias.org

May his memory be a blessing.