Donald Rose

Mr. Rose of Charlotte, NC, died peacefully on February 27, 2012 at Presbyterian Hospital under the kind care of Hospice. His family and friends will dearly miss his great sense of humor and wonderful gift of storytelling on so many diverse topics. He was a young 87.

He grew up in South Bend, Indiana attending Howe Military Prep School and like so many of the Greatest Generation joined the service during World War II. He proudly served his country as an Air Force tail gunner flying B-25 missions in the China-Burma-India theater. Wounded on one of his missions, he was awarded the Purple Heart which was a great source of pride in his later years.

After the war he married Joan E. Closs and started his family. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1949.

He began what would be his life’s career in Advertising Sales with House Beautiful magazine in Cleveland, Ohio and went on to head up offices in Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA. After retiring from House Beautiful, he continued working in ad sales for Elle Décor Magazine. He was loved and respected by his peers and customers in the home furnishings publishing business thanks to his affable personality, extensive knowledge of furniture, and keen salesmanship. Upon full retirement, he moved back to Charlotte to be near his family and friends and pursue his interests.

He was an avid cyclist and raced in the senior division during the 70’s-80’s and later for exercise and pleasure. He also loved fly fishing and hunting and was a lifelong lover of books. One of his greatest passions and past times was gourmet food and wine. He loved to cook and enjoyed trying new restaurants wherever he lived and traveled.

He is survived by his ex- wife Joan C. Rose and their children, daughter Ann V. Rose, her children Shaw A. Prescott, Evan G. Prescott, and Austin C.R. Longwell, son Daniel H. Rose, daughter in law Elizabeth K. Rose, their children Elizabeth R. Norkus, and Nathan T. Rose, and son Donald W. Rose.

He is also survived by his ex- wife and close friend Nancy Collins and her children, Christopher Jost, Charles Jost, and Carolyn J. Floyd.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, March 24 at 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, 4426 Central Avenue, Charlotte. There will be a reception after the service to share memories of Don’s life.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harris Hospice at Presbyterian Hospital.

Please share your memories of Don on his memorial page at www.HarryandBryantfuneralhome.com.