Mr. Rosen was one of my favorite teachers in high school. I remember how he used to motivate me to become an archeologist when I had wanted to become one. Even though I never followed that career path I always remembered Mr. Rosen’s motivating words. I remember how funny it was watching you have your pick from the snack crop in class, one of the best moments to look back on as we watch history repeat itself… the one thing you tried to teach us not to do. Only wish I would’ve gotten to speak to you one last time before he passed. R.I.P.  to one of the best teachers we could’ve had.

I had the pleasure of working with Jeff at SHS. He surely loved  his craft! He loved his students and history. Jeff loved telling stories to us all about his travels and adventures, of which he had many. He loved music and was blown over when he heard I went to grammar school with Felix Papperaldi( from the band Mountain). Jeff was one of a very few people back then who knew and appreciated who Felix was. My deepest condolences to Jeff's family and friends. RIP.

There certainly was no one like Jeff!  And trying to pick one good story to tell about him is like trying to pick one good Beatles song.

But I'll try.

Many years ago, Jeff and I went to "Jeopardy" Night at a bar.  Those at SHS who knew him truly believed Jeff "Encyclopedia of All Things Known" Rosen could've been a multiple "Jeopardy" winner.  

Consequently, as we entered the bar, I knew full well that he was going to crush me and everyone else in the contest.

As if Jeff's intelligence wasn't enough of an almost-unfair advantage, the categories seemed somehow stacked in his favor.  The Civil War.  U.S. History.  Jewish Jazz Musicians.

Sure enough, Jeff virtually ran the table.  In fact, after a while, people stopped playing.  Instead, they would simply look at Jeff after each clue was presented.

When the game was over, some Rutgers girls asked him what he did for a living.  

"Guess," I said, gesturing to my friend, who was adorned with his usual denim jacket and red kerchief headband.

"Truck driver?"  "Dock worker?"  "Bouncer?" 

"No!" he bellowed!  "I'm a teacher!" he said with immense pride.

For the next half hour, Jeff held court at the bar, bestowing upon his enthralled new fans his wisdom on many topics, from the Russian Revolution to the Mets, down to the very most minute and lengthy details.

And had there been reliable fact-checking devices back then, I would have told the crowd, "Don't even bother."

I will miss him sorely.

Alan Cummings
SHS English Dept.
1981-2017

Very sad to hear of Mr. Rosen's passing.  Such an amazing teacher and positive influence to so many. His legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of each and every student. He will always be remembered fondly and with much gratitude.

When I told my son Bryan of Jeff’s passing, I asked him if he had a memory that he would want to contribute. Bryan went on  the Italy trip with SHS students. It was Easter and all  the students were attending mass except Bryan and Jeff. They decided to go an find an Italian restaurant where they are a meal … just the two of them. Great conversation and a great meal!

Jon Cochran 
coached Soccer with Jeff at Spotswood High School.  They were a dynamic duo on and off the field!
During those years a true friendship was  formed which led to many trips together on our boat. A memory that stands out was a trip around Manhattan during which we had a "live history lesson" about all things New York!
Jeff was a wonderful teacher and his students all really appreciated his vast knowledge and his zest for learning!
Mary Ann Cochran remembers Jeff's outgoing personality and love of travel.
The two took students to England in 1989 over Easter vacation from SHS.
The group toured Shakespeare's Avon, Stonehenge, Salisbury, and London.
Jeff's care and concern for the group was amazing!  At all times he was assiduous in his chaperoning, from breakfast to bed check! 
Both Jon and Mary Ann are very sorry for your loss. They can imagine the void left by your beloved brother's passing.
They wish you peace in the days ahead.

I am so sorry to hear   of Jeff's passing.
I was a secretary at the Spotswood High School while Jeff was there.  He was an interesting and knowledgeable guy always willing to help the students grow.  So sorry we did not know sooner.

Jeff was an amazing guy. I was lucky enough to be his in class support teacher for a few years. We enjoyed so many fun moments….  Loved how he was able to put notes on the board that consisted of one word, his multiple choice tests went from A,B…. To AA,BB, CC,  until he ran out of room, and his wealth of knowledge. . He was so smart and fun to be around. I often called him as I was driving to Hobby Lobby in Marlboro and I will miss this opportunity to chat with him.

Marshall and Marie 

I am so sorry to hear about Jeffrey.  You all must be heartbroken.  

Please express my condolences to your family. 

When u feel ready, reach out. anne.schrettner@gmail.com  703-297-6397

Love

Anne

Sorry for your loss. Jeff was a good friend of mine in high school. I used to go to his house and he had every album imaginable. A great guy

Rest in Peace, My Sweet Brother, Colleague, Friend.😔❤🙏 Honoring, Remembering Jeffrey Rosen. 
I was fortune enough have met Jeff as soon as he moved to SWS.  Also, his little brother and my little brother were best friends.  We were a year apart in grade level and, obviously, hung with other crowds, but I was usually at his house watching Jets games with my brother and his family. We've spent a bit of time together, in "The City, @Mets games over the years with our brothers.  And, LOL...  I know all about his meeting with Jorma and his interesting trek up to Watkins Glen in '73, So... here I humbly, carefully tred.
Recognized within academic circles, Jeff was also a longtime, loved, respected Social Studies Teacher, member of the Spotswood High School community. Over his career, Jeff realized many achievements, several academic and sports accolades along the way, as he was an accomplished soccer coach at the high school level, play-by-play announcer for his "Chargers" football games, member of many statewide professional associations, and winner of a prestigious Fullbright Scholarship, where he studied overseas. Europe, I believe.
With his infectious, bright, smile it was obvious that he always "Lit up the Room".  Jeff was a true "Mensch", Friend to so many.  He affected so many others, Kids otherwise 'lost' to society, always embracing them with Love, Care, Wisdom, Knowledge, with a dose of Empathy, Humanity, Humility. 🙂
Celebrating my Buddy since 1971, an eclectic, passionate, one a of a kind Soul who made this 🌏 a better place.

Marshall and Allyson,

You orobably don't remember me but Jeff was my "pal" in high school.  We had many great times hanging out and I will cite 2 specific events that have remained indelible throughout the years. 

We went to see an  early Hot Tuna show at the Academy of Music in the Village in '73  or '74.  It was great so we decided to see if we could sneak into the midnight show.  We were hanging around when someone asked us if we were with the lighting crew. Of course we said yes as we desparately wanted to see the second show. So we operated the lights while Hot Tuna played from midnight to 6 AM. 

On another occasion, we hitch hiked to the State Theater in New Brunswick to see Roy Buchanan.   However,  our ride left us short of the venue. Now picture this, Jeff and I being chased through the projects.

I left Old Bridge after HS in '74 to go to College at FSU in Tallahassee, FL.  I rarely came back to OB after that and the last time I saw Jeff was at my parents house on Adams Street in Sayre Woods South in  1980.  He was with his cousin Alan Baron nee Perlson and his girlfriend Kathy. I have a picture of them somewhere in my archives.

I am most fortunate for being friends with Jeff during those formative years. He will be sorely missed.

Steve Shapiro
Land O' Lakes, FL
MTHS Class of '74

Sympathies to the family and friends of Jeff.

Jeff was a unique character as long as I knew him.  My "longest" ago memory is of Jeff in overalls and flannel, hand-written sign saying  "Watkins Glenn", thumb out looking for a ride, at  the 516 access ramp to route 18 north.   Jeff made it to all those memorable shows, back in the day.

 Rock on buddy

Dear Marshall and Allyson, I went to high school with Jeff and would run into him occasionally when I lived in East Brunswick. Jeff was a mensch. A lovely man who was very kind and so  intelligent. I will always remember him as such. I am deeply sorry to hear of his passing. You will both be in my prayers. RIP dear Jeff. 
James Hunt
Ocala, FL

OBITUARY

Jeffrey S Rosen

July 18, 1956 – September 13, 2023

Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels

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