Mitch, the Club isn't the same without you.  I still look for your car, always parked outside when you were there.   I hope your family is managing.  There is a giant hole  in the world without you.
Love, Cathy

I so enjoyed when Mitch would come to visit me at Paul Stuart. He knew my gentleman who passed 9 years ago. He had also worked at Paul Stuart. My condolences.

Mitchell served on the Partnership for Drug Free Kids board with me. He was a tireless advocate for those afflicted with the disease of addiction. He enlightened us all on the journey to recovery. He was a giant in his field but a warm, approachable friend to many. He will be missed. May he Rest In Peace. Mike White

Mitch and his family were great friends of our family.  We have very fond memories of times together in our youths. We send love and condolences to his survivors. 
Elsa Daspin and Richard Daspin

Getting to know Dr. Rosenthal over these few years and hearing him speak about his legacy at  Phoenix House , you felt as though he would live forever doing the work he so loved. For the many lives he touched and will continue to touch, since 1967, we are forever grateful. Rest in Power, Mitch!
AnnMarie Foster, President & CEO Phoenix Houses of New York & Long Island

My most sincere condolences for a pioneer in the field. 

Dona Pagan

Mitch was instrumental in establishing and developing the drug treatment field in America. Through his pioneering work he allowed so many of us to create programs, evolve treatment strategies, all while destigmatizing addiction. Personally, Mitch showed me support and compassion throughout my career, most recently embracing the work of Odyssey House. I will remain indebted to him and do my best to honor his legacy.



Mitchell S. Rosenthal MD
I will miss you!
I entered Phoenix House at 74th street on October 5th for admission in 1985. Until this day, I am 37 years drug free and that's thanks to you  and your foundation. Who knew that I would work for you 3 years later.  Again, you gave me a chance and I love it and you. I loved the Christmas holidays as much as you. Had to wrap hundred of gifts for your employees. You helped me Mitch and Corey & I truly appreciate you. 
Our birthdays are 5 days apart, a true GEMINI.
May you SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE
Your clerk typist Tammy V Williams

I worked with Mitch for many years and have many wonderful memories.  He was a gentleman, warm and compassionate.  He was beyond a doubt the most influential person on the treatment field in the history of this country.  He took Phoenix House from a building on West 85th Street and turned it into a network operating in 10 states and treating 1,000’s on a daily basis.  His impact and influence was felt everywhere, he was leader who cared and was able to make many others care. I was working with Mitch and Diane Rush on a small project just days before his passing and we always remember the morning of the 15th when I received an e-mail from her and a few others that said “I don't know how to break this to you, but Mitch became ill and died very suddenly last night.  I will always remember that morning.  The world has lost a giant whose impact on treatment field will never be forgotten. He was the guy people turned to!

My most sincere condolences.
Joe Witt
David Witt

I knew Mitch from my beginning in 1968 Phoenix House. Over the years he's been a friend, a mentor, an innovator, and someone who was part of my own journey in recovery. He was a person always mindful of others and not afraid to speak his mind. I will remain grateful with utmost respect. 

I was a friend of Mitch's from the University Club where I met him on the Lecture Committee which he successfully chaired for years.  I admired him for his intellect and for his warmth.   He had strong ethical standards and he aimed high in life.  Few accomplish and have such an impact as Mitch had at Phoenix House .  We all knew he played a transformative role in the world of drug treatment.  But, the Mitch I knew was also  very devoted to his family---- and to his Rottweilers.  He loomed large at the UC .  I will miss seeing his car, with its MD plates, parked outside the Club which meant he was inside up to something.
I send you  much sympathy.  I think we all already miss Mitch profoundly. That he was 87 is irrelevant.  He seemed forever young. 
His loss is hard to accept. 

Cathy Michaelson


Mitch was one of the most influential figures of our lifetime. Through his dedication and extraordinary insights, starting in the early 1960s, was he able to create a system of care and rehabilitation for those suffering from Substance Use Disorder in New York, nationally, and internationally. Mitch was a remarkable professional who always had time for a colleague He stayed the course and never wavered. Millions have benefited from his life's work. God Bless Mitch's soul and may he rest in peace. Luke J Nasta Camelot of Staten Island

Mitch and I took residence at Phoenix House around the same time in mid-1967. At that time, Phoenix consisted of the top 2 floors at 205 W. 85th Street and had about 25 residents.   I was on probation, transferring in from Oddysey House where most of the residents had split because of fights between ex-addict staff and Dr. Judiannne Denison-Gerber.  If I’m not mistaken, Mitch actually moved into the facility for a brief period of time and survived the significant confrontations in our encounter groups.  No question, he was our leader and led by example. 

Mitch had a profound impact on my life, we knew each other for fifty plus years and he was a very present fellow traveler during my journey, he was a mentor that provided encouragement and guidance during time of growth and support during times of challenge, he will be deeply missed and always remembered by myself and all whose life’s were changed and improved by his presence.

Ron Williams 

I was so very sorry to hear of Mitch’s passing  . He was a pioneer in the  field of addiction treatment , peer recovery and overall rehabilitation of those needing additional  wrap around services . He is responsible for saving thousands of lives over his decades of service. I am thankful and grateful to have known and worked with him . He will be missed by many . God  bless you Mitch.  My prayers go to you and your loved ones. 

OBITUARY

Dr. Mitchell Rosenthal

June 12, 1935 – November 14, 2022

Riverside Memorial Chapel

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