J. Richard Rose

J. Richard "Rich" Rose, age 77, passed away peacefully at Rhode Island Hospital on June 24, 2026, with his loving wife, Francine by his side. They celebrated their 20th Anniversary in May 2026 vacationing in Virginia.

Born in Brooklyn, NY., Rich was raised by his parents, Harry and Martha (Karp) Rose in Queens and Westbury, NY where he treasured the lifelong relationships he formed with his relatives and friends. He graduated from Hicksville High School and earned an B.S. from the University of the State of New York.

Rich's career in health care started when he was a psychiatric attendant at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center and in a laboratory in a hospital in NY. In the early 1990's Rich moved to Rhode Island, where he was a supervisor of the Blood Bank at Rhode Island Hospital. He also volunteered in a soup kitchen in Providence. In the 2000's Rich worked at Bay State Medical in Springfield, Massachusetts, Sturdy Memorial and Brockton Hospital as a laboratory supervisor. He taught clinical laboratory at Bristol Community College in Fall River and Stonehill College. He took pleasure in mentoring students and employees. He obtained an M.S. in Labor Relations and Human Resources from the University of Rhode Island in 2006. His Seminar Research Paper, "Condition Critical: American Hospitals Face a Severe Undersupply of Allied Health Professionals" is published in DigitalCommons@URI. Rich was a lifetime learner and obtained a Master of Science in Jurisprudence from Seton Hall Law School and a certificate from  University of Pittsburgh Law School.

Rich was an avid Mets fan and was proud to be an URI alumni. His interest in jazz music started when he was young and he was listening to John Coltrane. With Francine he attended numerous music festivals and travelled through the US and Europe to numerous art museums. During summers Rich and Francine relished in a picnic lunch and listening to classical music on the lawn at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother Steve and wife Karin of Charlottesville, his sister Faren of Los Angeles, his nephew Quinn, niece Molly and great nieces Lola and Ramona Boothman.

Rich's caring and warm demeanor, his devotion to his wife, his brilliance and humor will be missed.

He is interred at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, RI.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, ATTN: Development Department, 200 Niantic Ave, Providence, RI 02907 https://rifoodbank.org/donate/