Julius Rosenwald 2d, philanthropist, civic leader
Hyfler/Rosner
By Gayle Ronan Sims
Inquirer Staff Writer
Julius Rosenwald 2d, 89, one of several heirs to a vast fortune who
dedicated his life to philanthropy, died of complications from dementia
Sunday at home in Elkins Park.
As a young man, Mr. Rosenwald learned how to spend money prudently, hearing
sage axioms such as "It is easier to earn $1 million than to spend it
wisely" from his grandfather Julius Rosenwald. His grandfather made millions
building Sears, Roebuck & Co.'s mail-order business and spent a good portion
of his fortune building schools in the South for African Americans.
Born in Chicago and raised in Jenkintown, Mr. Rosenwald attended Episcopal
Academy in Merion and prep school in Switzerland. Instead of pursuing a
college degree, Mr. Rosenwald chose to begin his lifelong tenure on the
board of Sears and live the life of a philanthropist.
After Mr. Rosenwald married Julia Kaufmann in 1937, they settled in Elkins
Park and raised three children.
During World War II, Mr. Rosenwald enlisted in the Marines and saw action in
the Pacific. He was discharged in 1945 as a captain.
Mr. Rosenwald devoted his life to civic and philanthropic causes in
Philadelphia, including serving as a trustee of Lincoln University from 1950
to 1990.
Ivory V. Nelson, president of Lincoln University, said Mr. Rosenwald "was
truly a devoted friend of Lincoln University who believed in our historic
academic mission."
Marvin Wachman, president emeritus of Temple University and president of
Lincoln University from 1961 to 1970, who affectionately called the elegant
Mr. Rosenwald "Dooley," said: "He was a principled civic activist on the
board of Lincoln University... . As chairman of the development committee,
Mr. Rosenwald was well respected by students, not only because of his
grandfather's reputation as a generous philanthropist for the education of
blacks, but because Dooley listened to their concerns.
"Dooley not only helped raise funds to build a new computer center and
science center in the 1960s, but he gave generously of his own money,"
Wachman said.
NAACP chairman Julian Bond said: "The Rosenwald family is a proud, proud
family with a great deal to be very, very proud of."
Mr. Rosenwald also served on the boards of PSFS, March of Dimes, United
Fund, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Blue Cross, and WHYY (radio and
television) from its inception. He was one of the founders of the University
City Science Center and was an advocate for disadvantaged residents
displaced by that building.
A tennis player into his 70s, Mr. Rosenwald was also a photographer who took
pictures all over the world. He was a devoted birder.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Rosenwald is survived by daughters Karen
Gundersheimer and Linda Rosenwald; a son, Julius Rosenwald 3d; five
grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Mr. Rosenwald donated his
body to science.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Natural Lands Trust, 1031 Palmers Mill
Rd., Media, Pa. 19063.
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