Jules Rose shined as luminary for the arts

Jules Rose was proof that retiring doesn't always have to mean slowing down.

Rose served on the boards for many local organizations, including the Florida Studio Theatre, American Jewish Committee of Sarasota, the Longboat Key Foundation, the Van Wezel Foundation and many others. He served as president of the Pierre Condominium Association and the Longboat Key Tennis Association and was a trustee and chairman of the board for the Perlman Music Program/Suncoast.

"He was deeply involved with many things in the Sarasota area," Bob Coyne, Rose's friend, said. "He was a very philanthropic individual and was involved in many, many things. No matter what type of position he held or what job he was assigned, you could always be certain it would be done perfectly."

Rose, a lifelong admirer and supporter of the arts, died June 10. He was 79.

Born in New York City, Rose attended Dartmouth College and became the owner of Sloan's Market, one of New York City’s largest food store chains. As a professional, Rose earned several awards and served as the president of a U.S frozen food dealers association.

Rose retired and moved to the Pierre Condominiums in Longboat Key, where he met his wife, Sheila, in 2000.

"They bumped into each other in the lobby of the Pierre," Coyne said. "We went out on the first date with them. It was special."

Rose enjoyed staying involved in the community and became an asset to many organizations.

"He’s been very, very active with us," Perlman Music Program/Suncoast Executive Director Elizabeth Power said. "Besides being a mentor, he has just been a wonderful ambassador for the program. He's been tremendous to the organization. His leadership has impacted our young, growing organization greatly."

When Rose joined his many organizations, he did so wholeheartedly.

"He was very philanthropic," Mark Kauffman, Rose’s friend and tennis partner, said. "He was just a mensch. He was a delightful guy and never had a bad word to say about anything. You're going to have a hard time finding someone as nice or giving as him."

In his free time, Rose enjoyed tennis and played almost every day. While serving as president of the Pierre Condominium Association, he helped redo the tennis courts, along with the parking lots and landscaping.

"He was just very involved in every aspect here with the owners," Pierre Condominium Manager Marge Suarez said. "Socially, too, he was a great addition to our building. He was always cheerful and had a kind word for everyone. He'll be missed, that's for sure."

Rose kept his life's priorities straight.

"He had three very important passions: family first, tennis second and travel third," Coyne said. "He traveled most of the world, from Antarctica to the northern part of Canada to see the polar bears. He also had a passion for penguins. He loved them. At his apartment at the Pierre were five penguins out in front of the door."

Through all of his many involvements in Sarasota, Rose became acquainted with many and left a lasting, positive impression on all.

"Jules Rose was that great combination of strong businessman, patron of he arts and compassionate human being who always brought out the best in people and the organizations he supported," Power said. "He will be dearly missed."

Those close to Rose never saw him angry or upset, something many will remember about him.

"Quite frankly, I've never met a more caring, loving and giving individual," Coyne said. "He always had a smile on his face and was a very, very giving person. He had an impact on my life and had an impact on many, many, many people. Everybody liked him. He was a mighty individual and as kind as a person could possibly be."

Rose is preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn Sloan Rose. He is survived by his wife, Sheila; children, Patti, Mark, Mitchell, Marci, Randi and Todd; stepchildren, Ricky, Leigh Ann, James, Julie and Marcus; and nine grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. June 20, at the Pierre, 455 Longboat Club Road.