Dr. Samuel Gershon Rosenthal

Samuel was born in San Diego, CA, to Jacob and Minnie Rosenthal, from Knovo, Lithuania. Sam and his younger twin brothers, Mitch and Benjamin, spent time playing many sports. Abraham was the oldest brother.

When Sam was 10, he started learning the violin from his cousin Benny. Benny and Sam went to symphony concerts. Sam's father, who was a musician, arranged to have him study the violin with the Concert Master of the San Diego Symphony.

In the 8th grade, Sam started playing baseball year-round. In 1941, his American Legion team won the National Championship.

In high school, Sam joined the US Naval Reserve. He went to UC Berkeley and continued the Navy program. Sam played on the Cal baseball team. He met his future wife, Irene Gordon, at a dance. In October 1944, Sam was sent to Chicago Northwestern University, to the Naval Officers' Training program. When he graduated, he was an Ensign in the Navy. Sam and Irene were married, and then as WWII progressed, he was shipped overseas to the Phillippines.

Upon his return to the West Coast, Sam went to Berkeley to Optometry School. Sam learned his beloved golf at that time.

After graduating, the couple moved to Los Angeles, and he started an Optometry practice in 1955 in Reseda. Sam became an excellent golfer and bridge player, and played the violin. He was golf club champion.

The couple had 2 children, Michael and Barbara. At 38, Irene went back to school. She studied law and passed the CA State Bar exam. After 10 years working for the State, Irene was chosen to become a Workers' Compensation Judge.

Sam and Irene were grateful for their close relationships with friends and family. They traveled, played bridge, and attended concerts. Michael married Rita, and had 2 sons, Ian and Noah. Barbara married Jack Lewis and had a daughter, Julie.

Irene passed away in 2022 at 96, and Sam was 100 years old.