Robert Rosen Obituary

Robert "Bob" Marvin Rosen, Bob, passed away at Berkshire Medical Center on September 8, 2025, at the age of 85, just 12 days before his birthday. Born on September 20, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, Bob was a lifelong learner, devoted family man, and involved member of his Otis community.

Although Bob admittedly did not thrive in a traditional school environment, he always had a thirst for knowledge. He drove a cab in New York City to earn money while attending Brooklyn Law School, and had a successful, well-respected law practice based on Long Island, NY. He spent the later decades in his career focused on plaintiff's side employment law. Known for his sharp intellect and even sharper wit, Bob inspired all who crossed his path, whether in the courtroom or over a game of pool at the Pittsfield Senior Center.

An adventurer at heart, Bob took flying lessons and after obtaining his pilot's license in 1976, he became a part-owner of a single-engine plane with a group of men. Later in life he returned to the skies - resuming flying lessons in his 80s. He enjoyed playing pool, biking, snowshoeing, hiking, kayaking, world travel (particularly to developing countries), and was a member of most of the Berkshire County museums. He passed on many of these hobbies to his children and grandchildren who spent many weekends skiing, biking, hiking and enjoying Berkshire culture with him and his wife Diane.

He had a particular passion for biking. Each summer he would awaken early to watch the live broadcast of the Tour de France. His commitment to the Tour was rivaled only by his devotion to biking with his "Tuesday Play Group." Bob also wrote about sports, contributing many feature articles about activities to the Berkshire Eagle. However, he would only write the articles after he engaged in the sport himself. He also served on the board of Berkshire OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College), where his love of learning found a true home.

Bob and his wife, Diane Saunders, were married at their weekend home in Otis Woodlands (OWL) on May 23, 1981. It was a second marriage for both of them. Bob had two children from his first marriage.

In 2007, Bob and Diane moved from NYC permanently to Otis, where he poured his energy into the betterment of the community. He worked tirelessly on the Otis Citizens for Connectivity (OCFC) committee, formed to bring broadband to the area, chaired the Otis Recreation Center before the upstairs portion of the building (where the pool tables were located) had to be closed, was the OWL Liaison to the Town of Otis, and was dedicated to the Otis Food Bank. With a deep commitment to justice and equality, Bob was a steadfast supporter of the ACLU and Planned Parenthood.

Above all, family was at the heart of Bob's world. Bob is survived by his loving wife Diane, cherished daughter, Robin Rosen Spector, his sister, Marilyn Negretti, and two grandchildren who brought him endless joy, Ellie and Avi Spector. Bob was predeceased by his son, Adam Rosen.

Whether connecting with people he just met, such as the hospital staff, or sharing his zest for life with his friends, Bob's generosity and joy were infectious. His enduring credo was: "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." He always reacted with gusto!

For further information or to express condolences to the family please visit the website for Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, Great Barrington https://www.finnertyandstevens.com/