Michael F. Rosenthal

Michael F. Rosenthal, age 63, died February 3, 2010 at his home in Littleton, CO. His beloved family surrounded him: wife Francenia, daughter Jennifer and his loyal dog, Corky. Michael was born November 9, 1946 to Lillian Veronica and Adolph Robert Rosenthal in Mineola, NY. Mike was the oldest of four siblings: a brother Bob and wife Gail Rosenthal of Somers Point, NJ and three sisters: Carol Roe and husband Tim of Marmora, NJ, Kathy and husband Mike O'Keefe of Coeur d'Alene, ID and Mary McDonnel of Pismo Beach, CA. Other survivors include: an aunt, Kathy Ilo of Atlantic Highlands, NY, nephews Joshua Roe and wife Megan of Arlington, VA, Joey Rosenthal of Somers Point, NJ, and nieces Michelle Rosenthal of Summers Point NJ, Megan Roe of Alexandria, VA, and Molly and Tessa McDonnel of Pismo Beach, CA. Michael had many precious, dear friends too numerous to name. Michael will especially be remembered for his quick wit, spirit of adventure and tenanaciousness that allowed him to achieve many top rankings in scores of endeavors. In Michael's younger years he was an Altar Boy in the Catholic Church and he achieved the honored Ad Al Tare Dei Award. He earned under graduate degrees in Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry. Michael received suma cum laude awards at the Master's level for Mining and Environmental Engineering. He lacked only a few hours to obtain a Doctorate of Philosophy. He was a member of the American Society of Explosive Engineers. Michael remained a member of his fraternal organization, Sigma Pi. Michael had many careers. He had written several books and publications. He was a mining professor, blasting and explosives expert. He taught blasting design and technique throughout the country. Michael was an accomplished speaker and could make a difficult subject understandable. He also had the ability to tame the most challenging audiences. Michael held positions as lead inspector for state and federal authorities. He managed many private mining and vibration operations and was a vice president for a mining corporation. His last position was as a mining engineer with the Office of Surface Mining in Denver, CO. Michael had numerous interests and hobbies. He was an authority in Astronomy. He loved classical music and could not only identify a classical piece, but the composer and even discern the conductor. Michael was a keen target and skeet shooter. He particularly enjoyed skeet shooting with his daughter, Jennifer. Michael was an avid reader and especially loved poetry and had many beautiful, intricate pieces committed to memory. Along with his wife Francenia, Michael coordinated many science fairs, other school events and was president of Dutch Creek Elementary School in Jefferson County, Michael enjoyed traveling. However, his special love was settling in at home with his family and animals on a cold, snowy night, sitting by the fire. Visitation: Tuesday, February 10, 2010, 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Horan and McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado. Funeral Mass: Wednesday, February 11, 2010, 10:30 am, St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 6673 West Chatfield Avenue, Littleton, Colorado. Memorial to the Denver Dumb Friends League or to the Denver Rescue Mission.