Obituary of Arlene Rosenthal

Beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Arlene Shirley Davis Rosenthal, 87, passed away on March 31, 2024, the same day her brother Allan was laid to rest. 

Born January 5th, 1937, in St Petersburg Florida to the late Max and Lillian Davis,  owners of Max Davis clothing store in downtown St. Petersburg. The Davis family was among the twelve Jewish families who co-founded Congregation B’Nai Israel, the oldest synagogue in St. Petersburg where her father Max served as one of its earliest Presidents.

Arlene was a lifelong and proud resident of St. Petersburg Florida. She and her loving husband of 42 years, Richard, followed in their families’ retail footsteps having owned and operated Southland Furniture Store on Central Avenue for more than 35 years.

She took on a variety of roles in support of her hometown including serving as the Treasurer of Congregation B’Nai Israel and volunteering for a number of political campaigns. The cause closest to her heart were the years she spent as a Florida Holocaust Museum docent and the impact she had on all visitors, but she was most proud of the impression the Museum made on future generations. She was recognized many times for her work at the Museum and in 2005, the City of St. Petersburg awarded Arlene the Ray of Sunshine Award for outstanding volunteer service.

Arlene will be remembered by the many people whose lives’ she impacted, from her neighbors turned lifelong friends in northwest St. Petersburg, her girlfriends with whom she shared many lunches, game nights and trips around the world, and her family, especially her two sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren who were her pride and joy.

Arlene was predeceased by her husband and father of her two children, Richard, second husband George, parents Lillian and Max Davis, sister Marie Waitsman (Leonard), brother Allan Davis, brother-in-law Eugene Rosenthal (Carol), and niece Mindy Waitsman. She is survived by her two sons Jeffry (Lori) and Neal, three grandchildren Tailor (Zack), Terah (Tyler), Adam (Michelle), two great-grandchildren Brylie and Olivia and sister-in-law Judy, nieces, and nephews Shirley (Jim), Rick, Martin (Robin), Gerald (Shane), Jennifer, Karen, and Nancy.

Arlene was laid to rest on April 2, 2024 at Chapel Hill Memorial Park surrounded by close family and friends. Her family asks that contributions be made to the Florida Holocaust Museum and Congregation B’Nai Israel in her memory.

 

Florida Holocaust Museum: https://13935a.blackbaudhosting.com/13935a/General-Donation

 

Congregation B’Nai Israel: https://www.cbistpete.org/payment.php

 

 

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