Richard J. Rosebery's Obituary
Richard J. Rosebery, 86 of Dallas, Texas bravely battled and overcame several serious health challenges and types of cancer through his tungsten Will and excellent care given by his teams of doctors and nurses. In the end, Stage 4 lung cancer took him mercifully within 2 weeks. He died as he wanted at home, peacefully and surrounded by his family who dearly loved him.
Facing a C1-C2 spine surgery with 50/50 survival odds a few years prior, Dick Rosebery was asked “What are your fears regarding the end of life?” to which he replied, “I’d like it not to happen, but what will be will be. No fears”
Dick felt that love of family, providing for his family and keeping mentally challenged and productive gave his life purpose and meaning. He provided abundant security and life opportunities for his wife, children, grandchildren, and future family. His gifts of love, laughter, inspiration, patience, wisdom, and strength will live on in each of them.
As the only son of William and Vivian Rosebery, Dick began exhibiting his work ethic and lean toward finance at the tender age of 10. He built an extensive paper route through some of the less savory parts of Gary, Indiana and used the profits of his business to purchase a Life Insurance policy by age 13.
Dick served his country and secured financing for his education at Purdue University by working in the local steel mill and joining the US Air Force Reserve. After graduating in 1957 with a B.S. in Engineering, Dick remained a life-long, enthusiastic Boilermaker and watched almost every basketball and football game. He contributed generously to the Purdue College of Engineering and often shared the latest news regarding the cutting-edge inventions, visionary leadership and impact that his Alma Mater was making in our world.
Though Dick never used his Engineering degree as an Engineer, he applied the discipline and thinking to crafting a very successful professional career that began by leading development and sales of Honest John missiles, F4 aircraft front empennage sections, the P3 Orion active defense system, and helicopter armament while employed by Emerson Electric in St. Louis, Missouri.
His outstanding performance led to Vice President Operations and Group Vice President roles in Dynalectron Corporation, in Washington DC and later he became Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Secretary and Director for Arthur Electric Corporation in Phoenix, Arizona.
In 1975, Elcor Corporation (NYSE:ELK) recognized Dick’s ability to lead people and steadily accomplish more than anyone expected. He moved his family to Midland, Texas to be Vice President, Corporate Development. As the company grew, Elcor would eventually move headquarters to Dallas, Texas, and Dick would become Chief Financial and Administrative Officer then Executive Vice President and Director then Vice Chairmen of the Board of Directors. Dick was also Chairman and CEO of three of Elcor’s operating companies.
Dick was well-known and well-respected on Wall Street and the Investment Community for his integrity and ability to bring people together. If you were around Dick for any length of time, you would discover his passion for Financial Executives International (FEI) and the people connected with this organization. He served in a number of leader roles on local, state and national levels – from President, Dallas Chapter to the National board of Directors – Dick was known for investing in people, being visionary and realizing effective results wherever he turned his focus. He was honored and moved by the FEI Distinguished Service / Lifetime Achievement Award he received in 2005.
A common thread woven through Dick’s legacy is found in the people who worked with him at all levels who have shared what joy it was to be a part of teams he led and to enjoy the outcomes they achieved together. Dick was humble, empathetic, transparent and dedicated to the success of everyone around him in all areas of his life.
After retiring in 2001, Dick continued to enthusiastically invest in burgeoning ideas and people through seed and early-stage investments that ranged from the Dallas local brewery OHB to numerous start-up technology companies. He continued to invest in the more traditional spaces and markets as well as learning new strategies for options trading…a long-held passion. Dick and Charleen’s European honeymoon was paid for from the return on a pork belly trade!
Dick loved to travel. Earlier in life he pursued adventures that included hiking Mt. Evans in Colorado, extended canoe expeditions, deep sea fishing trips with his favorite Uncle Frank, and rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon - twice. He shared the beauty of America with his family though road trips touching almost all states as well as multiple trips to the islands of Hawaii – his favorite being Kauai.
Dick and Charleen enjoyed gourmet dinners and fun parties with many friends and they travelled the world by plane, train, river and ocean cruises through every continent and ocean – some favorites included a month traipsing around Ireland, a safari in Africa, and Machu Picchu in Peru.
Dick Rosebery is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Charleen, his daughter Dare, and his son Jay, daughter-in-law Erin and grandchildren Reese and Christopher. He enjoyed seeing Reese excel in her studies at Belmont University Massey College of Business and attending Christopher’s baseball games. Dick was unendingly proud of his family who are grateful that he is now wholly healed and with God and loved ones already passed.
Dick will be laid to rest by a lovely stream in Whispering Waters area of Restland Cemetery. On Monday, December 13th there will be Visitation from 3:00 – 5:00, then the next day Tuesday, December 14th Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00. At 2:00, a Commemorative Service will be held in the Memorial Chapel of Restland Funeral Home located 13005 Greenville Avenue in Dallas and streamed via a link on his webpage at www.restlandfuneralhome.com. After the service, guests will be invited to a reception to celebrate Dick’s life from 3:30-5:30. People are welcome to attend any or all events.
As a man who gave with “warm hands” personally to people and supported more than a dozen organizations who helped those in need locally and internationally, Dick made a difference in the lives of many. As much as he loved flowers, he asked that in lieu of flowers at this time that the following organizations benefit from your generosity: The Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, College of Engineering Purdue University or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Live Stream:
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/65308/hash:9561FE387DCF6EBB
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