Ira Rosenberg

Ira Rosenberg, 79, of Charleston, SC, husband of Anita Moise Rosefield Rosenberg died peacefully at home on January 21, 2017. His Funeral Service will be held Monday, January 23, 2017, in Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Congregation, 90 Hasell Street, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Historic Coming Street Cemetery, 189 Coming Street. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Downtown Chapel.

Ira was born March 11, 1937 in Bronx, New York, son of Alan M. Rosenberg and Bessie Lipschutz Rosenberg, and raised in Richmond, Va. After graduating from Medical College of Virginia School of Pharmacy in 1960, Ira proudly entered the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant. He practiced pharmacy for many years where he worked within local pharmacies and owned his own Medicine Shoppe Professional Pharmacy. He often served as a mentor to train pharmacy students in the profession. He was a longstanding member of the MCV and MUSC School of Pharmacy Alumni Associations.

Additionally, Ira found a passion for real estate and transitioned his career. As a realtor and appraiser, he established his own business, Rosenberg & Associates, and also taught appraisal courses at Trident Technical College. He became an industry leader for the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA) and served as national president. In South Carolina, he was a founder and president of the SC Professional Appraisers Coalition (SCPAC) and a longtime member of the SC Real Estate Association.

Ira was one of the early members of Dragon Boat Charleston, a wellness program for cancer survivors. He competed internationally as a paddler and was featured in the film "Awaken the Dragon".

Community service was a hallmark of his life, and much of his time was devoted to his treasured synagogue Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim. He served as Congregation president, Brotherhood president, on various committees and as a member of the Koleinu choir where he sang bass and played drums. He served on the boards of Charleston Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Center, SE Region Union for Reform Judaism; and was a member of Hebrew Benevolent Society and Jewish War Veterans.

Within the broader community, Ira shared his talent and time with many groups, including: Board of Trustees of Charleston Family Services, Past President of Charleston Breakfast Exchange Club, volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House and American Cancer Society. For many years, he served the City of Charleston's Department of Housing and Community Development on the Homeownership Initiative Commission. He was also a Mason and member of Mariner Lodge #2, A.F.M.

Photography was his favorite hobby, especially when it involved travel, nature and family; and he was a member of Carolina Nature Photography Association.

A devoted husband and loving father, grandfather and friend, Ira lived life with joy in his family and commitment to his community. He is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Anita Moise Rosenberg; two daughters: Virginia Rosenberg Kozma (John) of Charleston, SC, and Mindelle Rosenberg Ziff (Loren) of Sullivans Island, SC; a son, David Moise Rosenberg (Marcie) of Charleston, SC; a brother, Monte Rosenberg (Carole) of Norfolk, VA; six grandchildren: Allan Rosenberg, Rachel Rosenberg, Sammy Rosenberg, Adam Ziff, Elana Ziff, and Nina Ziff; and a large extended family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Historic Coming Street Cemetery Restoration Fund, c/o KKBE, 90 Hasell Street, Charleston, SC 29401; Dragon Boat Charleston, 1643 Savannah Hwy. #261, Charleston, SC 29407; or the charity of one's choice.