Obituaries
John “Jack” F. Rose Jr., MD., 96
December 31, 2024
John “Jack” F. Rose Jr., MD., 96,of Lancaster, PA passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Willow Valley Retirement Community. He was born in 1928 in East Orange, NJ to the late John and Irene (Temple) Rose. He is survived by his loving wife Lillias (McLellan) Rose with whom he celebrated 69 years of marriage; two daughters: Karen R. Lewis (Mark) of Manheim, PA and Bonnie R. Schackmuth (Robert) of Breinigsville, PA.; grandchildren: Lynsie Lewis Burkholder (Derek), Andrew Lewis (Dana Mowbray) and Madison Schackmuth. He was preceded in death by his son Jon Rose in 1962, 2 brothers and 3 sisters.
Jack attended St. Joseph Catholic Church, Danville, PA and St. Philip the Apostle Church, Lancaster, PA.
He attended Blair Academy in Blairstown, NJ, where he was selected as an All State Basketball player his Jr and Sr years, along with being Captain of his team both years. He was 1 of 25 students to receive a 4-year Cornell University National Scholarship. He received his Biochemistry Degree from Cornell University. He played Varsity Basketball all 4 years and was Captain his senior year.
In 1950, he entered Cornell University Medical College at New York Hospital in NYC. He graduated in 1954 and entered the general surgery program at NY Hospital and finished his Urology residency at Mary Hitchcock Hospital in Hanover, NH. He then joined the Urology staff at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA., where he was known for his radical Cancer and Pediatric Urology surgery. He retired from Geisinger Medical Center in 1994.
Jack was a proud veteran of the US Army, serving from 1955-1957. He served as Battalion Surgeon for the 91stAAA Battalion in Wiesbaden, Germany. He achieved the rank of Captain before returning to his surgical residency in the States.
During his medical career he served as President of the Northeast Section of the American Urological Association and the American Group Practice Association. In 1979, he was awarded the Wallace M. Yater Medal for his work in the American Group Practice Association.
Jack loved traveling, camping, fishing and his family. In 1987, they bought a wonderful lake house in Quebec, Canada on Lake Pemichangan, enjoying it until 2012. That same year Jack and Lil moved to the Willow Valley Communities in Lancaster, PA to be closer to their daughters. During this time, they had a wonderful group of friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at Willow Valley.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
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Condolences to the Family
January 16, 2025
I knew Jack Rose for 60 years. When you want a life/role model for your kids you can use Jack as an example. Consider – all state in high school, four year starter in college, excellent student, excellent physician and a gregarious friend to many people in many different communities. If you can’t remember his wonderful laugh you weren’t paying attention. As one of my sons said, ‘he was one of the best people we have ever known.’ It was an honor to have known him.
David Bush
January 13, 2025
May God welcome you in heaven my friend and mentor. I don’t have words to say how much you and Lil taught me how to Love and help people in need. My prayers to the family to get through this time as we celebrate your life on planet earth.
Kenneth Smith
January 13, 2025
I started to work in the Urology Clinic with Dr Rose in the late 80’s. He always had a smile and a story to tell. We worked hard but had a lot of fun too. I remember the Christmas parties he and Mrs Rose had for the support staff and residents at their home, singing, playing games and great food, it was a fun time. Thanks those memories. Mrs Rose and family my Condolences to you
Ann Brecht
January 12, 2025
Condolences from your old neighbors. Jack was a special doctor, he operated on my mother for cancer of the kidney. Very caring and made sure she was well taken care of. May he rest in peace. Prayers for the family. Jack and Nancy Maize
January 12, 2025
As one of the nurse anesthetists at Geisinger I remember Dr. Rose well because of his persona. He was not only an oustanding surgeon, he was a kind, respectful and upbeat professional. I remember his smile as he would say, hi Bob. From reading his obituarie I can see he was a great man in all that he accomplished in his life. It is interesting that I was also stationed at Weisbaden Air Base in Germany when I served in the Army as a Medic, although I was there after he had. May he rest in peace. He deserves a special place in Heaven. Condolences to his family. Bob Umbriac CRNA (ret.)
