He Escaped Nazi Germany and Became a RI Judge—Peter K. Rosedale of Warwick Dies at 90
Friday, July 16, 2021
Peter K. Rosedale, of Warwick, died on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 (his 90th birthday). He leaves his wife of 52 years, Beverly (Costantino) Rosedale.
Born as Klaus Rosenthal in 1931 in Essen, Germany, he was the son of Otto and Martha Rosedale.
Peter arrived in the U.S. with his parents on March 13, 1939, at the height of the Great Depression and just before World War II. Although only 7 years old in 1938, he always had a vivid recollection of Kristallnacht, seeing his synagogue set on fire and early dismissal from his Jewish school because of a rumor of a possible bombing.
Peter’s parents were unable to find employment in New York City and were urged to relocate to Providence or Boston for better employment opportunities. They chose Providence because the bus fare was $0.45 less than going to Boston, and the $30 that the German government allowed them to take to the U.S. was quickly dwindling.
He graduated from Hope High School, where he served as president of the debating society and was one of two recipients receiving the Anthony Medal for writing the best senior class essay. He graduated from Boston University (College of General Education and the School of Law). After serving in the U.S. Army, he practiced law in Providence for over 40 years and was an active arbitrator in the public sector for the American Arbitration Association. Before and after retirement, he was active as a marriage officiant and performed thousands of civil wedding ceremonies.
He was active in Democratic politics, serving as a member of the Providence City Council, State Representative for 10 years, member of the state Democratic Party Executive Committee, 9th Ward chairman, and chairman of the representative and senate district committees.
Peter served as judge of the Providence Municipal Court, chairman of The R.I. Bar Association District Court Bench/Bar Committee, chairman of the Board of the former Cranston General Hospital, chairman of the Warwick Board of Canvassers, Board member of the former Temple Beth Israel and President of the former Roger Williams Lodge of B’nai B’rith. He was the only Rhode Islander ever elected as national President of the then-junior order of B’nai B’rith, known as the AZA. He was a member of the Aurora Civic Association.
Besides his wife, Peter is survived by his five children, Steven and Aileen (late) of CT; Michael of MA; Nancy and her fiancé Robson De Oliveria of MA; Paul of North Kingstown; and Tom and his wife Tiffany of MA. Peter is also survived by his grandchildren, William, Elora, Brooke, Lily, and Avery. He also leaves his beloved Siamese cats, Princess and Mitzie.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 16 at 9:00 a.m. at Shalom Memorial Chapel, 1100 New London Avenue, Cranston.
Burial will be at Lincoln Cemetery in Warwick.
Shiva will be observed at the Rosedale’s home from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. following services.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The RI Holocaust Memorial, c/o Jewish Alliance of Greater RI, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.
