Philip E. Rose

August 15, 1929 - April 15, 2015
Philip E. Rose

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Philip (Phil) Edward Rose, age 85 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice.

Phil was born in Brooklyn, NY, in August of 1929 and was the youngest son of the late Philip Rose and Loretta McDonald.

He played minor league baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates and also served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He then served 23 years in the New York City Police Department (NYPD) retiring as a detective. Phil then worked for Citibank for ten years as an investigator.

In 1995, Phil and his wife Ann moved to Wilmington where he started the Wilmington Senior Softball Association and was actively involved until his death. He was also the past president of the 10-13 Association for retired NYPD police officers.

Phil is survived by his loving wife Ann of 61 years, six children; Michael (Nancy), Eileen Norton (Michael), John (Lynn), Stephen (Pam), Geraldine Stevens (Michael), Maureen Schmitz (David), 14 grandchildren, one great grandchild and his brother George and sister-in-law Irene of Wilmington.

The family will receive friends Monday, April 20, 2015, from 2PM to 4PM and 6PM to 8PM at the Wilmington Funeral Chapel, 1535 South 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403, 910.791.9099.

Phil was a faithful parishioner at St. Marks Roman Catholic Church at 1011 Eastwood Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403, (910) 392-0720. A Mass of the Resurrection for him will be held there on Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at 11AM.

Donations may be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401 or the Wilmington Senior Softball Association

Please share condolences and memories with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.


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  • April 19, 2015
    Mark Schall says:
    Expressions of Sympathy Mark Schall has sent this Expressions of Sympathy card.

  • April 19, 2015
    Tom &Joan Krautheim says:
    We use to sit in front of both of you in church. Ann we want to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Phil was a wonderful man. He always greeted us with a smile. Ann you and Phil will be in our thoughts.Retired postal Inspector Tom and wife Joan. God Bless

  • April 19, 2015
    NEAL LEWIS says:
    My deepest sympathies for the family of Phil Rose. I was the Parks Director for New Hanover County when Phil started the Senior Softball program. He was dedicated to making the program a success, and a true joy to work with every time we met. Always smiling, always positive, it was a true pleasure to get to know him. When I told him I was born in Staten Island, we grew a little bit closer. Your family is in our prayers.