Howard Rosine, a longtime Claremont resident, died at home on April 15, 2015, surrounded by friends and family. He was 91.

Howard was born on June 28, 1923 in South Pasadena to Howard and Emily Rosine. He was drafted into the military in World War II and was stationed, among other locations, in Oregon. He later said it rained every day for the nine months he was there. Howard attended Occidental College in Eagle Rock and Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, where he obtained a Bachelor of Divinity degree and met his wife Alice. The couple was married in 1948 and had three children, Art, Julia, and Norman.

Howard was a Methodist minister for 15 years, serving churches in Lomita, San Diego, and Bishop. He received a master's degree from Claremont School of Theology. After moving to Claremont, he became a chemistry instructor, teaching at El Monte, Rosemead, and Mountain View high schools. He later taught electronics courses at Rio Hondo College. He had great empathy for people who were financially disadvantaged. He owned properties in Claremont and often housed struggling families and helped them find employment. During his retirement, he spent much of his time working on projects for Habitat for Humanity. He was also a founding member of the "Rusty Nails" group at his church.

Howard, who began each morning with Bible study before eating breakfast, remained extremely active at Claremont United Methodist Church. He was head of the church's board of trustees for many years and visited the sick and the elderly, bringing them communion. He participated in a creative writing class as well as other study groups staying intellectually active in his old-age. He also served as a beacon, standing in front of the church on Sunday mornings to greet people, with an umbrella shading him from the sun. He remained dedicated to his post, welcoming the congregation from his wheelchair until shortly before his death.

His family and friends gave him a fitting send-off, painting the cardboard cremation casket and decorating it with photographs of Howard and messages to him.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife Alice, who died in 2008 two months short of their 60th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Art and Marsha Rose, by his daughter Julia Lawson, by his son Norman "Yehuda" Rosine and by his honorary daughter Maria Alfonso. He also leaves 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Claremont Courier, April 24, 2015

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Veteran Story

Army
Sept. 9,1944 to June 15,1946
Staff Sergeant
Basic training

Oregon State College, Army Specialized Training Corp.
Electrical Engineering
Records Clerk
7th and 8th grade teacher
Chaplain' Assistant

Stationed: Camp Roberts, Ca, Corvallis, Ore,Camp Shelby, Miss.

A great time of widening experience and learning.