John Williams Rosen
October 14, 1969 ~ April 13, 2015
John Williams Rosen
Died while undergoing surgery at Fairfax Hospital on Monday, April 13, 2015 at the age of 45. He is survived by his mother, Elinor McKim, and his three brothers Tom, Erik (Melissa), and Jim (Melissa), and his nieces Becky, Emma, Veronika and Clarissa. John was born on October 14, 1969 in Washington DC with a birth defect known as spina bifida. He was rushed to Children's Hospital where he underwent surgery to close his spine. Most kids born with spina bifida also have hydrocephalus, which translates as 'water on the brain'. At one month of age, a plastic tube known as a shunt was surgically implanted in John, allowing fluid from his brain to drain into his stomach. From the ages of 2 to 10, John underwent numerous surgeries to replace parts of his shunt, as well as to move muscles and nerves from one part of his body to another - in hopes of improving his motor abilities. John did not let his physical disability stop him from leading a full, active life. He graduated from George C. Marshall High School in 1989, and was extremely proud to be a Statesman. Upon graduation, John worked at the Navy Federal Credit Union, where he recently received an award for 25 years of service. Two of John's favorite pastimes were bicycling and billiards. His resourceful father created leg straps that allowed John to ride various forms of 3-wheeled bikes, from the Hot Seat to a custom Bob Jackson racing tricycle. As a youth, John participated in the Special Olympics. As he got older, John took great pleasure and pride playing various sports with his brothers, including ping-pong, frisbee, putt-putt golf, swimming, shuffleboard, badminton; and yes, even soccer. John was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed watching the Washington Redskins, DC United and the Washington Capitals. John became a regular at Capon Springs Resort in West Virginia, where he spent many days hiking with his Dad and Mom. From a distance, John was identified as the guy with the crutch. But if you had the pleasure of meeting him, you would immediately find that John was the guy with the irrepressible smile and who was the sincerest of friends. Even during John's last struggle to survive, John was polite to all his caregivers. Through his pain and suffering, John thanked his technicians, nurses and doctors. John's death took us all by surprise and he will be missed by all his friends and family. John touched many lives at Children's Hospital, George C Marshall High School, Capon Springs, NFCU, and Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where he served as a greeter and usher. John's face was one of pure joy when his nieces visited him. They learned at an early age how to give him hugs without knocking him over. He reveled in their stories and accomplishments. John became more of a brother to his sister-in-laws as they shared so many experiences over the years. John's brothers will feel incomplete as a trio, especially Jim, who was closest in age and closest in heart to his buddy and little brother. Weeks before John's death, he apologized to his mother, saying that he couldn't help but feel a hole in his heart, left by the passing of his beloved father last year. John's boundless empathy and love for his family may have led to his latest physical ailments. John expressed his feelings in the form of an apology because the one person who has been unconditionally caring for John every day since he was born was his mother, and he did not want to offend her. Without a special mother's devotion, John would not have lived such a full, happy life, and we would not have had the pleasure to know him, and to experience that irrepressible smile. We will miss you terribly John. The courage you displayed and the compassion you demonstrated is an inspiration to us all. We love you. A viewing will take place at Money and King in Vienna Virginia on Friday, April 24, from 6 to 8 pm. A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Vienna, VA on Saturday, April 25 at 11am, followed by a short reception at the church. One hour prior to the memorial service, a viewing will take place in the small chapel at Emmanuel, beginning at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to the Spina Bifida Association, PO Box 17427, Arlington, VA 22216 (http://goo.gl/ZPC33K).
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Died while undergoing surgery at Fairfax Hospital on Monday, April 13, 2015 at the age of 45. He is survived by his mother, Elinor McKim, and his three brothers Tom, Erik (Melissa), and Jim (Melissa), and his nieces Becky, Emma, Veronika and Clarissa. John was born on October 14, 1969 in Washington DC with a birth defect known as spina bifida. He was rushed to Children's Hospital where he underwent surgery to close his spine. Most kids born with spina bifida also have hydrocephalus, which translates as 'water on the brain'. At one month of age, a plastic tube known as a shunt was surgically implanted in John, allowing fluid from his brain to drain into his stomach. From the ages of 2 to 10, John underwent numerous surgeries to replace parts of his shunt, as well as to move muscles and nerves from one part of his body to another - in hopes of improving his motor abilities. John did not let his physical disability stop him from leading a full, active life. He graduated from George C. Marshall High School in 1989, and was extremely proud to be a Statesman. Upon graduation, John worked at the Navy Federal Credit Union, where he recently received an award for 25 years of service. Two of John's favorite pastimes were bicycling and billiards. His resourceful father created leg straps that allowed John to ride various forms of 3-wheeled bikes, from the Hot Seat to a custom Bob Jackson racing tricycle. As a youth, John participated in the Special Olympics. As he got older, John took great pleasure and pride playing various sports with his brothers, including ping-pong, frisbee, putt-putt golf, swimming, shuffleboard, badminton; and yes, even soccer. John was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed watching the Washington Redskins, DC United and the Washington Capitals. John became a regular at Capon Springs Resort in West Virginia, where he spent many days hiking with his Dad and Mom. From a distance, John was identified as the guy with the crutch. But if you had the pleasure of meeting him, you would immediately find that John was the guy with the irrepressible smile and who was the sincerest of friends. Even during John's last struggle to survive, John was polite to all his caregivers. Through his pain and suffering, John thanked his technicians, nurses and doctors. John's death took us all by surprise and he will be missed by all his friends and family. John touched many lives at Children's Hospital, George C Marshall High School, Capon Springs, NFCU, and Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where he served as a greeter and usher. John's face was one of pure joy when his nieces visited him. They learned at an early age how to give him hugs without knocking him over. He reveled in their stories and accomplishments. John became more of a brother to his sister-in-laws as they shared so many experiences over the years. John's brothers will feel incomplete as a trio, especially Jim, who was closest in age and closest in heart to his buddy and little brother. Weeks before John's death, he apologized to his mother, saying that he couldn't help but feel a hole in his heart, left by the passing of his beloved father last year. John's boundless empathy and love for his family may have led to his latest physical ailments. John expressed his feelings in the form of an apology because the one person who has been unconditionally caring for John every day since he was born was his mother, and he did not want to offend her. Without a special mother's devotion, John would not have lived such a full, happy life, and we would not have had the pleasure to know him, and to experience that irrepressible smile. We will miss you terribly John. The courage you displayed and the compassion you demonstrated is an inspiration to us all. We love you. A viewing will take place at Money and King in Vienna Virginia on Friday, April 24, from 6 to 8 pm. A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Vienna, VA on Saturday, April 25 at 11am, followed by a short reception at the church. One hour prior to the memorial service, a viewing will take place in the small chapel at Emmanuel, beginning at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to the Spina Bifida Association, PO Box 17427, Arlington, VA 22216 (http://goo.gl/ZPC33K).
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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I was at home in Washington when Dan called with news of John’s birth. As my aunt was visiting, I could leave my small children with her when I went to the hospital the next day to visit Elinor. I asked if there was anything I could get her. She only wanted a coke! I have known John all of his life. He was courageous, strong, cheerful and inspirational. We all loved and admired him.
We’ll never forget you, John. I’ll especially remember the nights in the basement around the pool…Woops, billiards…table. Godspeed.
I was surprised and saddened to hear in church today of John’s passing. I didn’t know him personally, but always admired his cheerful presence and courageous personality when seeing him ushering at church. He reminded me of my recently departed son Jason, who also had physical challenges but was always positive and upbeat in his life. John is at peace now with God,and I pray his family will find peace and comfort in the difficult times ahead.
John, I’m so glad we hung out all our lives, seeing movies and hanging out at yours and my place and going to the movies and pizza.
I feel privileged to have know John and can remember how delightful he was when my son, John, and I visited Elinor and Dan when we moved to Richmond in the 80’s. Both his parents were marvelous parents which was very evident in the positive and fun personality John possessed as he was nearing manhood. Elinor and I have been friends since 3rd grade and I can attest to what a great mother she is to her whole family. My love and prayers are with all of you in this difficult time.
Dear John, I am truly saddened by your passing. Your obituary was so wonderfully written. I am thankful for all the family times we spent together. For all the movies and good food we shared after I am thankful for that as well. John you will be truly missed but never forgotten. Love, Steve
I have very fond memories of John when I worked at Headquarters. I was so saddened to hear of his passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
My prayers go out to John’s family. He will be greatly missed at NFCU, especially in our Collateral Control dept. Many of us worked with John for over 20-25 years. He was such a kind hearted person who always did his very best. John’s 25 year presentation at Navy Federal touched my heart. He was so proud and happy about that day and being able to share it with his mom and sister-in-law. My condolences are with you all. God Bless.
I am saddened by the loss of John. He was a very amiable person may he rest in peace. I will miss discussing the local sports teams,(#httr), politics and the town of Vienna, his trips to WV and Ireland with him. He was very passionate about the Washington Capitals and attended many local games. My condolences to the family. He will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolence,he is a very nice guy, it was a pleasure working with him. I will miss him. I will keep the family in my daily family prayers. God Bless you
Dear Ellie and family, I am so sorry to learn of John’s passing. I will miss him as an usher at our church. May God’s peace and comfort be with you and be tangible in the presence of all those who envelope you with love. With sincerest condolences. Ann-Marie
I was blessed to call John my friend over the last 22 years and even though I moved to Florida John would check on me especially around the holidays. I never saw John’s disability, only his kind heart and his beautiful smile. I am thankful that we spoke right before Easter but had I known that would be the last time we would speak I would have taken the opportunity to let John know how much I truly appreciated our friendship over the years. My condolences to John’s family. May it bring you comfort to know that we never loose the people we love, even to death for life is eternal and love is immortal. May god comfort your family during this very difficult time.
It is still so hard to believe that John is no longer here with us physically, but he will always be here with us in spirit. I worked with John for 25 years at NFCU and the CCPT family will never be the same. I want to send out my prayers for John’s family and know that John is in a much better place now. GOD has called another one of his angels home and he smiling down upon us all. I will miss you dearly John…R.I.P.
It is still so hard to believe that John is no longer here with us physically, but he will always be here with us in spirit. I worked with John for 25 years at NFCU and the CCPT family will never be the same. I want to send out my prayers for John’s family and know that John is in a much better place now. GOD has called another one of his angels home and he smiling down upon us all. I will miss you dearly John…R.I.P.
Dear Ellie: I was so saddened to hear from my sister, Mary Hagopian, about John’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss.
Dear Ellie and family, I was so saddened to learn this news! I count myself fortunate to have known John. He was such an inspiration, and so willing to share his warm smile. He is a Capon Springs friend who will never be forgotten. I send you all prayers for comfort. I know how much John will be missed. With hugs, Mandy