Among the 11 people who perished in Saturday’s shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh were Cecil and David Rosenthal, both of whom regulars at the synagogue.
Cecil, 59, and David, 54, regularly attended services on Saturday mornings; the two of them were always there to carry the Torah.
“When it came time to take the Torahs out, Cecil always stepped forward to carry it, and David was right behind him,” Barton Schachter, former president of Tree of Life, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “The rabbis knew: You’ve got to give them a Torah to carry.”
Both Rosenthal brothers received support from ACHIEVA, an organization that provides services for people with disabilities, allowing the brothers to live somewhat independently. Cecil in particular was active in going to social events and trying new foods, as well as going to concerts.
Cecil was particularly involved in the Best Buddies program, where adults with disabilities are partnered with students. Cecil had been partnered with his buddy, Duquesne University senior David DeFelice, for two years. DeFelice and Cecil frequently ate together and attended services at Tree of Life.
“He was a very gregarious person — loved being social, loved people,” DeFelice told The Morning Call. “You could put him any situation, and he’d make it work.”
The Coffeys, former neighbors of the Rosenthals, told the Tribune-Review that the Rosenthal brothers were “constantly” at their house, where Cecil would act as a “big brother” to their three children.
“Whenever he would see us, he would always say, ‘Hi, Coffeys!’” Raye Coffey, the mother of the Coffee children, said. “David was quieter … to die like this is horrendous.”
The two brothers had been living together in an apartment in Squirrel Hill. Chris Schopf, vice president of residential supports at ACHIEVA, told the Tribune-Review that the brothers “were inseparable.”
“Most of all, they were kind, good people with a strong faith and respect for everyone around,” Schopf said.
The funeral for the Rosenthal brothers will take place on Tuesday at noon at Temple Rodef Shalom in Squirrel Hill.
