Samson Rosenzweig

Dr. Samson M. Rosenzweig, Ph.D.

Beloved husband, father, mathematician, stamp collector, Torah reader, and community theater singer.

Dr. Samson M. Rosenzweig, 93, of North Brunswick, New Jersey passed away peacefully in the early morning of June 2, 2025. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was an only child and was preceded in death by his parents, Abraham A. Rosenzweig and Frieda Rosenzweig.

Sam earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from New York City College, a Bachelor of Hebrew Literature Degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He spent more than 40 years as a mathematics professor at Rutgers University, most of that time affiliated with Douglass College. While he specialized in math reasoning and imaginary numbers, at the core, he was a teacher. In an era where most professors immersed themselves in research and writing—occasionally teaching a course or two—he placed the highest importance on teaching students. He helped them to understand the world through the fundamental tenets of math, whether Calculus 1 or an advanced seminar. He was well-known around both undergrads and grad students for being firm, but fair -- a mild-mannered man who could somehow command a lecture hall of hundreds of students at a time.

Sam Rosenzweig was a loving husband, having been married for almost 65 years to Ann Ruth Rosenzweig, whom he’d met at a wedding in Boston. They made their life in New Jersey, first in New Brunswick and then in North Brunswick. Over many decades, he was immersed (with Ann) in various communities – including Temple B’nai Tikvah, the Democratic Club, the Stamp Club, and North Brunswick Adult Drama. Sam was a quiet force, contributing his talents, passions and energy to leading, teaching, collecting and sometimes just singing. He was sought after as a reader for religious services, and his commitment to the community was honored for many years. He also was active in local politics, in his own right and supporting Ann’s heavy involvement.

Sam was a proud and committed father to his son Alex Rosenzweig of North Brunswick, and daughter Felicia Rosenzweig, of London, England. He taught them to think, to consider, to challenge, to make mistakes, and to question, and while that might have had the occasional unintended consequence, it brought deeply important lessons. He attended all their ceremonies and performances, was quick to throw a frisbee or ball around in the backyard, and loved to watch sports on TV (especially baseball, but he wasn’t that picky). Late in his life, Sam also welcomed Alex’s wife Sarah Rosenzweig into the family and appreciated her for who she was.

He was an example to all through his caring, his commitment to learning, and his fierce interest in making the world just a little bit better than how it was when he found it. He was not a man given to showing off or promoting himself. But he was a steady, caring human being who made a difference in people's lives, whether they were his family, his students, his religious community, or political organizations. And he will be remembered, and honored, for that.

A Shiva service will be held 7:30pm, Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Congregation B’nai Tikvah. The family will be sitting Shiva at their home on Thursday, June 5, 2025.