Funeral services were held Sunday for Dr. William A. Rosenthal, dean of Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work and associated with its school since its beginnings in 1957, who died Friday at his home in Staten Island at the age of 54. He had been in ill health for several months. A veteran social worker and educator for 25 years. Dr. Rosenthal had been a member of the Wurzweiler School since 1962. He was appointed assistant professor in 1966 and associate professor of social work in 1970. In 1972, he was named acting dean, and in 1973, dean.
During the 1968-69 academic year he served as consultant at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University School of Social Work. As consultant, Dr. Rosenthal aided Rockland Community College in formulating a curriculum for its Human Services Program, which has a unique relationship with the Wurzweiler School. The program is considered one of the largest at the college and trains paraprofessionals in social work, education, child care, mental health and recreation.
He received the Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Social Work degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and was awarded the Master of Science in Social Work at Columbia University. Dr. Rosenthal served in such varied positions as secretary. Health and Hospital Division, Essex County Council Social Agencies; executive director, Jewish Community Center. Utica, New York; and consultant, New York City Department of Social Services.
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