Rosenzweig, Newton

Newton Rosenzweig was born in Phoenix, Arizona on December 21, 1905 to Isaac and Rosa (Gross) Rosenzweig, both Austrian immigrants. He, his brother Harry, and sister Anna grew up with the Goldwater children, Barry, Bob, and Carolyn. Those close ties remained throughout their lives. The Rosenzweig name has long been associated with the jewelry business in Arizona. When Newton graduated from the University of Michigan in 1927, he began working in his father's downtown Phoenix jewelry store later known as I. Rosenzweig and Sons. It was a name synonymous with quality and customer service. Newton later served in World War II as an army lieutenant in transportation and special services. He returned to booming post war growth and opportunities to expand his entrepreneurial and civic/cultural interests. This blend of high profile business, volunteerism, and philanthropy is a hallmark of Newton Rosenzweig's legacy - one that literally changed the Phoenix landscape. By the time he married Elizabeth J. Dabney in 1956, the family business had grown. Newton had also made significant contributions both in money and time to the Phoenix community. He helped found the Phoenix Symphony Association, organized various charitable organizations, and was an active participant in reforming city government. Newton co-founded the influential Charter Government Committee that launched the political career of Barry Goldwater. He also served a term on the Phoenix City Council. Promoting leadership - civic and political - became a lifelong interest as seen in his Phoenix 40 activities. Included in the goal of municipal change was Newton's vision of a downtown Phoenix skyline as the hub for big business. The Rosenzweig brothers formed the North Central Development Corporation with the Del Webb Corporation in 1959. Together they developed the Rosenzweig Center, one of the first tower buildings in Phoenix to house national corporate headquarters such as Grey Hound Bus Lines. The adjacent Del Webb Towne House served as a business hotel with the amenities of a resort. This was made possible by leveraging land along Central Avenue originally held by Isaac Rosenzweig. The brothers also led the initiative for the Phoenix convention center and auditorium. Rosenzweig investments were diverse, ranging from real estate to municipal bonds. Downtown development, urban renewal, and an economic/cultural corridor in Phoenix occupied Newton for the next 40 years. Newton served on or was appointed to bank boards, task forces, county and state commissions, retailer associations, study groups, health care advisory boards, and education committees. He brought a tough, analytical approach to problem-solving and a scholarly bent for researching background information. He was a dogged letters-to the-editor writer. Much of his work influenced votes, promoted change in public policy, improved funding for human services, and increased professionalism in non-profit governance. Together, Betty and Newton Rosenzweig served on and raised funds for over 75 religious, charitable, cultural, educational and political organizations. Among these are St. Luke's Hospital, the American Jewish Committee, Arizona Community Foundation, United Way, Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona State University, Phoenix Little Theatre, and the Foundation for Blind Children. Although childless, they had an abiding interest in children's health care, early education, and overall welfare. Newton's many awards include Phoenix Man of the Year, the Jewish Federation Medal of Honor, the Phoenix Humanitarian Award, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Arizona State University. Hailed as a "civic giant" and "the last of the civic statesmen," Newton Rosenzweig died February 5, 2002 at the age of 96. He wished to be remembered not as a philanthropist but as a person who cared and tried in whatever ways he could.

From the description of Newton Rosenzweig collection, 1928-2006. (Scottsdale Public Library). WorldCat record id: 60345562

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