David K. Rose ’88

On Nov. 21, 2020, we lost our friend and brother Dave to complications from COVID-19.

Dave was a man whose smile was even more powerful than his defensive lineman’s body. In 1987, “Rosey” was an unstoppable force on one of the best defenses in the league. His charisma made him a natural salesman, and he enjoyed success at ESPN, WGN, and WRMN radio, where he was also an on-air host. But Dave’s heart was always more drawn to faith and service than fortune.

Following his calling, he attended Charis Bible College after majoring in history at Princeton, and later became dean of students at Charis. His missionary work took him to Russia, where he bridged language gaps and cultural barriers to share his boundless love and fellowship. More recently, Dave taught special education at Glenbard (Ill.) High School District 87, with Josh Chambers ’88. Dave also coached football at Chicago Hope Academy with Chris Mallette ’93, mentoring young men as only one who has been in their shoes could.

Dave leaves behind a family of people who loved him, from his Brooklyn home to the Linsly School in Wheeling, W.Va., to his Butler College classmates and his varsity football brothers, and everywhere else life took him. You could not be near Dave without smiling, or know him for long without loving him. He is survived by two sisters, Donna and Irene, and is now reunited in heaven with his beloved mother, Alice Rose.