Remembering Rose

Honoring the legacy of one of Rollins’ longtime donors and friends

Rose Gangarosa, generous philanthropist and wife of the late Eugene “Gene” Gangarosa, died on September 24, 2026. She was 101 years old. Much of Rose’s legacy is intertwined with that of her husband of more than 70 years. The two grew up in the same neighborhood in Rochester, New York, and were wed when Gene returned from World War II service. They were, in many ways, the epitome of what it meant to be part of “the Greatest Generation.”

“Their relationship is a model for all of us,” says Kathryn Graves, senior associate dean for advancement and alumni engagement. “Their lifelong love was founded on a deep respect and concern for one another. They supported and honored one another’s priorities.” 

As Gene gained international renown for his work improving global access to safe water and revolutionizing how cholera is treated, Rose was at his side providing love, encouragement, and support. She traveled to work locations around the world with him, including war-torn Lebanon during its civil war. She uprooted their four children to join him in Pakistan, where she worked as a high school English teacher and as principal of Lahore American School.

While small in stature, Rose commanded authority. Like her husband, she possessed a strong inner drive, devotion to her faith, and sense of purpose. When she witnessed the poor sanitary conditions of drinking water in Pakistan, she became a lifelong advocate for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) research.

This advocacy is apparent through the many gifts the Gangarosas gave to the Rollins School of Public Health over the years. The Gangarosas’ support included the school’s first global field experience fund, three endowed distinguished professorships, a scholarship fund, and an unrestricted endowment for the Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health—a department named in their honor.

“Imprints of the influence of Gene and Rose Gangarosa can be seen throughout our school,” says Dean Dani Fallin, PhD. “In my four years as dean, Rose and her son Ray were a constant presence and were steady advocates for our work. Rose's enthusiasm was palpable.”

Rose’s generosity continued after Gene’s passing. At the age of 100, she made a $1 million gift to advance WASH research and learning at Rollins.

“This gift has been so meaningful to the faculty and research teams who continue to carry her legacy,” says Fallin. 

Rose was also a classical pianist and taught piano lessons before she married. She played classical piano by memory, and part of her daily ritual included performing songs for Gene in the afternoon. This extended even at the end of their lives together.

Like their contemporaries, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, the Gangarosas’ marriage was a partnership grounded in mutual understanding and faith.

“Rose and Dr. Gene Gangarosa were an amazing team in so  many ways,” says James W. Curran, MD, dean emeritus. “Though Gene was the scientific and academic leader of their 70-year partnership, Rose was, in many ways, the rock of stability whether it was caring for family and friends or advising in global health, teaching, investing, or other matters. She and Gene were amazing partners in doing so much good for family and the world of public health.”