Funeral Details

You were my absolute favorite surgeon to work with. You will be greatly missed. The Klabundes

Scott Klabunde

There is a hole in my heart the shape of the light that was you. I was in a men's group with Aaron for 20 years. I will be eternally grateful for his loving friendship, generosity and keen observations. The most brilliant and eclectic man I have ever known. I am so sad at your passing. I will miss this man for the rest of my life.

Richard Mertz

I knew Aaron for many years as his colleague and friend. He was extremely well-versed in all disciplines. You could talk to him about religion, politics, geography, history, and yes, orthopedic surgery. He was a musician and a patron of the arts. He made numerous contributions as a joint replacement surgeon that will have a lasting impact on our specialty. He was an outstanding clinician, scientist and educator, a unique combination. Aaron generously covered for me when I was deployed for a year in the Navy, which was greatly appreciated by my patients. He was a wonderful husband, father and family man. Aaron will be sorely missed.

Steven Gitelis

I'm gonna miss you my Warrior Brother...Peace🙏🏿

Bharataji Joplin

Aaron was a One of a kind Mensch. Not only was he a talented physician, but always had a welcome smile, always interesting, knowledgeable, kind, so very human.
He will be missed by all, Love, Nicki and Ken Milin

Nicki Milin

So sorry to hear about my brother in laws passing. His full life will be remembered by all that he came in contact with, both professionally and family. RiP

barbara charal

Sincere condolences to Iris, AJ, Jessica, Rebecca, Cody, Rob on the passing of Aaron, your beloved husband, father, brother. May his memory be a blessing to you and the entire Rosenberg family always.

David Schaen

I knew Aaron well years ago when he was a fellow in orthopaedic oncology at Mass General Hospital. He was talented, intelligent and a warm caring human being with a wealth of knowledge not only of medicine, but music and other areas as well. His patients loved him. He was devoted to Iris and his family. We hadn't crossed paths recently, but I thought of him often. Our brief time as colleagues in Boston was too short and I will miss his energy, caring and friendship. My deepest sympathy goes to Iris, his children and family.

Mark Gebhardt

Dr Rosenberg was an amazing mentor and teacher for me during residency. When you thought he was not paying attention as he was telling all of us a story, he would correct you during surgery ever so subtly. You wouldn’t realize it was his guiding hand helping you the whole time. He was a true mentor and will be missed

Daniel Park

You will be missed Aaron. Not sure you understood the impact you had on so many of us. Thank you for sharing your time with me. I will always think of you when I hear there is no free lunch.

Brett Levine

Aaron - You will be missed. You had a tremendous impact on me and so many others on our careers. Even until today, you take the prize of asking the most difficult interview question I have encountered - but that was my initial exposure to you, and the start of my privilege to have you as a mentor. I continue to teach your tenet - the OR is no place to think, but it's a place to execute your plan. May you rest in peace.

Neil Sheth

You will be missed by many. You left an impact on so many of us who had the privilege of getting to know you. Amazing Surgeon, mentor and a colleague.

Vivek Sood

I was a fellow with Aaron in 2004-05. my year started with Aaron, and that was the perfect place for me to start. He was a great mentor for me, he gave me confidence, he was encouraging, he was incredibly knowledgeable, and I felt like he was my friend. I owe him so much for springing me forward to a great professional career and a great family life. It hurts to hear of his passing. God bless Aaron and his family. I will be forever grateful for what he did for me.

Don Lnapke

Remarkable man, a father figure to your residents, fellows and beyond. Every one of my life events since fellowship was followed by some form of your acknowledgement - very much like my own family. How did you find that time? You will be sorely missed, have left an extraordinary mark. I think of you always when I remind my own residents, trainees that “there IS no free lunch.” But thank you for sharing YOUR lunch. We love and will miss you dearly 🙏🏽❤️

Rishi Balkissoon

Aaron was a one of a kind superstar. He was an Intern when I was on the Ortho service as a M3 at Rush. A hysterically funny, Renaissance man, kind, supportive and humble.
Rest in peace Aaron. Your legacy is extraordinary and you’ll never be forgotten to those you mentored, your colleagues, your friends and family.

Steve Petersen

Aaron was not only an exceptional surgeon and mentor, but also a genuinely kind and compassionate person. He was a man of many talents — a gifted surgeon, a musician, and a steady guiding presence for those new to the practice. He was thoughtful and measured in his opinions, and he was always willing to take the time to help me think through complex clinical decisions. His wisdom, generosity, and quiet support made a lasting impact on me and so many others.

Kathy Weber

At fellows conference, Dr. Rosenberg would often begin by speaking about subjects that seemed far removed from orthopedics: guitar, saccadic eye movements, or some other unexpected theme. Only later would we realize that, all along, he had been imparting essential orthopedic principles in a way no one else could.

But he was more than an exceptional attending surgeon. He was deeply and genuinely curious, with a profound respect for other cultures and a rare fluency in many languages, surgical, musical, and philosophical alike. He was a Zen master and a trusted consigliere to people from every walk of life.

He meant so much to so many, and he remains the giant on whose shoulders we stand each day — in the operating room, in clinic, and at home. We will miss you dearly. You were truly one of a kind.

Andrew Park

Aaron and I began our careers in orthopedics at Rush at roughly the same time. He was a consummate educator and clinician and certainly was helpful to those of us on the basic science side of orthopedics. He will be missed.

Rick Sumner

Dearest Iris and family...So saddened to hear about the passing of Aaron. I first met Aaron in 7th Grade homeroom! Iris I've known you forever...I was happy to hear about JESSICAS BEAUTIFUL WEDDING! I am thinking about you and send big hugs "I" Love Holly

Holly SCHULZ

Aaron was my favorite resident and trustful associate. I am most saddened by your pass. He is most intelligent with warmth in character. A very smart man, always understand the patient’s need. I will miss you tremendously. My deepest condolences for Iris and family.

Ken N. Kuo

Even though our time with Aaron was brief, he made a lasting impression on us. From the first moment we met him, we felt a genuine connection and saw the kindness and love he carried for his family. We were truly looking forward to growing that relationship in the years ahead. Our hearts are with all of you as you celebrate his life and carry his memory forward.

Bob & Margaret Morrissette

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Norm Rich

Dr. Rosenberg, thank you for being a great teacher and a mentor to us all. As one of your many OR nurses, I appreciated your willingness to teach, be an exceptional team leader, and play great music in the OR! Thank you for everything. We will miss you!

Fred Brown

Dr. Rosenberg was one of my attending orthopedic surgeons when I was a resident at Rush from 1985-1987. He was a brilliant surgeon and an excellent teacher. I carried many of his lessons during my 40 years in practice. I am deeply saddened to read of passing. Peace, Aaron.

Roland Tolliver

Every second I had a chance to spend with Aaron was an opportunity to learn. I learned about music, philosophy, history, leadership and orthopedic surgery, too. I admired Aaron for his ability to make strong connections with the people around him. To know and work with Aaron Rosenberg was such an incredible privilege.

Andy Park

Aaron was an icon in adult reconstructive orthopaedic surgery. He was a humanistic physician, master surgeon, dedicated educator, skilled debater, innovator, and an internationally renowned thought leader in his field for decades. He served as the Director of the Division of Adult Reconstructive Surgery at Rush, as well as the Director of the Rush Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship where he mentored and influenced a generation of orthopaedic surgeons who have become regional, national and international leaders in their own right. He authored multiple authoritative textbooks over the course of his career and lectured extensively throughout the world. Aaron will be remembered for his quick wit, his story-telling prowess, and his scholarly approach to surgical education and patient care, applying concepts from fields far beyond traditional medical disciplines. He was a true polymath – an individual who drew on a complex body of knowledge to solve problems. Aaron will also be remembered as a nurturing mentor, passionately committed to the personal and professional development of young surgeons. He will be deeply missed by his patients, professional colleagues, trainees, friends and, of course, his loving family. For me personally, he was a close confidant, coach, warrior brother and mentor. His loss is deeply felt. Thank you, Aaron, for how you have enhanced the lives of all of us.

Joshua Jacobs

CELEBRATING LIFE AND LOVE®: Rest in Peace, Brother Aaron . . As I grow older (and hopefully wiser), reflecting on the men who have been most impactful in shaping my medical universe is a fairly common occurrence. Within those thoughts, Dr. Aaron Rosenberg stands among a handful of deep thinkers who have provided spiritual guidance and clinical wisdom to this rebellious & wayward son. I've always held a deep love for Aaron . . Because he was brilliant, ever so passionate about music and most accepting of me and all the gifts (and baggage) that came along with the Doctor Dan package. I can honestly say that music was the common thread (and especially guitar) that drove our connection. When it came time to select fellowships that I would be interested in pursuing as an orthopedic sub-specialist, it was an obvious choice that Aaron was gonna' be my mentor (and in return, he got Chicago Slim as his fellow). It really didn't matter to me that he was a world-class specialist in complex hip & knee surgery, because I simply thought it would be a year well spent just to hang out with him and help a whole lotta' of patients in the process. Our agreement was that Aaron would teach me the finer points of orthopedic surgery . . and in return, his guitar playing would reach the next level under my guidance. It was a truly fantastic year filled with over-the-top surgeries and myriad shared conversations about our pantheon of guitar heroes (Hendrix, Clapton, SRV, Santana, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush to name a few). Many of our discissions extended outside the OR and into the ventilated corridor, where we would light up a smoke and ponder deeply about the finer points of guitar wizardry before being paged to get the next case started. Parallel discussion topics often delved into how Jimi Hendrix became Jimi by taking a little piece of every musician he admired and then running it through his filter to eventually become his own dazzling entity. That was my blueprint for evolving into the Blues Doctor we all know today. My time invested as Aaron’s fellow was priceless, as I’ll never forget the connection that we forged around music and orthopedics. Upon completion of our year together, we both achieved our desired milestones. Though I absorbed much technical skill, the greatest gift Aaron bestowed upon me was the encouragement to “follow my muse” and pursue the vision I had to launch clinics in Chicago's underserved communities that lacked access to these life-changing musculoskeletal services. My medical inspiration to make a difference in this world has been influenced by legendary giants of Chicago medicine: Anthony Ivankovich, Paul Meyer, Quentin Young, Jorge Galante, Daniel Hale Williams, Ronald DeWald and Aaron Rosenberg have all been amazing role models and exactly who I needed to guide me in my quest. Upon hearing of Dr. Rosenberg's recent passing (tinyurl.com/whwjjpw3), the immediate feeling was sadness & loss . . Which was quickly followed by THANKFULNESS. Can't really put into words the gratitude and love that I have for the man. Wherever I go and whatever I do to make a difference for patients who need my help, a little piece of Dr. Aaron Rosenberg will always travel with me . . In ever loving memory!

Peace & Love,
Doctor Dan (aka Chicago Slim . . The Blues Doctor)

Daniel Ivankovich

The energy and love of Aaron continues in everyone he touched. I will forever be grateful that you touched my life. Your smile, brilliant mind, kindness, compassion and generosity of spirit will continue in my memory. Thank you Aaron. Love to your dear Family.

Janice Mertz

I met Aaron during my fellowship year from 1997 - 1998. He was a fantastic teacher, surgeon, and mentor. I began to realize what a wonderful human being he was after I had completed my fellowship and began my private practice in Barrington. I reached out to Aaron with with some questions, concerns, about my new status as a Joint Replacement Surgeon in private practice. He replied and suggested we meet for dinner at a location midway between our two houses. For years we met had a wonderful meal together and talked about everything. I have no idea what we ate, and the meal was wonderful because of the connection that we made not the food we were consuming. We both have a passion for reading books and to my surprise we are both passionate fans of science fiction. He turned me on to an author he liked, Neal Stephenson. I read everything he wrote and we had wonderful discussions about the books over the years. The author just published the first part of a duology. I mentioned it to Aaron when we met in November, he smiled and told me that he already bought the book and we would discuss it when he finished it. We both finished the first part and had a brief discussion. I was waiting for the second part of the book for us to discuss it more. It saddens me that will not be able to discuss it with my friend when I am done with the book.

On a lighter note, I have continued to discuss my more difficult cases with him over the years. Weeks ago we discussed a more difficult reconstruction case that I had coming up. He had good suggestions and the case went well. I just saw the patient this morning and she is healing nicely. Thank you Aaron, you will be missed.

Paul Nourbash

You will be missed but never forgotten my old friend.
I am honored to have known you in our journey through life.

Rest in peace. May peace be with your family too.

Robert Bofani

Rest in Peace. Aaron.
We shared friendship through difficult but memorable days on my father's service. I was so inspired by your perseverance, your humor, and the great care you gave to our patients.
I know you always held a special place in my father's heart.
My thoughts are with your family.
Keith

Keith Mankin

The depth of love you shared taught me to love more
When I was sick, you healed me
Brother, friend, mentor, sounding board, hero.
My life has been blessed through you Aaron.

Ripple in still water when there is no pebble tossed.

Jeffrey Cornell

Most people can name one or two teachers that they've encountered in their life who stand out. Aaron was one of those people. I did my residency in orthopedics at Rush from 1986-1991. During that time, I looked up to Aaron both as a mentor and a friend. He was on my speed dial when I first entered private practice, and was always willing to share his wisdom and help me find a logical and pragmatic approach to solving difficult problems. He was not only a great teacher, but a renaissance man and a role model. He appreciated the people that he worked with as human beings, not just as worker bees, and that was unique. I can't express how saddened I am by Aarons death. Aaron was one of the rare individuals who was able to make a difference in the world. He touched many lives, both personally and professionally, and the world seems a little dimmer without his light in it.
Jeff Meisles

Jeff Meisles

Dr Rosenberg was one of the kindest souls of our time. I had the pleasure of working with he and his OR teams in 2014-2015 as we were getting ZipLine Medical off the ground. He was gracious, direct, humble, witty, a prolific surgeon, and educator to residents, fellows, industry representatives, and anybody with a keen interest to learn. RIP Dr Rosenberg. The orthopedic industry and humanity lost a true giant, but your indelible mark on musculoskeletal medicine and all those you impacted will live on forever.

Thomas Cunningham

Dr Aaron Rosenberg and Garry Shandling are trading jokes in Heaven right now.

Kurt Moreland

Aaron was truly an amazing individual, not just for his professional accomplishments, but for his person. He was a fiercely loyal friend, wise beyond his years, and generous to a fault. The world is less without him in it.

Barry Goldfedder

I had the opportunity & pleasure to meet and work with Aaron when he was a joint and tumor fellow at MGH and I was just a resident learning to swim so to speak. It was a joy & a priviledge to reconnect with Aaron in Chicago in 1992! He was always encouraging and supportive. He was unselfish with his time, knowledge & humanity. An example of his care for not only his patients but for his colleagues happened in the mid 90's. I was on-call and was getting bombarded with emergency and emergent surgical patients from the E.R., the units, the floor along with my scheduled patients. Aaron, unsolicited, came to my room and volunteered to staff some of the 12 cases on my docket. He was a guardian angel for me and my patients. This was Aaron at his core. His contributions to all the lives he touched will forever be appreciated.

George Holmes, Jr., M.D.