Celebrating the impactful, accomplished and joyful life of Philadelphia human rights leader, lawyer, professor and mentor David M. Rosenblum whose sudden and tragic passing at the age of 47 has stunned his family, friends and has left a hole in the hearts of the Philadelphia LGBTQ communities.

WHEREAS, David M. Rosenblum had a larger-than-life personality and a fierce dedication to helping others. Friends often comment that it seems David used every waking moment to brighten and improve the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, Whether it was in his role as Director of the Mazzoni Center's legal services department, as a professor and mentor at Temple University's Beasley School of Law, as a co-founder and co-chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association's Committee on the Legal Rights of Lesbians and Gay Men, as a leader within the National LGBT Bar Association, or in his undeniably cutting-edge non-discrimination work; David Rosenblum was involved in countless efforts to make the world a better place for the downtrodden and discriminated; and

WHEREAS, Using his charisma, humor, wit and intelligence, David filled his life with friends because it was impossible not to be David's friend. As his friends have said, David was a true champion for civil rights in general, not just LGBTQ equality and opportunity; and

WHEREAS, David's successes in advocacy and litigation were underscored by his impressive ability to bring people together and build bridges where no one else could; and

WHEREAS, Similar to his profound contributions to Philadelphia's LGBTQ Equality Act of 2013, David often contributed far more than he ever got in return and often played a critical role in advancing issues that would not have been successful were it not for his presence; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby recognize, honor and celebrate the unforgettable life of David M. Rosenblum for inspiring everyone who knew him to care more deeply, laugh harder and fight harder for those that need it most. The Council and the City of Philadelphia mourn his passing, which happened far too soon.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to David's husband, Stephan Stoeckl, his parents Ruth and Howard Rosenblum and his brother and sister as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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