OBITUARY: Combat Veteran, Space Program Engineer George Herbert Rosenfield Passed Away at 100

George was decorated with the Bronze Star for heroic action during World War II

George Herbert Rosenfield passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, just one day after the anniversary of the passing of his beloved wife and soulmate, Carolyn Barbara Rosenfield. After his notable military service, George went on to work in the U.S. Space Program, where he oversaw the development of mathematical algorithms used to place satellites in orbit and ultimately put a man on the moon.

George Herbert Rosenfield passed away peacefully at 3:13 a.m. on January 11, 2026, just one day after the anniversary of the passing of his beloved wife and soulmate, Carolyn Barbara Rosenfield.

George had a goal to reach 100 years of life, and he proudly celebrated his 100th birthday a few months ago, surrounded by his immediate family, dear friends, and loved ones.

George was a beloved grandfather with FOUR generations under his watch. He was predeceased by Carolyn, and his family is deeply grateful for the eleven years following her passing that they were able to enjoy his company and learn so many meaningful lessons about life from him.

He leaves behind his two sons, Andrew Steven and Kenneth Reid. He was the proud grandfather of Jared Rosenfield (Elma), Jordan Walton, Tiffany Rosenfield (James), and Adam Rosenfield (Lauren), as well as the joyful great-grandfather of ten great-grandchildren: Grayson, Ayden, Ryder, Arie, Fynn, Preston, Landon, Mia, Bella, and Layla. The George Rosenfield legacy will live on forever.

George began his career with a Forestry major from Syracuse University. From there, his dream was to serve in the military. When the prestigious 10th Mountain Division was created, George applied right away and was entered into the troops on his 18th birthday.

This was a life-changing experience that helped shape the principles by which George lived his life, including accepting extreme challenges, working hard, and believing in yourself. He also lived by the rule to treat your fellow person with all respect and value life for every moment.

George was decorated with the Bronze Star, one of the highest military honors for heroic and meritorious achievement in a combat zone. He risked his life in combat to save his fellow soldiers. He also served his country during the Korean War and retired with the rank of Major.

In 2019, the Satellite Beach Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented retired U.S. Army Maj. George Rosenfield, the DAR’s highest award, the Medal of Honor, during a ceremony at the Beachside Doubletree Hotel in Melbourne Beach. Above, left to right, are Lt. Col. Brian Whalen, USAF-Retired, MOAACC Board of Directors; Col. Steve Bond, USA Retired, MOAACC Vice President; CW3 Dan Smith, USA Retired, MOAACC President; Bonnie Charles; Major Rosenfield; Roslyn Bates, MOAACC Member; Mary Dunagan, MOAACC Auxiliary Chairwoman; and Elizabeth Whalen, MOAACC Member. (MOAACC image)

After his military service, George went on to work in the U.S. Space Program, where he oversaw the development of mathematical algorithms used to place satellites in orbit and ultimately put a man on the moon. He was among the first recipients of the prestigious Talbert Abrams Award for his groundbreaking work in Photogrammetric Sciences, which played a vital role in the success of the U.S. space program.

George also held prominent positions with the US Geological Survey and Raytheon Corporation.

In addition to his professional achievements, George was deeply committed to giving back. He was a founding member of Temple Beth Shalom in Melbourne, Florida, and was actively involved with the Military Officers Association of America, Jewish War Veterans, the Brevard Zoo, Marine Resources Council, Parkinson’s Disease organizations, the Indian Reservation Society, and many other charitable causes.

He was also a frequent speaker at military functions both across the country and abroad. In his spare time, George also designed forests in Italy and France.

George cherished every moment with his soulmate, Carolyn, and once the wedding band was placed on his finger, he never once took it off for 77 years. His legacy will live on through his family, friends and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A Celebration of Life was held January 14 at Temple Beth Shalom in Melbourne, with a military interment at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge.

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