Elliot Rosman, a board member of Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, died Sept. 23 after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 86.

A certified public accountant for more than 40 years, Rosman was a stalwart supporter of City of Hope. He was a member of the board of directors for 23 years and a director of Beckman Research Institute for another 16 years.

Susan and Elliot Rosman (Photo courtesy of Richard Rosman)

“Elliot Rosman’s death is a real loss for the City of Hope family,” said Michael A. Friedman, M.D., president and chief executive officer. “His passion for advancing this institution’s mission was second to none. He will be greatly missed.”

Rosman became involved with City of Hope when his sister sought treatment there for cancer. Her death in 1952 at the age of 34 inspired him to join with family and friends to start a fundraising chapter in her honor: the Ruth Katz Cancer Research Group. The group later merged with the Medical Center Aides Chapter, with Rosman remaining a loyal member, and he also joined the Board of Governors chapter.

He is credited with raising millions of dollars for research, treatment and education at City of Hope over almost six decades.

“It’s a great place that is close to our hearts,” he said of his family’s devotion to City of Hope during a 2008 interview.

Born in Lynn, Mass., Rosman later moved to Los Angeles with his parents and sister. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, he earned his accounting degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1948.

He co-founded the accounting firm Rubins, Rosman & Borak in 1952; after it merged with national firm Laventhol & Horwath, he remained a partner until his 1990 retirement.

For 35 years, he and his wife, Susan, regularly sent letters to all their friends not only to raise funds for City of Hope, but also to increase awareness of the institution’s work. Rosman’s philanthropy stretched beyond City of Hope, as well. He gave to support education and advocacy against violence, and he enjoyed tutoring public school students in reading.

Rosman is survived by his wife; his sons, Richard and Brian; his daughters-in-law, Fran Morris and Cori; and his grandchildren, Randal, Stacie and Alyssa. His family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be directed to City of Hope’s Auxiliary Department.