MIRCEA ROTARU

Mircea Rotaru, of White Haven, died at home, with family by his side, on Sunday evening, June 26, 2022

Born in 1940, Putna County, Romania, Mircea was the son of Elena and Grigore Rotaru / Vasilatos. Mircea graduated from the University of Bucharest, Institute of Fine Arts. In 1960, while still  in college, he married the love of his life, Dr. Ecaterina Rotaru. An accomplished artist, Mircea's paintings and watercolors won acclaim from art critics and have made their way to private collections and exhibits in Bucharest, Germany, Italy, New York City, Washington DC and will be presented in Bucharest this fall. From 1966 to 1992 he was a professor of painting and drawing, beloved and cherished to this day by many in the generations of students he taught. In 1992, Mircea immigrated to the United States, settling in New York City. To make sure his family is well taken care of with everything, he worked hard as a property manager for over 14 years. At the same time, he and his family founded in 1998 Gallery@49, a contemporary art gallery in Manhattan's Theater District, focusing on the career of local emerging artists and the promotion of Romanian artists in the US. After retirement in 2008 Mircea divided his time between Manhattan and White Haven PA where he kept his art studio. The natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains, the area’s lakes, rivers and woodlands have fueled an outburst of creativity. His latest landscape paintings were exhibited at the Hazleton Art League Gallery only a few months ago. Mircea was a kind soul, very devoted to his family and friends, always having a  joke for anyone. He loved opera and he enjoyed cooking, ceramics and DIY home-repairs. Known for his unique sense of humor, MIrcea was always the life and soul of the party.

Mircea is survived by his beloved wife Ecaterina, daughters Monica and Gabriela, brother Lee Mitchell and nephew Gabriel, grandchildren Sophia and Gregory, son in law Bogdan Vasile, sister in law Livia, niece and nephew Madalina and Alex. Loved by all, cherished by many, Mircea will be dearly missed. May God bless his soul!

Funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, June 30, 2022. Starting 11:00 am we will gather for a viewing  at Lehman's Family Funeral Home located at 403 Berwick St. Route 940 White Haven. At 11:30 am we will proceed to the HOLY PROTECTION MONASTERY located  at 1st. St.Joseph's Way where the religious service will take place. Burial will follow in Laurel Cemetery, White Haven.

Friends are invited to join the family for a visitation on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Thursday morning, from 11:00 am.

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