Background
Rosenthal was born in Russia and immigrated to the United States in 1902, two years after an older brother and sister settled in New New York
Rosenthal was born in Russia and immigrated to the United States in 1902, two years after an older brother and sister settled in New New York
Following his primary and secondary education in New York, Irving Rosenthal paid his tuition at New York University College of Dentistry by working as a trumpeter and violinist. He graduated from the school, but never practiced the profession.
By 1910, the Rosenthal household on East 175th Street in the Bronx included widowed mother Jennie (b 1864), Abraham Rosenthal (b 1883), Florence Rosenthal (b 1886), Rebecca Rosenthal (b 1887), Mollie Rosenthal (b 1888), Samuel Rosenthal (1891–1967), Celia Rosenthal (b 1891), Jacob Rosenthal (b 1892), and Irving Rosenthal (1895–1973). With the exception of Jacob and Irving, the Rosenthal family was employed in the leather and garment trade. In 1905, he borrowed $50 as start-up funding in a venture to sell souvenir pails and shovels at Steeplechase Park.
The venture reaped a $1,500 profit.
In 1927, Irving and Jack Rosenthal built at a cost of $146,000 The Cyclone roller coaster at Coney Island. Irving also operated the Golden City Park Arena in Canarsie, Brooklyn, and featured the debut fights in the boxing careers of Canada Lee, Tony Canzoneri, and Izzy Grove.
In 1935, the Rosenthal brothers bought the park for $450,000. The attraction flourished under their management and drew more than four million visitors each summer.
Among the attractions he featured at the park were such big-name bands as Harry James, Benny Goodman, the Dorsey Brothers, Xavier Cugat, and recording stars such as Tony Bennett, Vic Damone, and The Supremes.
Such novelties as the "diaper derby," a crawling race for babies, junior beauty pageants, and three-ring circuses were among the innovations Irving Rosenthal introduced at At the height of his career, Rosenthal employed more than 1,600 workers at the park. Rosenthal annually hosted the Police Anchor Club outings to the park, which enabled more than 11,000 New York orphans to visit the attraction. As a benefactor of the New York Association for Brain Injured Children, a home in Kerhonkson, New York was named for him.
At one time, Rosenthal owned the Royal York Hotel in Miami, Florida, and a chain of movie theaters.
In 1971, Irving Rosenthal sold the 38-acre (150,000 m2) to the Centex Winston Corporation, but continued working as chairman of Action Ads, Incorporated., an advertising firm. He was also involved in real estate and amusement developments.
He died of a heart attack at his Manhattan home on Thursday, December 27, 1973.