Robert Leonard “Rose” Rosener of Battlement Mesa, a former resident of Carbondale, died peacefully Thursday, April 29, 2004, at his home. He was 59.

A gathering of friends will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, at the home of John Foulkrod and Georgia Chamberlain, 1349 Wald Drive in Carbondale. Everyone is welcome to the informal celebration.

Mr. Rosener was born March 22, 1945, in Middletown, Conn., where he spent his childhood. He is a graduate of Kents Hill Preparatory School in Maine, and attended Boston University.

In the early ’70s, Rose moved to Aspen to manage the Magic Pan Restaurant. He was an avid skier until he suffered spinal cord injuries in a diving accident in the Caribbean.

Mr. Rosener treasured his family and friends, and was a witty conversationalist and an advocate for people with disabilities.

He will be remembered as a brave hero who, at the age of 21, saved two girls from a burning apartment building in Boston, which caused burns over 60 percent of his body.

Mr. Rosener is survived by sisters Sandy Duane of Massachusetts and Arlene Mazzota of Connecticut; by nieces Laura Pedersen, Judy Mazzota and Jennifer Duane; by great nieces Marissa, Brittany and Jacqueline Greider; and by his pet cockatiel, Paco.

The family wants to thank the wonderful caregivers who tended Rose’s needs, and especially Nancy Wilhelm, Jean from Alpine Home Health, and Dr. Schoonmaker and his nurse Pat.