Michael G. Rose, a resident of Copenhagen, Denmark, and formerly of Reading, passed away on February 26, 2025, after a brief struggle with pancreatic cancer. Raised in Reading, he graduated from Reading Memorial High School in 1972. He went on to earn a B.S. degree from Boston University and a Ph.D. in Physics from Penn State. In 1991, he moved to Copenhagen, where he lived for 34 years.
At the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Michael taught and conducted research on high speed trains and smart home technology. He later transitioned to computer game prototyping and sound design, which integrated his creative and technical skills.
Music was a central thread throughout Michael’s life. He was an accomplished pianist who also composed music in the Celtic style with Latin and jazz influences. Michael performed with musicians from around the world, including American, Irish, and Danish artists. His collaborations included The Barolk Folk, Fromseier Rose, Athena Tergis, and many other musicians. He performed at festivals across Denmark, Ireland, Scotland, and the United States. In retirement, he developed music for use in the computer game “Shrug Island” and for computer-generated short films. He also encouraged and mentored several young musicians.
He is survived by his loving sisters Deborah Amato and her husband Kenneth; Pamela Rose; and Jeannine Hardy. He was a beloved uncle to Joseph Amato, Eric Amato, Camille Griffin, Carabeth Connolly, Daniel Connolly, Patrick Connolly, Adam Hardy, Amanda Hardy, and Ian Hardy, as well as nine great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Anthony and Beatrice (Monteiro) Rose.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 570 North Ave., Wakefield, on Saturday, June 14 at 12:00 noon. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s name may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org, or by mail to their Donation Processing Center, PO Box 5041, Boone, IA 50950-0041. For full obituary and online guestbook, please visit legacy.com
