Rosemary Duffy Larson was passionate about the arts, orchestral music, and ensuring that under served children had access to both. Her dedication to charitable pursuits and philanthropy reflected her desire to spread joy through music and the arts. With her underwriting of this concert, audiences across South Florida are beneficiaries of her generous spirit.

An Ohio native, Rosemary spent her youth in Columbus where she gained a deep appreciation not only for orchestral music, but contemporary tunes from the era in which she lived. The result is her generous underwriting of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s Celebration of the Great American Songbook.

Rosemary’s life was dedicated to making a difference in the world. Upon her marriage to Judge T. J. Duffy, her civic and political career took flight. At the Governor’s invitation she chaired the Ohio State Bicentennial Ball, served as Ohio State Vice Chair, National Committeewoman, and Delegate to the National Convention. She is listed in “Who’s Who in American Women,” “Who’s Who in American Politics,” and in the Council of State Government’s “Book of the States."

In recognition of her love for the arts, Rosemary chaired the Columbus Symphony Ball, served by the Governor’s appointment on the Ohio Arts Council, was elected President of the Women’s Division of the Columbus Symphony, and served on the Boards of the Ohio Historical Society and Children’s Hospital.

Achieving ever greater recognition, Rosemary was one of 300 women chosen by the President to attend the “Woman’s Role in Politics” conference at the White House.

After her marriage to C.E. Larson II, and subsequent move to Washington, D.C., Rosemary’s artistic creativity and leadership served her well as she chaired many celebrations for her favorite charities and civic organizations. Among them the Project Hope Ball, the Kidney Foundation, the American Red Cross, and Goodwill Industries.

After moving to Fort Lauderdale in the 1980s, she continued her tradition of leadership as she chaired the Ambassador’s Ball, Fort Lauderdale Council Navy League Ball (twice), the Fort Lauderdale’s Freedom Foundation Ball, and the Fort Lauderdale Philharmonic Symphony Ball. She served on the Boards of the Opera Society, Concert Association of Miami, Fort Lauderdale Philharmonic Society, and the Pyramid Society.

Rosemary traveled extensively treasuring new sites and experiences, but found her joy in Fort Lauderdale where she sought to enrich and improve lives through service and generous financial support. Rosemary’s charm, wit, and caring spirit characterize a life well lived in service of the arts, under served youth, her family and friends.

Rosemary, we will miss you. And now, in your honor, we “Strike up the Band”!