Brothers killed in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting remembered as kind, loving

PITTSBURGH — In the midst of mourning a tragedy, many are taking the time to remember and honor the lives lost in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.

Two of the 11 killed were brothers, Cecil and David Rosenthal -- an inseparable pair who were known by nearly everyone in the Squirrel Hill community.

The siblings, who had intellectual disabilities, were described by friends as kind and loving.

What we know about victims killed at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh

Both Cecil and David will be laid to rest Tuesday. Services will be held at Rodef Shalom Tempt on Fifth Avenue a noon with visitation at Temple for two hours prior to the service.

The Rosenthal family shared this photo:

The brothers were a part of Achieva, a disability-support organization. Another important part of their lives was the Tree of Life Synagogue, where they never missed a Saturday service, according to people who knew them.

PHOTOS: Victims of the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue

"If they were here, they would tell you that is where they were supposed to be," Chris Schopf, a vice president of the organization Achieva, said in a statement.

Following the tragedy, Achieva posted a video of memories the siblings shared, saying they had a love for life and for those around them.

The two left an impression on state Rep. Dan Frankel, who sometimes attends services at Tree of Life and whose chief of staff is the Rosenthals' sister.

"They were very sweet, gentle, caring men," Frankel said. "... I know that this community will really mourn their loss because they were such special people."

Along with the rest of grieving community, their friend Tara took to Facebook, writing, “I remember the day after September 11, 2001, Cecil sat at the front desk with me and said, ‘Don’t worry Tara, I’ll always protect you.’ It pains me to know they both needed protection yesterday.”

Michele Rosenthal, Cecil and David's sister, previously worked for the Pittsburgh Steelers. During their funeral the entire organization paid respects.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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