Roger W. Roth

1937 – 2026

Roger W. Roth, age 88, of Cockeysville, MD, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026. A devoted family man, proud veteran, and active community member, Roger lived a life defined by service, dedication, and an enduring sense of adventure.

A Life of Service and Achievement

Born in 1937, Roger answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy, serving honorably from 1956 to 1960. His passion for naval history and camaraderie continued throughout his life, notably serving as the treasurer for the USS San Pablo veterans' group.

Following his military service, Roger pursued his education, graduating from Drexel University in 1970. It took him nine years while working for General Electric. He went on to build a distinguished career, retiring from Northrop Grumman in 1999 after years of dedicated service.

Faith, Music, and the Open Road

Roger was a man of faith, serving as a deacon for the Towson Presbyterian Church. He also possessed a lifelong love for music, sharing his talents as a percussionist for a local band.

Retirement didn't slow Roger down; instead, it opened the door for new adventures. An avid driver, he spent his post-retirement years driving cars for Dealer Exchange (DX) Heritage Honda Parkville. He took great pride in transporting vehicles to the Baltimore Car Show, a highlight of which included once chauffeuring the President of Morgan State University to the event.

Outdoor Adventures and Travel

Roger loved being on the move and exploring the outdoors with his family. In earlier years, he took the family on epic camping trips, navigating a tow-behind pop-up camper all the way from Brookhaven, PA to Key West, FL. He eventually upgraded to a 16-foot travel trailer, creating a lifetime of memories on the road.

When he relocated to Maryland in 1976, Roger bought a small boat to enjoy the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. He made several memorable trips to Baltimore's Inner Harbor, and famously took his longest voyage—an overnight trip through the C&D Canal to Riverside, NJ—to visit his sister. Later in life, he continued to travel the world, embarking on numerous cruises, including a transit through the Panama Canal and a special "Tiger Cruise" aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.

Family Legacy

Roger was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Anne (Steel) Roth, who passed away in 2023, and his son, Edward Roth, who passed away in 2020.

He is survived by a large and loving family who will miss his guidance, warmth, and stories:

•                    Children: Patricia (Pat) Bliss of Cockeysville, MD (and her late former husband, Gary Bliss); Roger Roth, Jr. and his wife, Melinda Roth, M.D., of Reisterstown, MD; and Carolyn Keefer and her husband, Jim Keefer, of Hanover, PA.

•                    Grandchildren: Zachary Roth and his wife, Jill (Bruckner) Roth, RN, Capt. USAF, of Arnold, MD; Anna (Roth) Murphy and her husband, Shane Murphy, of Leonardtown, MD; Alex Roth of Reisterstown, MD; Naomi Roth, DPT and her husband, Kyle Manetz, M.D., Capt. USA, of Rockville, MD; Emily Schreibman and her husband, Alan Schreibman, of Cockeysville, MD; and Robert Keefer of Hanover, PA.

•                    Great-Grandchildren: Oliver, Evelyn, and Lucille Murphy; Grayson Schreibman; and Elizabeth Roth.

Roger's legacy of love, duty, and adventure will live on in the hearts of his family and all who knew him.