Daniel Roselle Obituary

Daniel Roselle (historian, author, educator) died on Thursday, December 11, 2014 in Gig Harbor, WA. He was born on August 11, 1920 to Saul and Malvina Roselle in Brooklyn, NY. He received his Bachelor of Social Science degree from the College of the City of New York and his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in history from Columbia University. During World War II, he was a member of the 30th Infantry Division for three years and fought in five major campaigns in Europe, ranging from the Normandy invasion to the crossing of the Rhine. After the war, he was appointed a United States Fulbright Research Professor to France.

For eighteen years he was a Professor of History at the State University of New York in Fredonia, where he and his wife lead the first Junior Semester in Antwerp, Belgium for students. Then for fourteen years in Washington D.C. Daniel served as Editor-in-Chief of Social Education (journal of the National Council for the Social Studies) and Director of Publications. He was the winner of the EdPress Association Laurence Johnson Award for the best editorial writing in a professional journal, and also won the Eleanor Fishburn Award for his journal's outstanding contributions to international understanding.

He was the author or coauthor of seven books and the editor of fifteen books. Daniel also wrote over 100 articles, short stories, poems, literary sketches, and book reviews that have appeared in national publications and anthologies. His World History textbooks have been used by over a million students in the United States and Canada and have been translated into Spanish for schools in Latin America; and he served as United States representative to evaluate French and English books for UNESCO's International Project. He travelled widely in Europe and was a guest lecturer throughout the United States and in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand on the teaching of history.

Daniel is survived by Lois Mitchell, his wife for 60 years, son David, daughter Lynn (Bruce Olson), daughter Ann Roselle (Rod Marten), granddaughter Nadia Kourehdar, and nephew Mitchell Ferges (Betsy). Donations may be made to Fredonia College Foundation for the Class of 1956/1957 Dr. Daniel Roselle Scholarship. Address to: Fredonia College Foundation, 272 Central Avenue, Fredonia, NY 14063.

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Published by New York Times from Dec. 19 to Dec. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Roselle

Sponsored by anonymous.

14 Entries

Kay King Johnston

September 6, 2015

Dr. Dan was my favorite teacher, way back in 1956. As someone said, he made you think! He would pose very difficult moral questions, sometimes with no right answer. I just recently learned of his death through the Fredonia newsletter and Have thought of him so much and what he gave to us. Condolences to Lois - I remember her as a kindergarten teacher, I believe in the campus school.

John Boynton

March 5, 2015

"Dangerous" Dan taught us how to THINK!! He introduced his classes at Fredonia State to critical thinking for the first time in our lives. His poem for peace was featured on the second Fredonia Folio Live TV, program from Buffalo, You are unforgettable!

Leslie Shore

January 24, 2015

In memory of Dr. Dan Roselle.
May your light shine through ~ in the lives of those you have loved, helped and inspired.

Leslie Shore

January 23, 2015

These touching remembrances in honor of Dan Roselle are a gift. They help us understand the vast contributions and richly hued life of an elegantly brilliant gentleman. I live in Olympia and have known Lois and Dan for a number of years, serving with Lois in Sisterhood. He shared with me a few seeds of wisdom at the start of my graduate school journey. Seeds that grew into inspiration that helped me survive the long hours of writing my doctoral dissertation.
I am so very sorry that I never had the honor of being one of his students. One remembers that great line from Hamlet when he remembers his admirable father: "I shall not look upon his like again." May Dan's memory be for a blessing, always. With love, Leslie Shore PhD.

January 15, 2015

Dan was a precious friend of ours for over 40 years, first as our professor at Fredonia and then as a lifelong friend. We saw him annually on our trips to Washington, DC, but we deeply regret not having been able tio visdit him in Washington state. Dan taught us more history that can be imagined, and he taught us how to write and use very proper English. We have loved him and will continue to love his spirit. Academia has lost a giant and an angel.
Carolyn and Harv Soff

George Todaro

January 15, 2015

Dr. Roselle, you changed my life. I was a war orphan. When I went to Fredonia, I had no home, no family, and the G.I. Bill was my only support.
A job in the dishroom saved my college career. Growing up in an orphanage does not present a young male with the key to conduct his life and forge a career. Your wonderful presence was an example to me that I will always claim as the primary reason that I became a successful teacher and a decent human being. Thanks again!

Ross Dunn

January 14, 2015

In 1958 I attended a college preview workshop at Fredonia State. Dr. Roselle amazed me with his lecture to our group of high school juniors, in my case, at Little Valley Central School in Cattaraugus County. The following year I suggested to my class and our principal that we invite Dr. Roselle to speak at our graduation. (I was the valedictorian.) He gave a wonderful talk. I do not believe that I saw him again, though because I became a historian myself, I chide myself for that failure. And only after he left the editorship of Social Education did I become a member of the National Council for the Social Studies and a persistent advocate for world history in the schools.

January 13, 2015

Daniel Roselle, or "DR" as we referred to him, was my boss at the magazine Social Education in Washington, DC, in the 70s. He was my mentor not only for writing and editing but also for leading a virtuous and faithful life. I am grateful for knowing this joyful and bright man who modeled pristine integrity and heart-felt kindness.

My prayers are joined with family and friends.

Mary Anne Joda Dunlap, Littleton, Colorado

January 13, 2015

For the thousands of students who had the privilege of having had Dr. Roselle as a teacher at Fredonia State College: A giant has passed before us. Dr. Dan was the finest teacher I have ever had in my life. I have been privileged to have had a true Renaissance Man as that teacher. I remember, too, his moral courage in leading Fredonia students in a silent march through the main street of Fredonia,N.Y. on a cold, rainy night in support of Civil Rights for African-Americans in 1959-60. To Dr. Dan's wife Lois and family: Bless You All in your time of bereavement.

Andrea Warnick Masterman

December 25, 2014

Please accept my sincere condolences. I have many fond memories of Dr. Roselle and the whole family. I have often wondered about my dear friend David. What a wonderful legacy Dan has left. Please know that my parents and brothers send their love and prayers as well.

Karen Faber Haberman

December 24, 2014

Please accept my condolences. I remember your family fondly from when you lived in Fredonia and attended services at Temple Beth El in Dunkirk. I also remember babysitting for one of you. You all are in my thoughts.

Lynn Heinemann

December 24, 2014

He was the biggest man in Dunkirk's Temple Beth El -- and I do mean that literally. My deepest condolences to the entire family, who as I fondly remember, sat across the aisle in shul from the Heinemanns.

Eva Heinemann

December 24, 2014

I was so sad to learn of Dr. Roselle's passing. My first image was of his smiling tallness. I was a kid when he went to Temple Beth El but I remember all of you so well and was sorry when you left town. Every now and then I would ask Suzy Light for news of all of you. I never forgot you and I know what a close family you were so this must be very difficult for you. My heart and prayers go out to you.

December 22, 2014

My heart felt sympathies to Family and Friends.May the God of all Comfort, Comfort you. 2Corth.1:3,4. P.F.

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