Jason Roeback

Jason North Roeback passed away, surrounded by family, at age 62 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jason was born in Erie, PA on September 7, 1962, to parents Marilyn (North) Roeback and the late Lee Ronald Roeback. He was the sixth of ten children, growing up in a lively, close-knit family where the laughter, love, and constant activity of a big household shaped his early years.

After graduating from Cathedral Prep in 1981, Jason took a summer job as a maintenance man at Holiday Inn South, where fate introduced him to Jennifer (Shupala) Roeback, a lifeguard at the hotel. In Jason's words, "the pool needed a lot of maintenance that summer." Every day, he brought her coffee, and though she secretly didn't like coffee at the time, she drank it just to have the chance to talk to him. They married and spent 42 wonderful years together. "Jenny and Jason" is a name we all say and recognize because it was seldom one without the other.

Jason proudly served as a Naval Officer during Operation Desert Storm. A natural leader, he transitioned into a successful career in healthcare administration, becoming a CEO in his 20s. Most recently, he held senior leadership roles at UPMC Hamot, AHN Saint Vincent, and AHN West Penn.

Jason was born to be a father, and his five children-Jason Joshua, Hillary, Cameron, Lee Spencer (Samantha), and Jacqueline-were his greatest pride. Known for his playful personality and sense of humor, Jason brought endless joy to his children's lives, especially when he showed off his skills playing GI Joes with them. He always supported their individual interests, whether it was boxing alongside his oldest son or helping his youngest daughter practice for a musical tryout by showing her how to dance "with attitude." He always showed up and inspired them to chase their dreams with enthusiasm and confidence.

Jason is also survived by his loving siblings: Kimberly Danylko (John), Adrienne Marzka-Zilhaver (the late Alton and the late Robert), Cynthia Kuhn (Donald), Hunter Roeback (Dorothy), Jennifer Smith (Edwin), Kirsten Hampy (the late Gary), Dana Roeback (Barbara), Desmond Roeback (Laura), and Natalie Miller (William). He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Andrew Shupala (Christine), and his mother-in-law, Jeanne Shupala.

Though his time with us feels too short, his life was lived fully. He treasured time spent with family, his career, and the simple joys of life. Jason's legacy is one of strength, love, and commitment.

A funeral service for Jason will be held at Saint Patrick Church in Erie, PA, on Friday, September 27, 2024. There will be a calling hour from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to join in honoring and celebrating his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable donations be made to Saint Patrick Church in Erie, PA.