JOHN EDWARD ROTH

JOHN E. ROTH. John's return from the Korean War started on a troop transport to NY and ended with a plane banking before landing. "As it turned, I looked out the window and there it was, a site I didn't think I would see again, Cleveland. My home." In his military time, John had been fortunate to work as a clerk in a hospital in Orleans, France. Playing tennis at Jefferson Park since the age of 10, he played well enough to make the Army team and play with Generals.

Born February 14, 1931, he had already come a long way as growing up was different then: taking the wagon to get ice for the ice box, setting up pins at the bowling alley for $.10 a game, working as a soda jerk at the local drugstore, watching the original Phantom of the Opera at theatres which was scary stuff. Christmas time meant socks, knickers and maybe a puzzle. You'd trade with your friends after you mastered your puzzle. The house would be cold on winter mornings so his Mom (Grandma) would open the oven door. He would hustle to get dressed in front of it. Neighborhood friends were from all over Europe and taught each other their own local slang like "csokolja meg a seggem" which supposedly is Hungarian for "kiss my a…"

John Marshall High School class of 1949 and a member of every reunion committee since, President of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity his 1954 senior year at Baldwin Wallace College, 7 years with American Greetings, 30 years working for the East Ohio Gas Company, active at Rocky River Presbyterian Church, 17 years with Junior Achievement, fisherman, tennis until 85 years of age. Eventually, John gravitated to polkas, joke telling and salting his beer. Married Betsy June 30, 1962 and had three sons – Steve (Jennifer), Dave (Ann), and Adam (Rita). Grandfather of Lindsey, Eric, Michael, Maria, Anderson, Henry, and Hudson. Brother of the late William Roth.

We are so grateful for our time with him and the very good friends that have been a part of his 95-year journey. We encourage a vodka martini (on the rocks!) with blue cheese olives or a Manhattan. John (Dad) is probably enjoying one now as he's telling a story with Betsy (Mom).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo at 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland OH 44109, Rocky River Presbyterian Church at 21750 Detroit Rd., Rocky River OH 44116, or the Rocky River Seniors Council c/o Rocky River Senior Center at 21014 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River OH 44116.

Visitation will be Friday February 27th from 4PM – 6PM at the Berry-McGreevey Funeral Home at 26691 Detroit Rd., Westlake, OH 44145.

The burial and funeral services will be private ceremonies.

www.BerryMcGreevey.com

Berry-McGreevey-Martens Funeral Home and Cremation Service
26691 Detroit Road, Westlake, OH 44145
440-617-1911