Robert Stephen Rooth

ROBERT STEPHEN ROOTH

February 6, 1949-December 15, 2025

Robert Stephen Rooth, beloved husband, father, uncle, cousin, colleague and friend, passed away on December 15th, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He fought a valiant battle with cancer, and he died peacefully, with his family by his side. He was 76 years old.

Robert, also known as Bob or Bobby, had a vast generosity of spirit, and he was profoundly kind. He moved through the world with a remarkable gentleness and a sparkling wit, both of which made him a friend to everyone he met.

Robert was born February 6th, 1949 in Dallas, Texas to Stephen Rooth and Ethelyn Kennedy. He graduated from Middlesex School in 1967, then received his B.A. from Princeton University in 1971. In 1972, Robert married his wife, Ann Carroll Rooth, in Italy. The couple then moved to New Orleans, where Robert earned his J.D. from Tulane University School of Law in 1977. Upon his graduation, they made New Orleans their permanent home, and Robert began his long career as a highly distinguished attorney at Chaffe McCall, L.L.P. He and Carroll raised two daughters, Carroll Livingston Rooth and Stephanie Schuyler Rooth.

Professionally, Robert was an esteemed senior partner at Chaffe McCall, L.L.P., where he devoted more than 45 years to the practice of law. His acclaimed legal career was marked by significant achievements and awards. He was a wise and steady presence whose generosity knew no bounds. Robert particularly cherished participating in the firm's Summer Associate Program, where he was known for his meaningful, thoughtful mentorship of students entering the legal profession.

Beyond his outstanding professional accomplishments, Robert was actively involved in many community and civic organizations; he was a charter member of the Louisiana Bar Foundation, a past president of the American Heart Association's New Orleans Chapter, and Secretary for Southern Repertory Theatre.

Robert was a great adventurer and thinker. He was an avid reader, writer, cook, cartoonist, and outdoorsman. He loved to travel and explore. Before calling New Orleans his home, he lived in many places, including New York City and Rome. He loved music, and was always keen to go to Frenchmen Street and Jazz Fest. Like all New Orleanians, Robert loved good food, and he was an excellent cook. He took great joy in sharing his favorite New Orleans haunts with visiting friends and family.

He was also a skilled fisherman and sailor, and had a lifelong fascination with the sea. In 1971, he and a group of friends built a home on Bequia, a small jewel of an island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The house is part of Moonhole, a private nature preserve and community, which is situated on the southernmost tip of Bequia.

Robert is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ann Carroll Rooth; his daughter Carroll Livingston Rooth and her husband David Wells; and his daughter Stephanie Schuyler Rooth. He is also survived by his sister Susan Milliorn (Rooth) and her husband Mark; nieces Lanie Nicholas, Kate Boyle (Rooth) and Nicole Leachman; nephews Daniel Albert, Hunter Leachman, and Josh Leachman; sister-in-law Peggy Rooth; cousin Karen Paris and her husband Byron; cousin Ned Atkins and his wife Sissy; cousin Bob Atkins and his wife Ellen; cousin Kitty (Atkins) Barrand and her husband Steve; and cousin Bill Atkins and his wife Kathleen. He is also survived by his cousins' children: Ned, Sarah, Willy, Bobby, Jamie, Elizabeth, Christopher, Jeremy, Katie, Tali, Owen, Jeffrey, and C.B., along with all of their spouses and children; many members of the Moonhole Company community; and his many friends and colleagues.

Robert was predeceased by his mother Ethelyn Kennedy; his father Stephen Rooth; his brother Scott Rooth; his stepmother Anne Reed Rooth; his stepbrothers Tom and David Leachman; his uncle Edwin Atkins; his aunt Elaine Atkins; his niece Merritt Milliorn; his uncle Frank Kennedy; and his cousin Carol Kennedy.

A Celebration of Life will be held in New Orleans in early 2026.