Eric Roman

Professor Eric Roman died on May 9, 2007, at the age of 85, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by Eva, his wife of 54 years; son, Ronald; daughter, Lynda; son-in-law, Charles; and grandchildren, Catherine and Christina.
Eric was born and raised in Bekescsaba, Hungary. Having survived the Holocaust, he returned to Hungary in 1945, only to discover that his twin sister and parents had all lost their lives. He escaped Communist Hungary in 1948 and made his way to the United States via Paris, Rio de Janeiro, and Montreal, arriving in New York City in 1950. He supported himself as a tailor and completed his education at night, earning his B.A. degree in English from Hunter College in 1958 and his Ph. D. in International Relations from New York University in 1965.
Eric moved with his family to Danbury in 1965, where he accepted a position as an assistant professor at Western Connecticut State University. He was a highly respected and beloved teacher at this institution for 42 years, until his retirement in May 2007. He was also a prolific author and published three novels, "The Best Shall Die" in 1961, "After the Trial" in 1968, and "A Year as a Lion" in 1978. His book, "After the Trial" was made into an ABC Movie of the Week entitled "Death Sentence." He also published several historical books: "Hungary and the Victor Powers" in 1996, "The Stalin Years in Hungary" in 1999, and an encyclopedia, "Austria-Hungary and The Successor States", in 2002. Last, he published several historical articles, as well as an article on Hope in the Journal of Philosophy.
Eric received the Americanism Award from The Daughters of the American Revolution in 1972. He was an active member of the Danbury Rotary Club (and served as its Newsletter editor and president) and the United Jewish Center. Eric was an avid traveler and made creative films of his travels. He was also a sought-after public speaker. His original mind, fabulous sense of humor, and love of life will be missed by many whose lives he has touched.
The Memorial Service for Eric Roman will be held in the President's Room at the Westside Campus of Western Connecticut State University, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury, on Sunday, July 1, 2007 at noon. For directions, please call Helen Masterson at (203) 837-8800. Donations in his memory may be sent to Western Connecticut State University Foundation, 181 White St., Danbury, Connecticut 06810, Attention: Professor Corio Anim Wright.