Obituary of Robert Curtis Roth

Robert C. Roth, 91, died in Danbury on Friday, September 28, 2018. 

Born on November 17, 1926 in Ridgefield, Connecticut to Clayton and Ethel Grabert Roth, Bob grew up mostly in Danbury, attended Danbury schools and went to work in January 1943 for the Danbury News-Times.  As a young man growing up during World War II, he was eager to volunteer for the war effort, and in December 1944 signed up with the Seabees.  He was stationed on Saipan Island, the South Pacific until July 1946.   He returned to Danbury and the News-Times, and for the next 49 and half years worked in the Composing Room, first setting type and later joining the management team as Composing Room Foreman.  He retired in 1992.

He leaves behind his daughters Alison Roth of Perkinsville, VT, Valerie Roth of Danbury, June Billings and her husband Paul of Danbury; and son Kevin Roth and his wife Irene of Danbury, and daughter-in-law Dara Saczawa of Oxford, CT; also his grandchildren Elizabeth Billings of Danbury, Daniel Roth of San Diego and Dylan Roth of Oxford, CT;  also several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and stepfather, Walter B. Sears, Bob was predeceased by his long time companion Patricia Crooks of Danbury.   Also predeceasing him were his younger sisters Sandra and Ethel-Anne, and older brother Don;  also his wife and mother to his children, Lucille Grapkoski Roth and his youngest son Marshall P. Roth.

In his younger days, Bob was an avid golfer, bowler and reader of history.  He enjoyed the music of Johann Strauss, Andre Rieu and watched The Three Tenors concerts on Public TV every chance he got.  He attended flea markets, antique shows and car shows.  He was meticulous about trying to find the perfect gifts for his children and grandchildren, always generous in remembering birthdays and holidays. During his retirement, breakfasts with his good friend Joe Hill were legendary.  Above all, he was a man who relished his privacy.   We will miss him very much. 

At his request there are no calling hours and funeral arrangements are private.  If you would like to remember him, donations in his memory can be made to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076