Wilkes University mourns the passing of trustee emeritus Eugene Roth ’57. Mr. Roth shared sound counsel and friendship with six of Wilkes University’s presidents for more than five decades.
Roth’s legacy of leadership began in his undergraduate years, during which time he served as vice president of his class. He went on to become president of the alumni association and then joined the board of trustees in 1979.
His skillful and considerate leadership helped Wilkes establish the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy in 1990, and positioned him to become chair of the board in 1993. He served in this role until 1998 and was granted trustee emeritus status in 2008. The University once again benefited from Roth’s insights, candor and enthusiasm when he rejoined the board in 2016.
Roth’s more than 40 years of service as a trustee was recognized in 2019 when he returned to his emeritus status and received the President’s Medal, the University’s highest honor given annually at the Founders Gala. This was a particular point of pride for him as a first-generation college student.
A graduate of the Dickinson School of Law, Roth was the longest-serving attorney at Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald, LLP, rising through the ranks from law clerk to partner during his 60-year tenure. A prominent figure in northeast Pennsylvania, he received numerous accolades for his professional, civic and community efforts with awards from the United Hebrew Institute, the Boy Scouts of America and the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
A native of Wilkes-Barre, Roth and his wife, Connie, are parents to Joan Kleinman, Stephen Roth and Jeffrey Roth, and have 13 grandchildren.
In memory of their son, they established the Lawrence W. Roth Memorial Scholarship, granted annually to a deserving Wilkes student with an interest in the law, politics or community service.
His philanthropic support is apparent across campus, especially in the Lawrence W. Roth Hall, a standout residence for first-year students, and the Max Roth Center, home to the Center for Global Education and Diversity.
The Wilkes community will miss seeing Gene in our downtown Wilkes-Barre neighborhood, at University events and in the stands at Colonels athletic contests. His full obituary can be viewed here. Please join in extending your condolences to the entire Roth family.