BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – A brilliant, kind, and gentle soul has gone on to his eternal life.
Born in Dusseldorf, Germany, on June 18, 1935, Hans Josef Roth passed away two days before his 91st birthday, on June 16, 2026.
Hans had a tumultuous childhood living in pre- and post-war Germany. His father passed away due to a train accident when he was only 3 weeks old, leaving his mother, Maria, to raise him and his two older sisters. He suffered from polio prior to the development of the vaccine. During the upheaval of war, Hans was separated from his mother twice, during which time he had no knowledge of her whereabouts. The first time, she was missing for three weeks. But for the kindness of a high-ranking Soviet officer, whom Maria had covertly fed during his captivity, she would have been sent to Siberia. They were reunited and began an arduous 230-mile trek to the U.S. occupation zone. This became a life-defining moment for Hans, and he often recalled the days of walking, climbing trees by day to hide from capture, and the dangerous river crossings. Maria was again separated from Hans for nearly two years, when she went back to search for Hans’ sister Helga. She and Helga were captured by Soviets and sent to a prison camp.
In 1953, he emigrated to the United States at 18 years old and was soon after drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in Korea. Despite not yet being a citizen, Hans served proudly during the closing months of the Korean War and received his honorable discharge.
Having trained as an apprentice machinist in Germany, he took a job as a tradesman. He worked diligently, receiving his GED, a Bachelor of Science and master’s from Long Island University, and a master’s in business from the University of Pittsburgh. He ultimately rose to be the vice president the Metco Division of Perkin-Elmer, a Fortune 500 company.
Hans married Marianne Suppa in 1957, and they had a daughter, Jody Cheryl. He later married the love of his life, Rosemarri. He became the father of her two children, Heidi and Stacey. Together, Hans and Rosemarri travelled the world for business and pleasure, visiting 62 countries and 47 U.S. states, exploring Ankor Wat in Cambodia, swimming under the waterfalls at Iguazu Falls in Brazil, and even dancing with Imelda Marcos, wife of the then-president of the Philippines. He had a rich and full life.
In 1984, he and Rosemarri chose to relocate to Vermont, as Hans was an accomplished skier. He spent many hours on the slopes with his daughter Stacey, enjoying the pastoral setting and the opportunity to commune with nature.
Hans is survived by his beloved Rosemarri; his daughters Stacey, Heidi, and Jody; his adopted son, Tony; as well as his nine grandchildren, Michael, Kyle, James, Paula, Jonathon, Katheryn, Amelia, Alex, and Andrew. He was grandfather-in-law to Amanda Piccione, who blessed him with his first great-grandchild, Atlas Wolfgang. He was also a surrogate father to Heidi and Danny Martinez, Robert and Mable Pappalardo, and Lisa Ngo. He is also survived by his niece, Alice Routheut; and his nephews, Perry Oswald, Roy Seaman, and Perry Seaman. He will be deeply missed by lifelong friends Edelgard Schmittz and Helen Burkhart.
He was predeceased by his parents, Mattias August and Maria Roth; his sisters, Mathilda Seaman and Helga Oswald; as well as his dear friend Rosario Sal Ventimiglia, who passed away in December.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Jeanne Audet, for her months of devoted care to Hans. She became a part of the family. Sara Lawrence gave care and support, and shared wonderful memories of Hans’ close friendship with Ralph Lawrence. Bayada Hospice provided constant medical services and support all these many months. Sincere thanks to Kyle Wegner, Melissa Trainor, Emily Lynds, Dan Jones, and many others.
There will be a celebration of life at the Rockingham Meeting House, 11 Meeting House Road in Rockingham Vt., on Aug. 8, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to either Rockingham Meeting House, ATTN: Walter Wallace, P.O. Box 370, Bellows Falls, VT 05101; or Bayada Foundation, 1222 Putney Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
“They can exist side by side, grief and love, and they do every day.”
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, Vt.