Eugene Roth, 79, a retired banker, was long active in his community and his church.
“He had a devoted love for his family and his community,” said his daughter, Robin Roth-Traverso. “Those were the two most important things in his life.”
Mr. Roth died of lung cancer Tuesday, Oct. 25, in his Arlington Heights home.
He was a man who made a commitment to the community and the work that he did. He lived at the same address in Arlington Heights for 39 years, spent 50 years in the Navy and the Naval Reserves and was a Lions Club member for 35 years.
“When he started something, he stuck with it,” Roth-Traverso said.
He also was a 31-year member of the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, serving as an elder, trustee, head usher and treasurer of the men’s club. Until he became ill last year, he awoke every Monday at 5 a.m. to attend Bible study.
Mr. Roth was a past president of the Arlington Heights Lions Club and received a Melvin Jones Award, given to club members who show “dedication to humanitarian services.”
His family said that his infectious smile and optimism were among his best attributes.
“No one was ever a stranger to him,” said Roth-Traverso. “He could talk to anyone. He was a very genuine, fun loving and kindhearted person. He was always upbeat, very positive. He could make pretty much anyone who was feeling down turn around and feel better.”
Mr. Roth was born April 24, 1926, in Donnelly, Minn. He attended Berea College in Berea, Ky., and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
After college, he served in the Navy and reached the rank of commander in the Navy Ships Supply Officer Division. He served in World War II and the Korean War and was a Naval Reserve officer for 30 years.
Mr. Roth met his wife, Dorothy, in 1952 at a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. The two dated for 11 years while he was stationed in Chicago and Dallas with the Navy. They were married in Chicago on June 22, 1963.
“They were still very much in love after 42 years of marriage,” Roth-Traverso said. “And they were together for 53 years. You don’t see that much anymore. They have been great role models.”
Mr. Roth worked in the finance industry and retired from the First National Bank of Des Plaines in 1985 as a vice president. After his retirement, he volunteered his help to the elderly on their banking and finances, his daughter said.
Other survivors include his wife; a son, David; a brother, James; a sister, Mary Tremblay; and three grandchildren.
Services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday in the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights.
