Kerry Lee Roth

Kerry Lee Roth, age 76, of Dillsburg died at home on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 after a long illness. Kerry was born on Monday, January 19, 1948 in Mechanicsburg to the late John “Jack” Emmons Roth and Louise (Hull) Roth. In addition to his parents, Kerry was preceded in death by his uncle, Donald Hull and his aunt, Lois Haggerty. 

Kerry’s survivors include his wife of 53 years, Denise A. Kirkwood Roth; his two sons: Benjamin Lee Roth and his wife, Angela Lightfoot and Joshua Guy Roth and his partner Jeannine Christian; his two grandchildren: Evangeline and Julianne. Also surviving are numerous cousins, especially Carol Huffer and Constance Poe; many in-laws; and friends.

Graduating from Mechanicsburg High School in 1965 and Shippensburg in 1969, he retired from DDRE in New Cumberland as a systems analyst. He had been an Eagle Scout with Troop 190, Mechanicsburg and had traveled to Philmont Ranch while with the scouts. He actively participated in his sons’ scouting and sporting activities while they were growing up. After retiring, he enthusiastically took up golf. But above all he was a music aficionado who enjoyed a wide variety of musical styles from 60’s rock to bluegrass and Irish fiddle music. But most of all he loved music from Bob Dylan. On his first trip to Ireland to visit his wife’s family, he returned with a fiddle that he then learned to play. He was also a rescuer of many cats who showed up in his backyard. His family would like to thank Hospice of Central PA, especially his nurse Linda for all their help and care; caregivers Mercedes from Home Instead and Michelle and Britney from Messiah Lifeways. They would also like to thank his brother-in-law, Bill Harper, sister-in-law, Kathy Marcinek, and neighbor, Jean Sheaffer for their support and kindness these past 5 years.

All are welcome to join Kerry’s family at his celebration of life open house and gathering of family and friends on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance beginning at 2:30 p.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation). Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of the parking lots. Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Kerry’s life, may be made to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Road Harrisburg PA 17110, https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/hospice-of-central-pennsylvania/memorials, Nobody’s Cats, 3909 Hartzdale Drive, Camp Hill PA 17011, https://www.nobodyscats.org/donations.php, and Dickinson Bluegrass on the Grass, Tracy C. Davis, P.O. Box 1773 Carlisle PA 17013. 

Kerry’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Kerry’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.