"Rich was one of the "good guys" -- one of those men who, when he comes into your life you know it's for a reason, and, sadly, only for a season. Enjoyed our coffee group time together. Won't be the same without his entertaining stories and positive outlook on life. Blessed to have known him. Will miss him greatly. Warmest condolences to the Roath Family. See ya later Rich! "JJ" Clark and Linda"
In loving memory of
Richard "Rich" F Roath
September 2, 1950 - January 15, 2020
Rich was born on September 2, 1950 to Stephen and Virginia Roath. For the first fifteen years of his life, he and his siblings (Stephen, Kathleen, Mary and Patrick) traveled the world as children of an Army Chief Warrant Officer; he greatly enjoyed these experiences, most of all his time in Afghanistan. Upon their return to the United States, he graduated from Holliston High School (MA), then went on to study history and play football and baseball at Bridgewater State College. While at Bridgewater, he set many records for football, was elected to the Athletic Hall of Fame, and met his beautiful wife (of 50 years), Dale.
After college, Rich and Dale relocated to Orlando Florida, where he taught at Walker Junior High. It was during this time that his relationship with God began and he surrendered his life to Jesus. He studied at Luther Rice Seminary and received his Masters in Biblical Studies. He then transitioned to ministry, becoming a youth pastor at Fort Gatlin Alliance Church and eventually lead pastor at First Alliance Church in Ocala. After eight years in pastoral ministry, he transitioned back to coaching soccer and teaching at Belleview Middle School, where he continued to teach until he retired in 2012. Rich loved what he did and enjoyed running into past students everywhere he went. He also treasured his church family at Family of God Fellowship in Ocala, FL.
Rich had a truly blessed life; he has four children: Justin (Stacey), Melissa Lamb (Justin), Kelly Blocker (Russell), and Kristy Harford (Will), who love him dearly and were greatly influenced by the legacy he left. In addition, he has 10 grandchildren who loved to spend time with their Grandpa; he will be so very missed.
Tributes
"Dale and Roath FamilySo sorry for your loss."
"My heartfelt condolences to The family especially Dale and Kelly, both of whom I was blessed to work with. May the fond memories you hold dear brings comfort during this difficult time. You are all in my prayers. RIP Mr. Roath."
"My heard is saddened by thisThinking about all the kids that will never expierance the amazing teacher that you were.One time in 2017 I was working at subway in ocala and Mr. Roath came in for lunch, I was busy so I didn't notice, but he remembered me, of all the faces he had seen before and the many many after me, he remembered me. By name. He was so kind as to share a few memories with me that I had forgotten. We had a good conversation that day.You will be missed Me. Roath. R. I. P."
"You will be missed. You were my favorite middle school teacher, and I have plenty of memories from that class. RIP"
"I am so sorry for your loss"
"Richard and I taught together for 23 years at Belleview Middle School. He was always ready to talk about matters of faith. He gave his heart to Jesus in Orlando as a young man and soon after began preparing for ministry. He was relentless in trying to present his students with a quality class. One 1/2 day before Christmas he and I met another teacher in the hallway who was struggling with classroom discipline. We all brought chairs into the rapidly emptying hallway and Richard shared some of his best thoughts on classroom management. The struggling teacher just soaked it up. I counted it as a great privileges to know him as a friend and brother in the Lord."
"I worked with Rich for a couple of years at belleview middle school. He also taught both my kids and was My sons high school soccer coach until he retired. So very sorry to hear of his passing. Always enjoyed the conversations and his take on things. My sincere condolences..."
"You were one of my favorite teachers and made huge impact on my life growing up "
"Richard and I were classmates at Holliston High School in Massachusetts. I missed our class reunion and would have liked to have seen him one more time. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time."