Obituary of Joseph Seymour Roth

Joseph (Joe) Seymour Roth, age 75, from Morris Plains, NJ, formerly of Annapolis, MD, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Lori Roth (NEE Litt); their two children, Alison Roth, and Jonathan Roth and wife Cheryl; and five grandchildren, Evan, Noah, Zachary, Julia, and Madeleine. Joe will also be remembered by his brother, Steven Roth and wife Barbara; and his sister, Barbara Roth, as well as his brother-in-law, Rick Litt and wife Debbie; and his niece and five nephews. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Regina Roth (NEE Weiss).

Joe’s witty sense of humor, humility, kindness, and dedication to mentoring and inspiring others were unparalleled, leaving an enduring imprint on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was such a force, full of joy. He will be remembered for his love of family, golf, wine, travel, music, and dance.

Joe's professional journey was marked by exceptional dedication and remarkable achievements. He was a revered leader and visionary in the field of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. From 1998 to 2022, he served as President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network, transforming it into one of the nation’s foremost Organ Procurement Organizations. He was a driving force behind vital legislation, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of organ and tissue donation, saving and enhancing countless lives. NJ Sharing Network was recognized as Joe’s home away from home. He will forever be cherished by his NJ Sharing Network family, and his spirit will resonate in the hearts he touched and the lives he forever changed.

Prior to joining NJ Sharing Network, Joe served as Director, Government Affairs at Schering-Plough Corporation (now Merck) and Executive Director of the Schering-Plough Foundation. He was appointed to New Jersey’s Health Care Administration Board (HCAB) by Governor Chris Christie. Before joining Schering-Plough in 1991, Roth held various positions in Sales, Marketing and Government Relations for Ciba-Geigy (now Novartis).

Joe graduated from the University of Maryland at College Park with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology/zoology and received a Masters equivalent from George Washington University.

Services will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at 1 p.m., at Temple B'nai Or, 60 Overlook Road, Morristown, NJ.

Contributions in Joe’s memory can be made to the Sharing Network Foundation’s Joseph S. Roth Fund at SharingNetworkFoundation.org, or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at PanCan.org.