Obituaries
Richard Lynn Rothan, 75
May 16, 2020
Richard Lynn Rothan died peacefully at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday May 16, 2020 at Hospice & Community Care, Mt. Joy, after a quick decline due to dementia. He was 75.
Born Nov. 14, 1944 at Fort Riley military base in Fort Riley KS, he was the son of the late Ralph Louis Rothan and Sally (Hudson) Meece.
Rick, as his friends called him, was a devoted Catholic, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was also a loyal friend and was universally loved and respected by all who knew him.
After his birth, his family moved to Lexington, KY, where he spent his formative years. Rick attended Assumption College in Worcester, MA where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968. He earned his Master of Arts degree at Eastern Kentucky University in 1971 and later received a certificate in Health Administration from Widener University. During his time at Assumption College, he also served as an Augustinian monk, but never took his final vows.
He met his wife, Mary Anna, at the employment service office in Danville, KY. They were married in 1970 and soon after moved to Owensboro, KY. He and Mary Anna were married for 50 years.
Rick moved his family to Strasburg in 1973, after taking a position with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Coatesville. He would go on to work at the VA Medical Center for more than 27 years, eventually retiring as the Head of the Domiciliary Care in 2000. During that time, he and Mary Anna raised five children. Rick often worked second jobs to provide for his family.
Besides serving as a Scout Leader, he also made a point to attend his children’s sports practices and after-school activities and often volunteered for school field trips. He frequently hosted bible studies at his home and was a member of the USA Council of Serra International.
Rick was a 3rd Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus Lancaster Council 867. He was also a member of the Promise Keepers and was a staunch pro-life advocate. He was extremely active in his church, St. Anthony of Padua, where he served as Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and taught CCD to Catholic children who attended secular schools or were home schooled. He was also a member of the Priests Parents Association.
He and his wife enjoyed traveling together, taking cruises, and spending time at Hollywood Casino. He also looked forward to annual trips to Virginia Beach with his family.
He was preceded in death by a half-sister, Lucy Brooks, and a half-brother, Meredith S. “Ickey” Malley. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Anna (Staples) Rothan; two sons, Joseph Rothan, married to Tammy, of Washington Boro, and the Rev. Michael Rothan of Lewisburg, PA; and three daughters, Elaine (Rothan) Romero of Landisville, Elizabeth (Rothan) Quinn, married to Justin, of Millersville, and Theresa (Rothan) Hockenberry, married to William, of Marietta PA. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and a great grandson, two half-sisters, a niece, a nephew, and numerous cousins.
Rick’s death was not related to the coronavirus or COVID-19.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated privately on Wednesday May 20th at 11am, followed by an interment at St. Joseph Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, funeral attendance will be limited, but the Mass will be recorded and uploaded to YouTube for all to see. A drive through viewing for Rick will be held Tuesday, May 19th from 6PM – 8PM at the South Chapel portico glass entrance at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike. Parking attendants will direct and assist guests.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Richard Rothan to St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 501 East Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.
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Condolences to the Family
May 22, 2020
To Mary Anna and the entire Rothan family:
I knew Rick as a fellow employee at the Coatesville VA Medical Center. He truly cared about providing veterans the best possible services and care. We worked together and on teams to enhance programs, facilities and care outcomes. His work ethic and commendable personal character traits were displayed daily. Over the years, we became good friends. I always enjoyed his stories about family road trips – especially the ones to Kentucky. To me, he was a solid role model for being a family man. Please know that others valued him greatly and are the better for having had him in their lives.
Steve Dizel
May 20, 2020
Mr. Rothan was a wonderful man. I met him when he substitute taught at St. Leo the Great School. He was great with the kids and he and I shared recess duty. He enjoyed children and teaching them life’s important values. He always spoke very highly of his wife and children. He will be missed. My prayers and sympathy are with your family.
Susie Kirchner
May 19, 2020
Dear Rothan Family,
Thinking of you during these sad times. May you find comfort and peace in all the wonderful memories.
Love,
Andrea and Chris Payne
May 19, 2020
Dear Mary Anna,
Bill and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your wonderful family. Rick was a caring neighbor and lived out his deep Christian beliefs. May you take comfort in your wonderful memories and confidence that he is now in the presence of God. With love, Bill & Barb Skelly
May 19, 2020
Dear Father Michael & family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bruno & Sylvia Schmalhofer & family
May 19, 2020
Rothan Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a kind man. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Beth (Burkhart) Stief
May 19, 2020
Our sincerest condolences go out to Rick’s family. May the family bond, your spiritual belief, and the many good memories of the past help you through this difficult time of loss. I consider myself lucky to have known Rick, he was a kind soul and a great friend to have at your side. Rick is at peace now, but he will be missed for a lifetime by family and friends. God Bless and thank you Rick for your friendship, Kirk, Kristin, Erik, & Haydn Fernitz
May 18, 2020
To Mary Anna and the entire Rothan family, please accept my sincere condolences on Rick’s passing. He was a wonderful and caring person who also had a special place in his heart for our nation’s veterans. I worked with Rick for many years at the Coateville VA Medical Center, where Rick was the long-time Director of the Domiciliary for Homeless Veterans program and residential unit. Rick was a tireless advocate for the veterans he served and was universally loved and appreciated by veterans, fellow staff members, and the families of veterans. His dedication and compassion was a hallmark of his long and faithful service. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ May God bless the Rothan family and please take solace in the fact that Rick was a friend to many.
Gary Devansky, Director, Coatesville VAMC (retired)
May 18, 2020
May Anna. Rick was a wonderful man especially to Frank when he worked at the Cleveland VA. Frank and myself will miss him when we get back to church. We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You take care of yourself. We will always have you and Rick in our prayers.
Francis Melan
May 18, 2020
My condolences to the Ricks Family and love ones .. Rick was a sweet and nice person and would give advice and enjoy having company over and having conversations
Krystal K Romero
May 17, 2020
So sorry to hear about your dad! Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
The Walsh family
May 17, 2020
Elaine and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you at this very difficult time. I did not know your dad, but I know the love you have for him. I also know you have the same love of family as your dad had. As you miss him now and throughout the years ahead, remember and honor all that he gave you and all the memories he left with you. Treasure those and your heart will be filled with love every day. I pray for you, Elaine, and your family. Bless you all.
Linda Watson
May 17, 2020
Rick Rothan was one of the most caring snd loving man I have ever met. I worked with Rick for many years at the VA and he was one of the best people I ever worked with . My heart goes out to Maryanna and the family and I ask God to be with them and help them through this most difficult time KarenfmorelliPerry
May 17, 2020
Ricky was a beloved Rothan cousin. I, personally, will miss his wit and humorous family stories. He was so special to us all and a joy to be around. May knowing he is in a better place bring comfort to us all.
Patty Holland
May 17, 2020
My family’s sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Mr. Rothan was a wonderful man. His memory will be cherished. Sending much love to your family!
Rich and Anne (Burkhart) Hull & Family
May 17, 2020
Mary Anna and children, Jim and I are so saddened to learn of Ricky’s passing. You and your family are in our prayers. Carol Ann
May 17, 2020
Our condolences to the Rothan family. Love and hugs to all of you. It is so difficult to lose a loved one. Hang onto your memories. I know your family will be together for support. God Bless in the rough time and through healing.
Betsy and Dave Webb
- Visitation
- Tuesday, May 19, 2020
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
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