William John Roth Jr.

William John Roth Jr. (Mr. Bill), 75, of Sunapee, New Hampshire, passed away on March 22nd, 2022 due to complications from a head injury.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of seventeen years Martha Roth (Rowell); son William Roth III (Sunapee, NH), and his wife Michelle (Wright), children Johanna and John; son Charles Roth (Breckenridge, CO) and his wife Chelsea (Lynch), children Louis and Marlies; along with Martha’s children Georgie Hill (Lempster, NH), and her children Romany and Koa; Sarah Hill (Arlington, MA) and her partner Patrick Mottaz; Andrew Hill (Sausalito, CA) and his partner Justine Doughty and their newborn son Basil; Shelly Orndorff (Waldport, OR) and her husband Col Louis Orndorff and their son Ross.

Bill was born in Smithtown, NY to William J Roth Sr. and Johanna M Roth (Christensen) and graduated from Smithtown High School.  During his younger years, Bill worked at his parents' plant nursery and service station where he found his passion for cars, later racing figure eights at Islip Speedway. He worked for Grumman and Pratt and Whitney while living on Long Island.

In 1972, Bill and his first wife Noreen Kovanda moved to Sunapee, NH where they raised their two sons. He worked for Ruger Firearms and later for the Sunapee School District.  He touched many lives while working at the school; lightening the mood with many of his one-liners, always being an (sympathetic) ear (to listen), and a second father figure to many.  He attended countless ball games and ski races while driving the bus to competitions. Bill used to joke that school only got canceled if the dog fell down, unfortunately the dog was surefooted.

In 2002, Bill started working for the Sunapee Highway Department, retiring in 2013. In 2006, Bill, Martha, and Georgie started Stillwater Garden Shop. He later served on the Town of Sunapee Safety Committee and was an active member of Sunapee Seniors.  

Bill had an incredibly strong work ethic, which he instilled in all of his children.  He seemed to know how everything worked, be it mechanical or in life.  He loved listening to country music while tinkering in his garage, attending his grandkids’ sporting events with Martha and his beloved dog Calvin, and traveling to Nascar races in their motorhome.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, or you can toast Bill with your favorite beverage. 

Donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Sunapee Police Benevolent Association.

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