Melbourne L. Roth

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Melbourne L. Roth, Jr., affectionately known as "Buddy".

Buddy passed from a long and brave fight with pancreatic cancer. He said he was “in it to win it". He fought the good fight; he has finished the race.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Edna M. (James) Roth and Melbourne L. Roth, Sr., his eldest sister Gale Jeanne Roth, and his grandniece Parker Barrett.

Buddy served in the U.S. Army as a Medical Technician in Landstuhl, Germany. After his separation from the Army, Buddy became a machinist which led him to be a collector of machinery and tools. Buddy was an avid reader of medicinal chemistry, genomics, and a believer in the power of activism. He always enjoyed fishing and music. He was a gentle soul who generously gave his time to help others in need.

Buddy was instrumental in opening several Oxford Houses: Oxford House Gordon, Oxford House Mediator, Oxford House West Walnut, Oxford House Chew Street, and Oxford House West Park. He opened houses in Reading, Pennsylvania and started a chapter in Reading as well. He spent countless hours gathering furniture, donations and furnishing these homes. It is immeasurable all the good and difference that he has made in men’s lives who are recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. Buddy was an advocate for mental health awareness and a pivotal influence in having a law changed, one that protects the rights of mental health patients.

Buddy will be dearly and deeply missed by his surviving siblings, Cheryl (Fred), Karen (Louis), and Dawn (Matt), his nieces and nephews, Ricky (Stephanie), Tyler (Karissa), Shane (Carmen), Brett (Kristen), Danielle (Christopher), Free (Aya), Michael (Miriam), Ariel (François), his Godson Jeff (Elizabeth), Josh (Maria), Olivia (Will) and Ava. His great nieces and nephews, Isabelle, JJ, Sammy, Ella, Milo and Nao.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his graveside service Monday, March 24, 2025 at 9:30 AM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940.

Donations can be made in his memory to Corporal Michael Crescenz, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 3900 Woodlane Ave., Phila, PA 19104 or The Lehigh Valley Oxford House Chapter.