Roy G Rohel
ROY G. ROHEL, age 90, passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2015, following a recent decline in health and history of heart disease.
Roy was the only child of Frank George Rohel and Helen (Polka) Rohel. Born in West New York, the family moved in his early years to PA and then to Sussex, where he eventually assumed management of his father’s welding and propane business which was known as Tri-States Welding Supply. He was highly respected for his expertise in welding techniques. He was a 1943 graduate of Sussex High School.
Roy was a proud WWII US Navy vet and member of the WWII Submarine Veterans. He was awarded the American Theater Medal and Victory Medals for his service. Roy enlisted with two of his buddies and then followed assignment to Bainbridge MD for basic training. Following basic training, he was stationed in New London, CT where he earned the Rank and Rating of Electrician’s Mate Third Class. At the station in New London, he was responsible for wiring from scratch ST,SV, and SJ radar systems, which he installed on the various submarines to update the technology. He would assemble the units then board the subs for various lengths of time to install and go out for the test runs with the crews. He spoke of time spent on USS Torsk, USS Seawolf, USS Amberjack, USS Swordfish, and USS Harder. Family members recall stories of how he spoke of how his shipmates would tie pillows around him to use him as a swab to clean the torpedo tubes since he was of such lean stature. He also talked of enjoying naps on the torpedo racks where it was warmer than the rest of the sub.
On July 11, 1948, he was united in marriage to Mildred Haggerty Howell and her three children who became his own, Ronald, Wayne and Elaine. Roy R and Margie were born into this union.
Roy was well known and respected in the community as an honest businessman, humanitarian, and entrepreneur. He was the owner of Tri- States Welding which grew, through his efforts, and, with the help of his sons and wife, to become Tri-States True Value, of which he was President and CEO. He served the community with his time as well as monetary contributions through his membership in numerous organizations. He was a past recipient of the Kiwanis Man of the Year award. He gave of his time and resources as a President and Board Member of the former Alexander Linn Hospital for over 15 years, he was a Charter Member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Sussex Elks Lodge # 2288, served 10 years on the Board of Sussex Building and Loan Assoc., member of Advisory Board of National Community Bank, member and Past President of the Wantage School Board for 15 years, Sussex Co Civil Defense for 10 years, member and Past President of the NJ L.P. Gas Association, member of the American Legion Post 213 in Wantage, VFW, Moose Lodge of Cape Coral Fl, and Masonic Harmony Lodge # 8, and Member of Washington Council #7, Royal Arch Masons Baldwin Chapter #17, and an Honorary Member of Beemerville Fire Department.
In addition to his community service, Roy was a man loved by his family, admired by many for his generosity and kind words, his love for order and routine, his dry humor and straightforward manner. He enjoyed his business years and then in his later years enjoyed wintering in Naples and then Cape Coral Florida where he made many treasured acquaintances. He will be missed by the waitresses at his favorite Thirsty’s Restaurant in Cape Coral. Of late, he enjoyed frequenting Sussex Airport Diner and Johnny’s in Beemerville for his morning coffee and news. He had a love for Lionel trains and Dunkin Donuts, and was a modest and private man who avoided any praise or recognition for his many good deeds. He was a sportsman who enjoyed many memorable outings hunting and fishing with family and friends. He founded the Rohel Camp in Woodhull, NY in 1968. Roy was also a musician, master of Polkas and everything from Golden Oldies to Anchors Away, fostering many wonderful memories and gatherings around his accordion or organ music whether it be a club function or a family gathering.
Roy is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mildred of Beemerville and by his children, Ronald (Rayna) Howell of Simmons Lk, Sussex, NJ., Wayne (Judith) Howell of Wantage, Elaine (Frank) Eberhart of Hampton, Roy R (Cindy) of Branchville, and Margie (Ed) Borner of Golden, CO.. He was blessed with having 19 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at the Beemerville Presbyterian Church, 226 County Route 519, Wantage, New Jersey 07461. Interment and Navy Military Honors were held at Beemerville Cemetery.
The Family has asked that in lieu of flowers that donations may be made to the Trooper Curtis G. Rohel Memorial Scholarship Fund, PO Box 621, Augusta,NJ 07822 ( to memorial of grandson,Tpr. Curtis G Rohel) or to Autism New Jersey 500 Horizon Dr. #530, Robbinsville, NJ 08691. ( to memorial of granddaughter, Donna Howell- Little), or to the Beemerville Presbyterian Church, 226 Route 519, Wantage, NJ 07461. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.pinkelfuneralhome.com