Obit Dr. Thomas Roszman

EAST LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Dr. Thomas L. Roszman departed this world on November 27, 2021, just days after his 83rd birthday. Tom provided a steadfast and inspiring force in both his personal life as devoted husband, father, grandfather and in his professional life as friend, colleague, mentor and teacher.

Born in the small farming community of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, he was the only child to Pauline and Loren Roszman. He began his illustrious path with a paper route when he was 11 years old. Later, he earned scholarships and worked part-time jobs to self-fund his entire education and was the first person in his family to graduate from college and to earn Masters and PhD degrees.

His pioneering and productive career as a biomedical scientist and educator spanned over 55 years. After he completed his degrees from Bowling Green State University (BS in biology), Michigan State (Masters and PhD in microbiology) and Case Western Reserve (Post-Doctoral Fellowship), he accepted a position as Assistant Professor at the University Kentucky (UK) College of Medicine.

During his five decades at UK, he was a productive scientist, publishing over 100 scholarly works; an educator teaching undergraduate, medical and graduate courses; and mentoring 16 graduate students and 12 postdoctoral fellows. In the mid-1970s, students at UK’s College of Medicine presented him with the prestigious Golden Apple Award, a yearly honor bestowed upon a faculty member of their choosing.

Also, Tom was widely recognized for his research in a number of areas such as establishing a basis to more fully understanding immune system deficiencies. He was also a leader and pioneer in the emerging field of neuroimmunology during the 1980s. In addition to his pioneering research, he was a leader in developing national and international collaborations in this new field. He served as co-organizer of a number of national and international scientific conferences and delivered many scientific papers at these conferences.

He also served on the editorial boards of several scientific journals and scientific organizations. His work in this area was recognized throughout his career with prestigious awards such as the National Institute of Mental Health Research Scientist Award and the University of Kentucky’s Research Award. In addition, during his career, he and his team’s research garnered numerous and generous financial grant support from the American Cancer Society, the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

Throughout his career Tom was active in service to the profession, both locally in the university, and on the national level. He has served on many high level university committees ranging from search committees for chairs and a vice chancellor, tenure and promotion committees, admissions committees and many others. On the national level, he served extensively on scientific advisory committees for the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the American Association of Immunologists and other organizations. He was an invited speaker at many scientific conferences.

In addition, ever the survivor at heart, Tom remained a consistent and guiding presence during over 50 years of evolution, transition and transformation in the emerging and ever-changing world of biomedical sciences. Tom cared about giving to others while engaging in simple, authentic, witty and sometimes charismatic dialogue with his family, friends, colleagues and his students. Those close to him witnessed frequent instances where he supported and stood up for colleagues, without the need for thanks or recognition.

He played an important, instrumental and memorable role and will be missed dearly by those fortunate to have known him. He instilled a passion for science in generations of his students including his children and grandchildren. He challenged those around him to ask questions and think deeply. Tom will perhaps be missed most by his grandchildren who he adored and played a pivotal role in their lives as loving grandfather, mentor, and confidant. Ever the teacher and leader, his wisdom and support will come thru in moments when we least expect yet most need the guidance of this sage, unassuming, loving man.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Pauline and his beloved wife of 60 years, Sharon. Left to cherish his memories: Son, Chris (Kathy); daughter Beth; grandchildren, Harrison and Bailey; countless friends and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers or donations to organizations to charity, Tom might ask that you simply take a moment to anonymously and magnanimously give support to someone when they least expect it, yet when most need it.

(Pd.120621)