Benjamin Rothman, lifelong government employee

Benjamin Rothman of Lewes passed away peacefully Friday, July 5, 2013, at his residence. He was born Tuesday, Jan. 15, 1918, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Samuel and Mary Rothman.

Mr. Rothman moved to Delaware in 1978 from Lansdowne, Pa., following a lifelong career for the U.S. government. His career started with honorably serving his country as a seaman for the U.S. Navy during World War II. He then went on to work as a Dual Citizen, in part as a planner and estimator in Public Works Structural Section for the government and part for the Naval Reserves where he was senior chief steelworker in the Mobile Construction Battalion (Seabees) unit.

During his time in the reserves, Mr. Rothman was called back to active duty to serve in the Pacific during the Korean War from 1950-52. Mr. Rothman would finally close out his service from the Naval Reserve SAMAR Unit 104 and would be honored with a farewell and ceremonies from all his shipmates.

Mr. Rothman was very active in his church community at Groome United Methodist Church and as a volunteer at various organizations. His favorite volunteer work was with the Christian House, Wildwood, N.J., and the Christian Service Associates, Ardmore, Pa. He enjoyed tending to his prized rose garden, spending the afternoon surf fishing or crabbing on Herring Creek.

Most of all, Mr. Rothman enjoyed the time spent with his family and the many memories they shared. Mr. Rothman was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and dear friend who will be missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Rothman was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of over 63 years, Dorothy L. (Strausser) Rothman; and his seven older brothers and sisters. He is survived by his son, Michael G. Rothman and his wife LuAnn of Harleysville, Pa.; two daughters: Darlene Charles and her husband Sam of Lewes, and Laura Rothman of Sicklerville, N.J.; two granddaughters: Michelle and Jennifer; and his three great-grandchildren: Sophia, Genevieve, and Kyle.

Funeral services were held. Arrangements handled by, Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Groome United Methodist Church, Savannah Road and Dewey Avenue, Lewes, DE 19958.