John L. Roth, 87, of Emlenton, formerly of North Side Pittsburgh, quietly passed away Monday after an extended illness with complications from COPD.

Born June 1, 1929, he was the son of the late Henry and Catherine Kearney Roth Atkinson.

He was predeceased by one sister, Delores Mae Roth (Robert) Gruener and survived by his sister, Eileen G. Roth Labans. He was the devoted companion and husband of Eileen Means Roth, who survives. He was also the cherished father of Diane Roth (John) Colin, Mary Ann Roth (Ron) Derbis, John H. (Sandy) Roth, Anna Marie “Mimi” Roth (Joe) Snak, Joseph C. Roth and Theresa Roth (Jeff) Davis.

He idolized his 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren he leaves behind. He also is survived by one niece, several nephews and many friends.

John was a graduate of North Catholic High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving stateside during the Korean War. He worked for many years at Dravo Corp. on Neville Island and retired from the Port Authority of Allegheny County after a long career of dedicated service.

Following retirement, he relocated to his favorite spot along the Allegheny River in Emlenton.

During his youth, he was a choir boy. He became an adult choir member and usher at the Annunciation Parish on the North Side. John also served as a member of the Soup Group at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Emlenton and attended St. Ursula Parish in Allison Park. John was an ardent animal lover and was devoted to his family, church and his many friends.

ROTH — Family and friends of John L. Roth, who died Monday, May 8, 2017, will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Neely Funeral Home, 2208 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Ursula Parish, 3937 Kirk Ave., Allison, Park. Interment will be at the North Side Catholic Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Emlenton, or St. Ursula Parish, Allison Park, or the National Canine Cancer Foundation at Wearethecure.org.