Barth, Roland E., Col.,United States Air Force (Ret.) Age 77 passed away peacefully September 21, 2015 at Creighton Medical Center after a brief illness. A devoted husband, father, brother and friend, Barth proudly served his country for 30 years and, along with his wife and children, enjoyed tours of duty in five U.S. states and Europe. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Barth was awarded the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit award. Other military decorations include two Defense Meritorious Service Medals and the Air Force Commendation Medal. In 2009, Barth was inducted into the New Jersey Institute of Technology Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in soccer and fencing. A four-year starter on the soccer team, he helped the school earn its first-ever berth in the 1959 NAIA national tournament. Following his senior season, he garnered second-team All-American honors and was invited to try out for the Pan-American Games U.S. national team. Barth was also a three-year standout in fencing, and led his team’s epee team to a first-place finish in its conference tournament while winning a silver medal individually. He earned a bachelor of science degree from NJIT and later added a master of science degree from the University of Utah. After retiring from the Air Force, Barth turned his passion toward traveling, nature and the study of genealogy. An avid photographer, he co-authored and took hundreds of photographs for two published books: “Field Guide to Wildflowers – Fontenelle Forest & Neale Woods Nature Centers” and “Trees, Shrubs, Woody Vines, Grasses and Rushes – Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods Nature Centers.” His passion for traveling took him and his wife, Ingrid, around the globe. Most recently he traveled to Brazil for the soccer World Cup and to Cuba. Barth is survived by Ingrid, his wife of 53 years; his son, Peter (Tina) and his daughter, Heidi Curtis (Kevin); grandchildren, Marley, Aaron, Maxwell, Nicole and Delaney; siblings, Dr. Karl Barth, Luise Steuer and Nina Delaune; niece Annina and nephew Eric. He was preceded in death by his father, Emil Barth, and his mother, Anna Marie Barth. In lieu of a local service, Barth’s remains will be flown to Arlington National Cemetery for inurnment. It is requested that any memorial donations in Barth’s name go to Fontenelle Forest or Lauritzen Gardens.
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