Obituary of W. R. Richard Rossman

ROSSMAN – Walter R. “Richard”, 92, of Ebensburg, passed away May 7, 2019 at home with his loving wife of 70 years, Mary Eunice, by his side. Born January 19, 1927 in Kingston PA, son of the late Walter E. and Ruth V. (Belles) Rossman. Preceded in death by son, Dirk McKay Rossman, sister, Carol Stine, and brothers: Wayne and Charles. Survived by wife, Mary Eunice (Carson) and children: Douglas R. (Alice Pescuric) Rossman, Pittsburgh; Diane L. Rossman, Ebensburg; Denise R. Rossman of Johnstown; and Dana E. (Alan) Myers, of Ebensburg, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Also survived by brother, William Donald (Geraldine) Rossman, Schenectady NY; sister in law, Frona Rossman, Rochester, NY. Richard served in the U.S. Army Air Force during 1944-46. He earned a B.S. in Forestry in 1950 from Penn State University and began his 38-year career as a utility forester with the Potomac Edison Company in Maryland. In 1956 he took a position as forest manager for the Pennsylvania Electric Company in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he worked until his retirement in 1988. He managed about 10,000 acres of forest land, supervised Penelec’s forestry staff, pioneered a replacement tree planting program, and administered a 25-year research project studying pollution effects on trees. Rossman had an active role in the forestry profession, serving as chair of the SAF Western Gateway Chapter, president of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation District Directors, president of the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, and cofounder and chair of Stony Creek/Conemaugh River Improvement Program. He contributed to the State Conservation Commission, Pennsylvania Hardwoods Council, and Penn State Agriculture Advisory Council. In 1997 he became president of Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, and vice-chair of Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers. Rossman’s efforts have been acknowledged by way of the Samuel S. Cobb/Bureau of Forestry Award in 1988, Pennsylvania Forestry Association Rothrock Conservationist of the Year in 1994, certificates of recognition by Pennsylvania State Conservation Committee and by Southern Alleghenies RC&D Area in 1995, Cambria County Conservation District Director Service Award 1973-95, Pennsylvania Conservation Hall of Fame in 1996, and election as Fellow in the Society of American Foresters in 2004. A longtime member of Ebensburg United Methodist Church. At his request there will be no viewing. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, May 13th at 11:00 a.m., at the Ebensburg United Methodist Church, Rev. J. R. Virgin, officiating. Interment at Maplecreek Cemetery, Lover, Pa. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richards memory may be made to Laurel Highlands Alzheimer’s Foundation. Arrangements are in the care of the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg.