Richard Benton ‘Dick’ Roush

Dick was born on April 8, 1929 to Jay and Ruth (Knouse) Roush of McAlisterville.

He is survived by his wife of thirty years, Loretta (Shellenberger) Roush; his son Richard K. “Rich” Roush and wife, Barbara J. Roush, his grandson Benton J. Lotkowski and partner, Rebecka Serpa; his son-in-law John Lotkowski; his stepdaughter, Cheryl Barth-Taylor and husband, Larry; and his granddaughter Kelsey Colwell and husband, Jon. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Janice Ulsh Roush; his daughter, Nan C. Lotkowski; his sister, Janet Roush Heckman; and his stepson, Tony Barth.

Dick graduated from Fayette High School in 1947 and from Bucknell University in 1951, where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for baseball and soccer. He served as a Sergent in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953.

He was a lifelong businessman in Juniata County, beginning his career alongside his father at Roush Motors Ford, founded in McAlisterville in 1921. He founded Roush Insurance Agency in 1953, Richard B. Roush Inc. in 1971, and in 1979 co-founded Roush Insurance Group with his son, Rich. He also co-founded JA-VE Oil Co. in McAlisterville and along with Rich and four other partners, co-founded Excel Homes, Inc. and Elite Homes, Inc.

Dick was a lifetime athlete. He played soccer and baseball at Bucknell, pitched for the McAlisterville baseball team, and had a brief stint in semi-pro baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. He bowled a perfect 300 game at Juniata Lanes. Later in life, his passion turned to golf. He was a six-time Club Champion and Hall of Fame member at Lost Creek Golf Course, and Senior Club Champion at famous Copper Head course at Innisbrook Resort in Florida. He played golf until he was 90. He is also a member of the McAlisterville Men’s Baseball Hall of Fame. Despite his time with the Dodgers, Dick was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, and was thrilled to attend the Cubs’ World Series-winning game in 2016 with his son.

He was a past Grand Master of the local Masonic Lodge, a past Elder at Lost Creek Presbyterian Church in McAlisterville, a past member and hunter at Lost Creek Rod and Gun Club, a lifelong member of the McAlisterville Lions Club, a 50-year member of American Legion Post 298 in Mifflintown, and an active member of Crawford Brubaker VFW Post 5863 where he hung out with most of his dearest friends and, of course, loved the staff as well. Dick made lifelong friends everywhere he went.

As per Dick’s wishes, there will be a graveside service with immediate family only. He would want all of his friends to enjoy a drink in his name.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Roush’s memory may be made to McAlisterville Men’s Baseball, c/o-Rodney Brandt, 233 Liberty Road, McAlisterville, PA 17049.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 100 Bridge Street, Mifflintown.

Online condolences and tributes can be shared with the family at www.brownfuneral homesinc.com.