Ludwig Roell

Ludwig Roell, 89, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday, February 6, 2021 following a long illness.

Born on September 8, 1931 in Erlingshofen, Bavaria, Germany, Ludwig came to the United States in 1951 and became a proud citizen soon after. He settled in Union, New Jersey where he began work as a Mason for BAC Local 13 (now Local 4) with Jung Brothers.  After building a home for his Aunt and Uncle in Edison, NJ, he met the love of his life, Erika, on a blind date in 1963. They were married on June 20, 1964 and soon after also moved to Edison.  Ludwig built a home next door to his Aunt and Uncle where they would raise their 3 children, Linda, Ludwig Carl and George. After more than 25 years with Jung Brothers, Ludwig began working with Fitzpatrick and Associates, retiring as a Foreman in 1993. He continued to work the occasional freelance projects and some examples of his craftsmanship can be found in the Holy Family shrine in front of St. Helena’s Church and the Monument in front of the H.K. Fire Company.

Always willing to help his community, Ludwig was a member of the H.K. Volunteer Fire Company in Edison, becoming Chief from 1973-1975. He was also a member of the New Jersey State Volunteer Firemen’s Association, New Jersey Volunteer Fire Chief’s Association, the Edison Township Exempt Firemen's Association, Edison Township Firemen's Relief Association and the NJ State Exempt Firemen's Association. In addition to his community service, Ludwig was an active member of St. Helena’s Roman Catholic Church in Edison.

A hard-working man, Ludwig also knew how to live and enjoy life. Many in the German-American community fondly remember Ludwig by his numerous comedic performances with the Bayerische Volksbühne, a local German theater group. He would only need to walk on stage without uttering his first lines before the hall would break into thunderous applause. In keeping with his German heritage, Ludwig was also a Life Member of the Deutscher Club of Clark and a strong supporter of Bayern Verein Newark. Whether it was at an Oktoberfest or a summer picnic, Ludwig naturally made people feel welcomed and at ease.

Always one to enjoy a Weiss bier, a good soccer game (especially Bayern Munich and later the NJ Red Bulls), spending time with family and friends, his quiet, but quick wit, his dedication to family and his volunteering spirit will be greatly missed.

Ludwig is predeceased by his parents, Ludwig and Theresia (Netter) Röll, a brother, Markus Röll and sister, Wally Breundl. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Erika; daughter Linda Mehne and her husband, Ralph; son Ludwig Carl and his partner, JoAnn Genzanto; and son George; two sisters, Theresia Appelsmeier and her husband Johann and Maria Albrecht as well as nieces and nephews in Germany and many close friends here in the US.

Visitation Sunday February 14, 2021 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at the Gosselin Funeral Home 660 New Dover Road Edison. Funeral Services Monday February 15, 2021  8:30am at the funeral home followed by a 10:00am Mass at St Helena Church Edison. Interment Hollywood Cemetery Union.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: 
Donate now to St. Jude and help kids fighting cancer - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Burn Center at St. Barnabas:  Online Giving | Saint Barnabas Medical Center | RWJBarnabas Health (rwjbh.org) 
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation:  Donate to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (firehero.org)

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