Professor

Eric Roman

An Original Mind

A memorial service for Eric Roman will be held in the President’s Room at the Westside Campus of Western Connecticut State University, 43 Lake Avenue Extension, Danbury, Sunday, July 1, at noon.

Profession Eric Roman, 85, died May 9, surrounded by his loving family. Professor Roman and his family lived in Newtown for 42 years, prior to moving in October 2006.

He is survived by Eva, his wife of 54 years; son, Ronald; daughter, Lynda; son-in-law, Charles; and grandchildren, Catherine and Christina.

Professor Roman was born and raised in Bekescsaba, Hungary. Having survived the Holocaust, he returned to Hungary in 1945, only to discover that his twin sister and parents had all lost their lives. He escaped communist Hungary in 1948 and made his way to the United States via Paris, Rio de Janeiro, and Montreal, arriving in New York City in 1950. He supported himself as a tailor and completed his education at night, earning his BA degree in English from Hunter College in 1958 and his PhD in International Relations from New York University in 1965.

Professor Roman moved with his family to Danbury in 1965, where he accepted a position as an assistant professor at Western Connecticut State College. He was a highly respected and beloved teacher at this institution for 42 years until his retirement in 2007. He was also a prolific author and published three novels, The Best Shall Die, in 1961, After the Trail, in 1968, and A Year as a Lion, in 1978. His book After the Trial was made into an ABC movie of the week entitled Death Sentence. He also published several historical books: Hungary and the Victor Powers, in 1996, The Stalin Years in Hungary, in 1999 and an encyclopedia, Austria-Hungary and the Successor States, in 2002. Last, he published several historical articles as well as an article on Hope in the Journal of Philosophy.

Professor Roman received the Americanism Award from The Daughters of the American Revolution in 1972. He was an active member of the Danbury Rotary Club and served as its newsletter editor and president. He was also active with the United Jewish Center. He was an avid traveler and made creative films of his travels. He was also a sought-after public speaker. His original mind, fabulous sense of humor, and love of life will be missed by many whose lives he has touched.

For directions to the Westside Campus, call Helen Masterson at 837-8800.

Donations in his memory may be sent to Western Connecticut State University Foundation, 181 White Street, Danbury CT 06810, Attention: Professor Koreyo Anim Wright.

The Newtown Bee        June 22, 2007