Charles E. Roth

Charles E. "Chuck" Roth age 82 of Concord formerly of Littleton, MA and Fitzwilliam, NH passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Rivercrest Long-Term Care Facility in Concord. He was the beloved husband of the late Betty Jane (King) Roth.

Born in Danbury, CT on January 14, 1934 he was the son of the late Charles Henry and Emma T. (Beers) Roth.

Chuck graduated from Cornell University earning his Master's Degree in Conservation Education. He began a long and distinguished career as an educator in environmental education. Nationally known as "the father of environmental literacy" Chuck devoted more than three decades to shaping environmental education in Massachusetts and mentoring many of the nation's top environmental educators.

A former biology teacher, nature camp Director, author and illustrator, he was a life long advocate for environmental causes, Chuck believed in a definition of one's environment which included the built environment and one that included social factors and he focused on teaching people to explore their environment with sensitivity and understanding.

Chuck designed and supervised education programs for the Massachusetts Audubon Society from 1960-1988. He developed exhibits and programs for Drumlin Farm, planned in-service teacher training programs and trained nature counselors across the New England Region. He also helped bring to Massachusetts the three most widely used environmental curricula for schools: Project WILD (on wildlife); WET (on water resources); and Learning Tree (on the forest). In addition to his "day job" at Mass. Audubon, Chuck founded what is now known as the New England Environmental Education Alliance in 1966, and co-founded both the Massachusetts Environmental Education Society and the Secretaries' Advisory Group on Energy and Environmental Education (SAGEE), professional consortium which advises both the MA Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the MA Secretary of Education. In 1972 and again in 1990 he chaired teams of educators that developed a comprehensive plan for environmental education in Massachusetts. He also authored, illustrated, or co-authored several books about nature and the environment.

Family was important to Chuck, he enjoyed holiday gatherings, birthday celebrations and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed painting and carving wildlife sculptures, writing, reading, and nature walks.

He is survived by his children, Richard A. Roth and wife Karen of Littleton, Barbara E. Marrash and husband George of Trumbull, CT and Amy J. Moss and husband David of Vero Beach, FL, his brother-in-law Richard King of Carthage, NC and "sister" Ellie Horwitz of Concord and many friends in the environmental community. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Bryan Roth, Sara Roth, Jessica Moss, Dylan Moss and Nicholas Marrash. His son C. Douglas Roth predeceased him in 1986.

Family and friends will gather to remember Chuck and to celebrate his life on Monday, Feb. 29 at 10:30 am at Duvall Chapel at New England Deaconess Assoc.,80 Deaconess Rd., Concord. Interment will be private.

Donations in Chuck's memory may be made to:
Littleton Conservation Trust
46 Shaker Lane
Littleton, MA 01460
Attn: Kathy Stevens
or
New England Deaconess Assoc.
80 Deaconess Road
Concord, MA 01720
Attn: Dorene Glynn