Stephen Alexander Roth

Captain Stephen A. Roth passed away unexpectedly on August 18, 2022 at the age of 32. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Christine Garbarino Roth, and his three young children, Caroline, Anna, and Ryan Roth. He is survived by his parents, Connie and Chris Hurt, of NC; his grandparents, Ralph and Mary Roth; as well as members of his wife's family including, Maryann and Richard Garbarino, of NH, and Katie and Nick Bennett, of NY, and Carole Garbarino, of MA. He is greatly missed by a wide circle of family and friends, including Daniel Donais, Andrew McKenzie, Devonta Banks, and John Janning.
Stephen realized his lifelong dream of serving in the armed forces in 2012, graduating from Norwich University as part of the Delta Company, where he turned friends into brothers. He continued to build communities during each of his assignments, stationed at Fort Hood and Fort Sam, Houston, TX and Fort Bragg, NC. He proudly served his country during deployments to Kuwait and Afghanistan, recognized by colleagues for his courage and leadership. Stephen was airborne qualified and proud to achieve jump master certification while commander of the 407th B company. He loved mentoring students in his most recent assignment as BOLC instructor at Fort Lee, VA.
Acts of service were not limited to his military career. Stephen had the biggest heart, and he worked diligently to make sure everyone else's needs were met. He was always available and willing to help in ways, big or small. The many lives he touched through acts of kindness are his greatest legacy.
After a chance meeting on a beach in Maine, it was love at first sight for Stephen and Chrissie. She was drawn to his warm smile and adventurous spirit, and they were married lakeside in 2015 in a celebration of friendship and love. Soon after, they welcomed Caroline, followed by Anna and Ryan. His kids were his world, and being a dad was his greatest joy. Family time was spent exploring new places and playing outdoors at the mountains, lake, or beach. Stephen was an avid reader, and every night he read to his kids, even recordings during deployments. Stephen and Caroline had just finished the first Harry Potter book together.
Stephen grew up in Durham, NC, aspiring to a life in the military since elementary school. He combined his love of swimming and coaching others with years teaching swimming lessons, lifeguarding, and swim team. Stephen became corps commander during his time in JROTC at Riverside High School, graduating in 2008. His sense of humor and mischief will be greatly missed by his lifelong friends.
Visitation will be at the J.T. Morriss & Son - Chester Chapel on Saturday, September 3, 2022 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., with a celebration of life to follow at 1 p.m. Private interment will occur at Arlington National Cemetery at a later time with military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to honor Stephen through Lifeline for Vets at www.nvf.org . The greatest honor would be a small and thoughtful act of kindness passed forward in his memory.