Irvin Roselman, 93, a lifelong resident of St. Louis, MO, passed away on March 27, 2023.

Irv was born to Russian immigrant parents Esther and Joseph in July 1929. During the Great Depression, his parents lost everything, and borrowing against a small life insurance policy, they purchased a small tailor shop. This served as a means of livelihood and as a shelter to avoid homelessness. Irv lived with his two brothers and parents in the back of the tailor shop, which lacked running water, an indoor bathroom, or a kitchen. Their “residence” was within walking distance of the local YMHA, so Irv and his family would walk there to shower. His regular attendance at the Y got him involved in sports of all kinds and built a lifelong loyalty to this facility. He and his brothers learned to swim competitively, and Irv excelled in diving.

Irv was a bright student, his good grades at Soldan High School ultimately earning him a scholarship to Saint Louis University. He met the love of his life, Doris, and after a whirlwind courtship, he dropped out of college and married her just before his twentieth birthday. To support his wife and growing family, Irv took on various jobs, including working for a fish market and a fabric/textile company before settling in as a life insurance salesman in 1956.

Always the competitor, Irv worked hard in the life insurance business and achieved success as one of his company’s top agents for many, many years. He continued to be active in sports at the JCC throughout his life. He played squash, but tennis elbow compelled him to switch to racquetball at age 45. This he also mastered, becoming a Class A player and eventually winning numerous gold medals in the Senior Olympics, both locally and nationally.  Irv was honored also to be inducted into the St. Louis Jewish Sports Hall Of Fame.

As Doris’s health failed in the later years of their marriage, Irv curtailed his work and racquetball play. He retired from Lincoln National Life after 58 years, and he stopped racquetball in his late eighties. He continued regular visits to the J over the years until his health no longer permitted it. The love of Irv’s life until the very end, Doris passed away in 2015. Their devoted marriage lasted for over 66 years.

Although excellence at work and on the racquetball court were points of pride, Irv derived the most pleasure from his family.

He would light up whenever seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Irv’s proudest legacy, his beautiful family, is large and continues to grow.  He is survived by his children, Michael Roselman (Jan), David Roselman (Leah), and Patti Deutsch; his dear grandchildren Jonathan, Jenna, Joshua, Eric, Melissa, Elizabeth, Zachary, Joshua, Alexander, Gabrielle, Samantha, Danielle, and Benjamin; and 17 great-grandchildren.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, relative, and friend to many. He will be greatly missed.

Graveside service Wednesday, March 29 at 2 PM at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the St. Louis JCC or to the charity of your choice. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE