William Joseph Lauth

William Lauth, 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning of November 21, 2024. He was a son of the late Harold V. Lauth, Sr. and Carolyn “Kerrie” (Denevan) Lauth. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Laurence Vincent Lauth, sister Rita Terese (Lauth) Jankowski, and sister Mary Carolyn Lauth.

Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Rosemary Scalan Lauth; children, Daniel William Lauth and Kimberly Ann Lauth; brothers, James H. Lauth, Sr., Harold V. Lauth, Jr., Thomas G. Lauth, and his sister, Mary Clare Cumberland, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

William (Bill) Lauth was born in Washington, DC, and raised in Beltsville, MD, on the Agricultural Research Center Farm where his father served as director of personnel. Bill was proud of raising his own pigeons on the farm, learned gardening from his mother, and loved tinkering, repairing, and making things with his dad in the work shed.

Raised in a devout Catholic family, he attended St. Anthony’s High School, served with distinction in the Army, and, assisted by the GI Bill, graduated from Maryland University. His career was in Association Management, specifically in meetings and exhibit management for non-profits, before establishing his association management consulting firm in 1977, providing similar services.

Bill met Rosemary in 1974 and they married in 1978. Both enjoyed careers in association meetings and program management positions that required frequent travel. When blessed with Dan and Kim, they agreed there would always be one parent home with the children at all times, no matter what travel was required. His growing family was the primary focus of Bill’s life; he cherished being a father, above all else.

Bill also loved his large and close extended family, friends from ski house days, and neighborhood buddies from “the Avenue,” local pubs on Wisconsin Avenue, where he was quick to befriend strangers, learning their backgrounds,and welcoming them to his warmth. Nearly every weekend, there was a party at the home, carrying on the tradition of his bachelor days before Rosemary. Bill could light up a room with his joyful spirit, playful banter, and easy laugh.

Bill read constantly, always starting his day with The Washington Post and black coffee. His deep interest in the afterlife sparked vigorous debate as he avidly discussed what that might mean. He will be deeply missed but never gone in spirit as he explores that afterlife, that journey to stardust he sought so vigorously in life. We know he is now part of the slow dance of the infinite stars, and this is a comfort.

A Catholic mass will be held Wednesday, December 11, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ignatius Chapel at 3513 N Street, NW Washington, DC (adjacent to Holy Trinity Church). Limited street parking and no parking is available on N St where the Chapel entrance is located. A light grazing lunch will follow immediately downstairs in the McKenna Center. The family invites all to gather around 1 pm at The Tombs, 1226 36th St., NW, for a proper toast, sharing of convivial tales, and swapping of memories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Amy Elizabeth Lauth Charitable Foundation: 3333 Peters Creek Road, NW, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-2719.

When Bill’s beloved niece Amy passed away from congenital heart disease in 1997, her family established the Amy Elizabeth Lauth Foundation. For over 25 years, the Foundation has continued to honor Amy’s legacy and values by helping at-risk women, children, and families. As you can imagine, the need is great. A cornerstone of the Foundation’s mission, 100% of the donations have always gone directly to charity.

This past year, contributions helped people receive necessary medical care, pay funeral expenses, and avoid eviction. The Foundation’s ability to respond quickly to support those who find themselves in an unanticipated crisis is accomplished through donor generosity.