Richard N. Roman was a dedicated public servant who worked hard to ensure the safety of area roadways, one local lawmaker said.
Roman, district executive of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 4, died on Saturday evening at his home in Sand Springs, Butler Twp., the agency announced Monday.
The position, which he held since January 2019, required him to oversee a staff that keeps state roads and bridges smooth and snow-free in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.
In addition to his other duties, Roman regularly updated the media with the status of agency projects, including what had been completed and what the agency anticipated completing in the upcoming months.
Roman, 52, a Hazleton native, often interjected humor into what might have been somewhat technical presentations.
PennDOT Engineering District 4 Executive Richard Roman provides an update on PennDIT projects during the Greater Hazleton Area Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet Breakfast in Drums on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Richard Roman District Executive for PennDot Engineering District 4 talks about highway occupancy permits in the greater Hazleton area during the Greater Hazleton Area Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet Breakfast in Drums on Thursday Oct. 16, 2025.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
PennDOT Engineering District 4 Executive Richard Roman provides an update on area PennDOT projects during the Greater Hazleton Area Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet Breakfast in Drums on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
PennDOT Engineering District 4 Executive Richard N. Roman discusses some upcoming transportation projects on Thursday at PennDOT headquarters in Dunmore. (SUMBITTED PHOTO)
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PennDOT Engineering District 4 Executive Richard Roman provides an update on PennDIT projects during the Greater Hazleton Area Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet Breakfast in Drums on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
For example, during a December 2024 update listing those credited for a successful construction season, he gave a shoutout to Mother Nature for moderate temperatures and weather well into November.
Roman was a graduate of Hazleton High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Penn State University and held a master’s degree in public administration from Penn State University.
He joined PennDOT in 1997 and held various positions, including statewide director of maintenance and operation. Roman took over as interim district executive of PennDOT District 4 in January 2019 after his predecessor, George Roberts, retired. The title was made permanent in September 2019.
Area lawmakers and PennDOT staff remembered Roman.
“Rich was a dedicated public servant who worked to improve our region’s infrastructure and ensure the safety of our roads,” state Sen. Marty Flynn said in a social media post. “His professionalism, kindness and commitment to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania earned him the respect and admiration of all who worked with him.”
District 4 spokeswoman Jessica Ruddy said the agency is “very saddened by the loss.”
“Rich was a steady, reliable leader who cared deeply about the people he worked with,” she said. “The department’s thoughts and prayers are with Rich’s family and his colleagues during this time.”
Ruddy said Roman was a pleasure to work with and a wonderful supervisor.
State Rep. Jim Haddock called Roman a dedicated public servant and a true leader.
“(His) remarkable vision and unwavering commitment to improving our regional infrastructure leaves an indelible mark on all of us who benefited from his work,” Haddock said in a statement.