John Rothman, born Hans, embodied the quintessential American success story, transforming himself and leaving an indelible mark on the world of journalism and information management. His journey began with learning English in a movie theater and attending Queens College, a foundation that preceded his service in the Army. At 19, seeking a more American identity, Hans adopted the name John Rothman, a decision that signaled his embrace of a new chapter. During his time in military intelligence with the Fourth Armored Division in Europe, his linguistic skills became invaluable as he interrogated German prisoners of war and civilians, showcasing an early aptitude for information gathering and analysis.
Post-discharge, Rothman returned to Queens College, earning a bachelor’s degree in English and comparative literature, setting the stage for his aspirations in theater criticism. He furthered his academic pursuits with a master’s degree from New York University in 1949, focusing his thesis on drama criticism at The Times. While his initial ambition was to become a theater critic, fate intervened, leading him to The New York Times not as a critic, but as an indexer. His talent and dedication quickly shone through, and within a few years, he ascended to the position of assistant editor of The Times Index, demonstrating his meticulous nature and organizational prowess.
Rothman’s commitment to academic excellence continued alongside his burgeoning career. In 1956, he achieved a Ph.D. in comparative literature from Columbia University, solidifying his intellectual credentials. His career at The Times spanned an impressive 44 years, during which he held several pivotal roles. Beyond editing the Index, he became the director of library and information services, a position that saw him at the helm when the groundbreaking Information Bank was launched. His leadership extended to overseeing the newspaper’s research and information technology, as well as its extensive archives, showcasing his adaptability and forward-thinking approach in a rapidly evolving industry.
Even after retiring from The Times, John Rothman’s passion for organization and preservation of knowledge remained undiminished. He dedicated his time to arranging and cataloging the archives of prominent figures such as Cyrus Vance, the former Secretary of State, William Scranton, the former governor of Pennsylvania, and Ellmore C. Patterson, the chairman of J.P. Morgan & Company during a critical period for New York City.
John Rothman’s legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. He is survived by his wife, Gertrude (Ullmann) Rothman, his daughter, Vivien Tartter, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His life story is a testament to the power of reinvention, intellectual curiosity, and the enduring importance of information management in the modern age, forever linking his name, John Rothman, with diligence and dedication to journalistic excellence and historical preservation.
