News | Longtime Saluki Softball Supporter John L. Roseberry Passes Away
06/19/2025 | 10:00:00 | Softball
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Longtime friend and supporter of the Southern Illinois University softball program, John L. Roseberry, has passed away.
Roseberry made several donations to the SIU softball program, including the padded outfield wall at Charlotte West Stadium and the indoor turf at the Student Recreation Center.
"John was not just a gracious donor to our program - but an incredible friend," head coach Jen Sewell said. "He knew each player and their families, he traveled for miles and miles to see us play and often attended our team meals and events throughout the years. Over 20 seasons of players and their families came to know John. He was a constant in our program and we miss him dearly. It just won't be the same this fall when we look up at practice and he's not sitting in his chair taking it in. I hope he has the best seat in the house for next season. He was a good man and he was great for the sport of softball and our team - we look forward to honoring him and celebrating his time with us."
In 2001, Roseberry made his first gift to SIU and over the past 24 years, he has been a major supporter of Saluki Athletics, especially Saluki Softball. His impact will help ensure the continued excellence of the softball program.Â
Over the years, Roseberry supported the Saluki softball team at nearly every home game and occasionally traveled on the road with the program as well.
Roseberry received a plaque honoring his loyal support of Southern Illinois softball on Oct. 8, 2022.Â
"Throughout my time at SIU, one of the many people I had the blessing of meeting was John Roseberry," Emma Austin said. "Whether that was seeing him in the stands during practice and yelling as loud as I could at him across the field, or seeing his bright smile in between games, he was without a doubt one of the brightest SIU softball memories I, my teammates, and the parents could've had. John is a perfect example of what it means to want to go out there and play for more than yourself and play for those who will always show up for you, that's exactly what he did for this program."
Southern sends its thoughts and prayers to family and friends of Roseberry.
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