Daniel L. Roth

Danny Roth was born in New York City on April 11, 1950 to Kurt Roth and Ruth Steinitz Roth and passed at his home in Austin, Texas on July 17, 2026. His parents, immigrants from Berlin, fled Germany in 1936 to escape Hitler's regime, and later became proud U.S. citizens. Danny, granted birthright citizenship by the 14th Amendment, was proud of his own place in their immigrant story. Around 1954, his family moved from New York City to Dallas, Texas. After adapting to the culture shock, Danny attended fully-funded public schools, which left such an impact he became a lifelong supporter of AISD, Communities in Schools, and Eanes Education Foundation. After high school he moved to St. Louis Missouri to attend Washington University, but wanted to be closer to home and moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas where his big sister Nancy, who he adored and looked up to, had also graduated. At that time, the Austin music scene was in its infancy and Danny loved to be a part of it, especially if it involved dancing. Danny quickly fell in love with Austin, and after graduating with a degree in Sociology he never left the city he called home. His early job driving a UT shuttle bus led to many adventures and stories with local Austin characters. He was active in local politics and was proud to have stood with fellow drivers in a strike for livable wages and better brakes. Soon after, he started his business career selling advertising in the Student Coupon Book and even had a brief stint in the food truck business, selling Pokey's Pretzels on the Drag. Danny later managed Cochran's Bookstore on Guadalupe Street before finding his true calling in real estate in the 1970s. He started by helping many of his friends and acquaintances buy homes back when Austin was a lot more affordable and quirky. Always eager for a new challenge, and seeing a vision of Austin as a world class city, he joined his friends Abe and John to start the commercial real estate venture ZRR. During an economic slump, Danny returned to school and earned a Master's Degree in Public Affairs from the LBJ School. Having quenched some intellectual curiosity, he returned to business as soon as possible because he was endlessly interested in new ideas and the things that made Austin special. His real estate ventures evolved into Southwest Strategies Group, helmed by Danny and his business partner John. He believed in and encouraged so many business people before others did. But then, that was Danny: optimistic, open minded, and always willing to see unique potential. Danny took particular pride in the many projects he and his partners helped to develop throughout Austin and the impact on the city can be seen everywhere - from the vision of Seaholm, Penn Field, to the Hatchery just to name a few. For Danny, the goal was always to enhance the community he loved. Away from work, Danny's greatest joy was spending time with family and friends and from his love of the outdoors, going on many adventures to Colorado, Big Bend, Oregon, fly fishing trips to the Guadalupe and San Juan Rivers, and many national parks. You could find him most Wednesday nights with Michael and Laura discussing past adventures while eating Mexican food at Julio's Cafe, followed by a brownie with a mountain of whipped cream from Quack's Bakery. Danny was proud and had immense love for his children and grandchildren, and his kindness also extended far beyond his immediate family. He was a constant source of kindness and encouragement, not only to his children but their many friends on their shared camping trips, 4-wheel-drive mountain adventures, and fishing trips. Danny (known as "Apo") is survived by his beloved wife Kathleen; his son Eli and Eli's wife Sophie along with their three children Cecilia, Paloma and Emilio; his daughter Adrienne and her husband Adharsh; his sister Nancy and her family; his cousin Lucy and her family; and many wonderful friends. He also leaves behind a huge labradoodle, LuLu, who he walked at least five times a day when he could, and Señor Tomas, a naughty orange cat. We will all miss his great sense of humor, quick wit, and generous heart. His favorite food was ice cream, so please have a scoop of any flavor in his memory. If you wish to honor his memory, please support a nonprofit organization that you care about and, most importantly, vote. As a lifelong Democrat, it is unfortunate he will not vote in the upcoming midterms and he leaves that up to you. A memorial will be held at a later date.

Daniel L. Roth

April 11, 1950 - July 17, 2026