R.I.P.: Jonathan Roth, Longtime WDIY Lehigh Valley Radio Vet

Roth (1976-2026)

Jonathan Roth, a longtime WDIY on-air music host and veteran of college and community radio, died Aug. 27, 2026. He was 50. Roth spent the past 13 years as a rotating Saturday-night host of WDIY’s Good Clean Fun, playing a mix of new and classic indie and alternative rock. He also filled in occasionally on the station’s weekday afternoon AAA program, The Blend.

He arrived at WDIY already seasoned by earlier stints at WXJM in Harrisonburg, Va., and WMUH in Allentown, Pa., which allowed him to start hosting soon after joining the station.

Roth graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from James Madison University, where he played in the award-winning marching band, and a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Moravian University.

Drums remained a lifelong outlet. He performed with Speedwell, Meredith Bragg and the Terminals, Ghost Wounds, and Blank Stares, including a notable appearance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

He also acted with Muhlenberg College Summer Theater and Civic Little Theatre while living in Allentown. Roth wrote freelance music coverage for Philadelphia’s two.one.five Magazine, The Morning Call in the Lehigh Valley, and The Aquarian Weekly in Little Falls, N.J. He worked as senior technical writer and blog lead at Dorman Products in Colmar, Pa., and as a freelance graphic designer.