John Donald Roll was born June 25, 1912, in Newport, Kentucky, to William and Agatha Roll. He attended St. Mary's HIgh School in St. Mary's, Kansas, before entering the Society of Jesus in 1931. He was ordained a priest in 1943. Roll attended Xavier University before transferring to Loyola University and graduating in 1935 with a degree in English. In 1939 he received his Masters in Physics from St. Louis University. Roll received his Ph.D. in Physics from Fordham University in 1949. He was a faculty member of the Physics department at Loyola University Chicago, later becoming its chairman. While at Loyola Roll served as the director of the seismological station and moderator of several student organizations. Outside of teaching Roll was the chaplain for the Chicago Power Squadron of District 20 (1952-1980); national chaplain and associate national chaplain for the United States Power Squadrons (1966-1980); President of the Marine Navigation and Training Association (1956 -1959); and a training officer for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Roll passed away on November 18, 1986.
From the description of J. Donald Roll, S.J., papers, 1912-1985. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 772536938
