John Weldon Rosenbarger

John Weldon Rosenbarger, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away on October 18, 2026. He was born on August 4, 1953, in New Albany, a city he loved deeply and served throughout his life.

Above all, John relished experiencing life with his wife and three children. Together, they enjoyed family dinners, hosting gatherings, traveling, celebrating little victories, movie nights, and late nights telling ridiculous stories. John is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Arnold Rosenbarger, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage. He also leaves behind his three children, Andrew Rosenbarger (Robin Schotter), Kate Rosenbarger (still looking for that special someone), and Beth Rosenbarger (Matt Flaherty).

He is also survived by his grandsons, Clark Rosenbarger, Vance Rosenbarger, and Liam Schotter; his sister, Sarah Cutlip (Alan); his nephews, Zach Rosenbarger (Liz Wepler) and Jake Rosenbarger (Kim); his sister-in-law, Mara Lea Rosenbarger; and his mother-in-law, Betty Arnold. They will miss his steady presence and unique humor.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Rosenbarger; his mother, Virginia; his brother, James Rosenbarger, and his father-in-law, John Arnold.

John built a remarkable career as an urban planner with The City of New Albany, serving the community with distinction for 47 years. John spearheaded and implemented dozens of projects and hundreds of improvements throughout the city. Some of his favorites to work on were the downtown YMCA, the Ohio River Greenway, and the South Monon Freedom Trail. His work reflected his deep commitment to the city and the region.

John was a graduate of New Albany High School and Indiana University Bloomington School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Growing up, John achieved the highest rank in the Scouts BSA program, an Eagle Scout. He often told stories about his Troop’s cross-country train trip through Glacier National Park to the National Jamboree in Farragut State Park, Idaho. Here, the Scouts watched the historic Apollo 11 moon landing on arena screens, and Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong sent a greeting to the Scouts from space. This trip sparked his life-long interest in public transportation, national parks, and NASA.

In no particular order, John liked: Popcorn. Sharing a birthday with Billy Bob Thornton. Milkshakes. The family dogs. The Saturn V Rocket. Loafers. Bike rides. Vacuuming. Flashlights. Formula-1 racing. Stunt kite flying. Hole-in-the-wall joints. Fishing. Cottage cheese. Kentucky Derby statistics. A specific White Castle mug for his coffee. IU Basketball. Music (Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughan). John appreciated traveling with others, and he enjoyed several memorable international trips with his wife and in-laws.

John will be remembered for his intelligence, wit, integrity, persistence, compassion, and ironic humor. He cared that the community could take care of its people. He gave of himself through volunteerism with many nonprofit agencies to expand housing options, increase food security, and ensure fair access to justice.

John’s life was marked by service, loyalty, laughter, and love. He leaves behind a lasting imprint on his family, his friends, and the community he so proudly served. Please join us in celebrating him with joyful remembrance, humor, and, as John always said when facing unknown challenges, “Good Luck.”

All are welcome to gather for a Remembrance Gathering on November 14, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, Southern Indiana, 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, Indiana 47150. A Celebration of Life will follow there from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, to honor John, please make donations to:

New Directions: Southern Indiana Repair Affair 1617 Maple St., Louisville, Kentucky, 40210, Phone: (502) 589-2272. 

Southern Poverty Law Center 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104, Phone: (334) 956-8200 or purchase Gift Cards to Grant Line Garden Center, for a perennial garden at River Crest Memory Unit courtyard, 2223 Grant Line Rd, New Albany, IN 47150, (812) 945-5676.