Dr. William R. Rousseau, MD

SALEM - William Roberts Rousseau, M.D., of Salem passed away Monday, May 20, 2019 at the age of 82. He practiced medicine as senior partner in Salem Anesthesia Associates at Salem Community Hospital for three decades and was a beloved member of the community.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 22 at 12:00 Noon at the First United Presbyterian Church in Salem, with calling hours from 10:00 a.m. until the service.  Dr. Rousseau was a long-time member of the church, where he assisted with numerous church projects. He also volunteered and sponsored work in the AID program, which assists residents of the county with short-term basic needs, for many years.

Survivors include wife, Kay Peters Rousseau of Salem, son, Jeremy Rousseau of Ball Ground, GA, daughters, Gwyneth Rousseau of Salem and Mariah Rousseau of Columbus; step-son, Rob Grim of East Palestine; grandchildren, Alec Rousseau Tuohy of Tampa, FL, Olivia Rousseau Santos of Columbus, Riley Grim and Cooper Grim of East Palestine; sister, Joan Argetsinger of Montour Falls, NY, and brothers, Jean Rousseau of Lenox, MA, Bob Rousseau of California, and Ray Rousseau of Stow. Dr. Rousseau was preceded in death by his parents Winifred Roberts Rousseau and Arsene Rousseau. 

He was born February 18, 1937 in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Rousseau grew up in Youngstown and graduated from The Rayen School in 1955. He then graduated from Ohio University in Athens and from The University of Cincinnati Medical School.  He completed his internship and residency at the Youngstown Hospital Association in 1966.  He served as a captain in the United States Army as a doctor in the Vietnam War for two years, for which he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. 

An avid pilot, Dr. Rousseau enjoyed thrilling the skies over Salem in his bi-planes several times each week and served on the Columbiana County Airport Board. During his more than 50 years in aviation, he received the Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award given by the FAA and was named 2010 Flight Instructor of the Year by the FAA Cleveland Flight Standards Office.

After his retirement, Dr. Rousseau enjoyed spending time with his wife Kay at their second home in Naples, FL, to escape the Ohio winters. The couple also loved quiet time with their pets at their restored 1860’s farm on the Salem Reservoir. Dr. Rousseau was a Classical music enthusiast and aficionado throughout his life and was a 40-year member of the Salem Golf Club. 

Donations may be made in his memory to AID of Salem (AID, P.O. Box 762, Salem, OH 44460  www.AIDofSalem.org).

A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church. Calling hours will be held 10:00 a.m. – 12 Noon Saturday at the church.

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