Obituary of Roland K Jahn

Roland Jahn

Rudolstadt, Thuringia, Germany - Philadelphia, PA

Roland Jahn, a renowned artist in the American studio glass movement and beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather passed away on November 13, 2023, at the age of 88. Born in Rudolstadt, Thuringia, Germany, and raised in Wuppertal. While attending the University of Bonn, he was awarded the Fulbright and Brittingham scholarships to the University of Wisconsin, sparking a lifelong passion in glassblowing, ceramics, and sculpture. He later moved to Philadelphia, where he significantly contributed to the art community. 

Roland was an artist and educator, known for establishing the first glass furnace in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood and creating the glassblowing program at the Philadelphia College of Art, now the University of the Arts. His works are celebrated in prestigious collections, including the Delaware Art Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Corning Museum of Glass.

Beyond his professional achievements, Roland was a loving husband to Marian, with whom he shared a vibrant home filled with creativity, laughter, and an open door to friends and community. He was a father to Peter, Gabe, Sarah, and Aaron, and a loving grandfather to Skyler, Jacob, and Noah. He is leaving a legacy of love, strength, and creativity.

A memorial service to celebrate Roland's life will be held on November 21, 2023, where friends and family will honor and remember him. His life was a testament to the power of art, family, and community. Roland's memory and artistic legacy will continue to inspire and touch lives for generations to come.