Janusz Ryszard Roszkowski, a prominent Polish journalist and diplomat, passed away on February 25, 2023, at the age of 97. His son confirmed the news, marking the end of an influential life dedicated to journalism and public service.
Born on March 11, 1928, in Łapy, Poland, Roszkowski’s early years were shaped by the tumult of World War II, during which he worked as a lathe operator at the Railway Repair Plant. His political career began when he joined the Polish Workers' Party and later the Polish United Workers' Party, allowing him to transition from student life to significant roles within the government.
After graduating from the Academy of Political Sciences in Warsaw in 1951, he began his career at the Polish Press Agency (PAP) just two years later. Throughout the 1960s, he served as the agency's correspondent in Berlin and later as the head of its Bonn branch from 1963 to 1967.
Roszkowski’s leadership at PAP, serving as editor-in-chief and president from 1972 to 1986, solidified his position as one of the leading figures in Polish media. His tenure coincided with significant political changes, allowing him to navigate complex media landscapes during and after communist rule.
After the pivotal elections of 1989, Roszkowski was appointed Extraordinary Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark, where he served until 1991, marking another chapter of his distinguished public service career. This role not only highlighted his diplomatic skills but also emphasized Poland’s efforts to establish modern relations with Western nations.
The acknowledgment of his contributions as both journalist and diplomat resonates within the Polish community. His funeral will be held at 1 PM on March 6 at Powązki Military Cemetery, where many will pay their respects. This event is expected to be attended by colleagues, former diplomats, and many whose lives he touched throughout his extensive career.
Roszkowski’s legacy is one of resilience and dedication to the truth, qualities he displayed throughout his long and challenging career. Though he has left us, his influence on Polish journalism and diplomacy will endure, inspiring future generations to uphold the standards he set. The reaction to his passing speaks volumes about his character and the respect he garnered over decades of service.
Many journalists and politicians have started posting tributes on social media platforms, sharing anecdotes and expressing condolences. His ability to connect with people through his work made him not just a journalist, but also a respected figure across various spectrums of society.
Janusz Roszkowski will be remembered not only for his work but also for the way he carried himself as he faced challenges and paved the way for future media practitioners and diplomats alike. Those who had the privilege of knowing him or working alongside him recognize the immense void his departure leaves.
His commitment to informed journalism, to democracy, and to representing Poland on the international stage placed him among esteemed figures who shaped the country’s media narrative. Roszkowski’s life was devoted to serving his nation, and his legacy as one of Poland's great journalist-diplomats will not be forgotten.
The funeral service reflects the respect and recognition from the public and media sectors, showcasing how one individual’s work can leave lasting impacts. It marks not just the end of his life, but the closing chapter of an era for the Polish press and its standing on the world stage.