Robert J. Roberts, 70, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 in Punxsutawney, PA.
Bob was born on the day that ended World War II – VJ Day, August 14, 1945, in Punxsutawney, a son of the late Dorothy L. (Lauer) and Ralph F. Roberts. That day outside of the Adrian Hospital, as well as across the country, people were celebrating in the streets. He was celebrated for the next 70 years.
On October 19, 1973, he married Karrin (Chapman) Roberts, who survives.
Roberts attended S.S.C.D for nine years and graduated from Punxsutawney Area High School in 1963. He attended and graduated from the University of Notre Dame where he earned a degree in business administration. He enlisted in the US Army, serving three years in Germany. Upon his return home, he went into the family business, Frank Roberts & Sons.
Bob was active with his church, S.S.C.D., serving as a lector. Roberts was a treasurer for State Representative Sam Smith, a former member of the board of directors of the Punxsutawney Country Club, a past president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and a former member of the Chamber of Commerce. He also mentored many students who came through the Punxsutawney High School.
Bob was a member of the board of directors for Groundhog Little League. He served as secretary for years, applying for grants that helped continue the Little League organization in Punxsutawney. He was a coach for 16 years. Bob was instrumental in building the Little League, Senior Little League and girl’s softball fields in Punxsutawney. When you couldn’t find Bob, it was probably because he was mowing the fields.
Bob was a member of the Groundhog Club Inner Circle, donning a top hat and tails on Groundhog Day, since 1991, affectionately called “His Protector.” He was Chair of the Marketing Committee, Gobbler’s Knob Building Chair, and Picnic Co-Chair. He did bus tour presentations, school visits, tours at the Knob with students, organized the elderly care gift drive, and always helped with the trail at the Knob. He set-up and then cleaned up after every Groundhog event.
Bob was Punxsutawney’s Man of the Year in 2010.
Although Bob will be remembered for his achievements and contributions to the community, he will be most remembered for his huge heart, his generosity, and his kindness. He had a big, beautiful garden that provided produce for his entire extended family. He loved to be in the garden. He will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends.
In addition to his wife Kerrin, Bob is survived by his three children Luke Roberts and wife Mandy (Ahwesh), Zach Roberts and wife Julie (Petrovsky), and Maryl (Roberts) McGinley and husband Dan, his six grandchildren, Jacob Kunselman, Rex, Fox, and Max Roberts, Daley and Wynn McGinley, his three sisters Ann Jesick, Nancy Dobson, and Jean Brown, and many nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his brother Don and mother and father.
Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m., Sunday, April 17, 2016, at the Deeley Funeral Home, Punxsutawney.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, April, 18, 2016, at Ss.C.D. Church, with Monsignor Joseph Riccardo officiating.
Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Punxsutawney.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Punxsutawney Groundhog Little League, Ss.C.D. School, or the Patient Care Fund at the Punxsutawney Area Hospital.
Go Irish!
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