Richard J. Roberts
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Greece: Passed away Monday, June 18th in his home from complications of a stroke he suffered last month. Raised in Canastota, New York, to Clay and Margaret Roberts, Richard loved the outdoors growing up. His family moved to Syracuse where he attended Liverpool High School. After graduation he attended Ranger School in Wanakena, NY and then spent several years in the Adirondack Mountains as a lumberjack before being drafted into the Army during the Korean War.After being honorably discharged, he attended the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University where he received his bachelor’s degree. He then moved to Rochester, NY where he worked at General Dynamics for a few years. After the company shut down its Rochester operations, Richard was offered a position at Xerox where he worked for over 30 years. Richard was an avid runner for several years competing in 10K races and he eventually ran and completed the Buffalo Marathon. His love for nature frequently kept him outdoors where he would work in the backyard on his water garden and several other landscaping projects. He was an active member of the Town of Greece Tree Council, whose goals are to preserve and improve the natural beauty of the Town of Greece’s suburban forest. He was also passionate about antiquing with his wife of 49 years. Richard is survived by his wife, Rita; his son John and his wife Christie and their son Jason; his daughter Lauraand her husband Larry and their son Alex; his sister Jane and her husband Joe; and in-laws Lily, Tony, Ronnie, Joe and Carol; as well as several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday, June 22nd, 3-5 P.M. at Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home, Greece Chapel, 1075 Long Pond Road. His Memorial Service will be held, following visitation at 5 P.M. in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Forests (www.AmericanForests.org), the oldest national nonprofit conservation organization in the country, which advocates for the protection and expansion of America’s forests.
Although I only met you a couple times I enjoyed getting to know you. I appreciated your knowledge, wisdom, kindness and wit. Rest in peace.
Dear John, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. I am sure that wonderful memories of a life well-lived will help sustain you during this time of mourning. Warmest regards, Harriet Lipson
Dear Rita, John and Laura My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow, I know he was a great father, husband and source of inspiration for your family. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies and know we are thinking of you all. Love, Karrie, Frank and Natali
Dear Rita, John and Laura, My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. When I think about my childhood it is definitely filled with goods memories of ‘The Robert’s’. Such a great family full of love and craziness. Mr Robert’s great smile and laugh, the way Dick and Rita would pick on each other. I hope the love that makes your family special continues to give you strength and peace at this very difficult time. Much love to all of you and your extended family. Stephanie
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Dick at Xerox where we spent many hours as he helped us implement/certify the manufacturing enviromental standards. With his passon and humor we got it done. Many fond memories. He will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. You are a warm and loving family and you are all a fond memory of my high school years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. ~Sandy
I thought I had submitted this earlier this week but I guess it didn’t take. Sorry. My deepest sympathies go out to your family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Love George
I will always remember Mr. Roberts as a kind and good man. We sure tried his patience sometimes, John. Your family is my thoughts and prayers. May God watch over you all and help you through this difficult time.
Many pleasant memories both at General Dynamics and Xerox. We swapped compliments and insults through he years as well as a few ‘jabs’ as the occasion warranted. Our sincere sympathy, thoughts, and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
May the Lord bless you and give you comfort in this time of loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ms Roberts, Laura and John, Laurie gave me the news of Richard’s passing. I wanted to thank you all for his service to our nation. We are all indebted to him for his sacrifices in Korea and all he did for our country’s landscape here at home. The conversations that I enjoyed so much with him at your home will always stay with me. Laurie and I mourn his departure with all of you. Thank you for sharing him with us. by grace, Boe
The laughter, sense of humor and love of family and the great outdoors will be a memorable legacy for such a dear man.
We love you all and we will miss Uncle Dick so much! I have soo many fond memories of him and those will always bring a smile to my face. I love you! Janet Mars