Roy D. Roberts passed away peacefully in West Palm Beach, Fla., at the age of 91.
Roy is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Lula of West Palm Beach, Fla.; children: Donna Gill (Roberts) (daughter), Mike Gill (son-in-law) of Lake Worth, Fla. and Roy D. Roberts (son) of Palm Bay, Fla.
He leaves to mourn him, his older brother, Calvin Roberts and family (N.Y.); grandchildren: Alaina Perry (N.C.), Eliot A. Roberts (Fla.) and Sierra Gill (Fla.) as well as great-grandchildren: Dailan, Laila and Ava Duncan, and Jayden Roberts.
Roy is preceded in death by his parents: Cecil and Anna Roberts; sisters: Gloria Singho and Ruth Freeman; and brother, Charles Roberts. (N.Y.).
Roy was born on May 17,1927, in Harlem, N.Y., to Cecil and Anna Roberts. He attended Thomas Knowlton Jr. H.S. and graduated from Samuel Gompers Technical H.S. where he studied for and passed the FCC Radio Telegraph examination. When he graduated in June 1945, he joined the U.S. Merchant Marine Service as a radio-telegraph operator serving for six months; after which, he enlisted in the Army Signal Corps, serving for three years and eleven months before an honorable discharge. After leaving the military, he began working for the U.S. Postal Service.
Roy met and married his love, Lula (a registered nurse), on April 16, 1960. Over the next four years, the couple welcomed two children into their home and relocated to the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1965. Their children, Donna and David, remember their dad as a kind, loving, hard working person who was a friend and counselor to many in their community. They remember that he was, along with their mom, one of their fiercest supporters and was a wonderful example of what a life well lived looks like.
Roy worked at Harvey Alumina for several years and the Virgin Islands Police Department, and he was an accomplished electronic technician. Roy decided to become a business owner and opened and managed Roberts Electronics for more than 25 years. He was generous, loving, had a great sense of humor and was especially passionate about children and education.
Roy spent many years as a commander in the Civil Air Patrol and as a mentor to children, finally becoming a certified middle school math teacher in Palm Beach County, Fla., at the age of 75. He continued his legacy as a mentor, assisting with the Office of African and African American Studies, serving as a community liaison during workshops, training sessions and the Summer Institute. His life experiences and stories helped bridge the resistance to implementing the curriculum and provided for a more open dialog.
He was active in his home church, Lord God of Sabaoth Lutheran Church St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, serving as a deacon and singing in the choir. He continued his service to the Lord as a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Lake Worth, Fla. and Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Palm Beach, Fla. Roy was also active in the local chapter of the American Legion on St. Croix.
A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m., Dec. 21, 2018, at Quatelbaum Funeral Home and Crematorium, 5411 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33417 with a reception to follow at the same location. Reverend Daniel P. McPherson will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Roy’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society in his name or donate books to a local elementary school in his name. Roy will be put to rest at the South Florida VA National Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the West Palm Beach Veterans Hospital and Hospice for their diligent, respectful and loving care of Roy.
