J. George Roberts

J. George Roberts, 89, of Ft. Myers, FL, died Wednesday, May 20, 2015. Formerly of Pasadena, CA and Warren, MI, he had been a Ft. Myers resident since 2003. He was born July 7, 1925 in Peoria, IL, the son of Harry J. and Gertrude E. (née Peyton) Roberts. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy (1943-1945) and earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1949. He worked in the automotive industry as an engineer predominantly at Ford Motor Company in the Detroit, MI metropolitan area where he raised his family. He enjoyed books, photography, golf, thoroughbred horses, basketball, and sports in general. His adopted local sports team was the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Eagles, and he enjoyed attending basketball games and other events at the university during his time in Fort Myers. He also enjoyed speaking with and corresponding with family and friends. Most importantly he loved his family. Mr. Roberts is survived by his wife Patricia Roberts of Fort Myers, FL; sons, George K. (Melissa) Roberts of Greensburg, PA and Thomas J. (Kathleen) Roberts of Ft. Myers, FL and; brothers, Harry (Erika) Roberts of Wichita, KA and Richard (Anna) Roberts of Columbus, OH; sisters, Joan (Howard) Frieden of Pasadena, CA and Mary (James) Pittman of Naperville, IL; grandchildren, Paul Uvanitte of Calabasas, CA, Ashley (Bobby) Steele of West Mifflin, PA, Nathan Roberts of Owasso, OK, John (Jamie) Roberts of Hershey, PA, Ryan Roberts of Fort Myers, FL, and Michael Roberts of Fort Myers, FL; and one great grandchild Aiden Steele of West Mifflin, PA. He is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his daughter Sheila Crockett and daughter-in-law Linda Roberts. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at Our Lady of Light Catholic Church, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Ft. Myers. Burial with Military Honors will take place at St. Stephen Cemetery, Fenwick Street, Framingham, MA 01701 on Monday, August 10, 2015 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the University of Illinois. He loved the Fighting Illini and often reminisced with fond memories of the institution he loved. Any memorial contributions can be addressed to Ms. Chelsea Hamilton, Alice Campbell Alumni Center, 601 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801. Please designate any memorial contribution to the memory of J. George Roberts. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home.

J. George Roberts

July 7, 1925 - May 20, 2015