Richard E. Roberts

Richard E. Roberts, 89, formerly of Freeville and Owego, New York, passed away on March 9, 2026. Born in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, to Willard and Helen (Jennings) Roberts, he was the eldest child and only son, growing up in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, with his sisters Margaret Jane “Peg” Phillips and Eleanor Niven.

In 1959, Richard married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Cooper. Together they raised five children: Richard Bryan Roberts, Susan Kinney, Nancy Robertson, Jennifer Baker, and Rebecca Lockwood. They were blessed with 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, whom they cherished deeply.

A lifelong educator, Richard earned a Bachelor’s degree from Wilkes College and a Master’s from Trenton State University, with additional postgraduate work at Temple University and Faith Baptist Bible College. He began his career teaching junior high English and Social Studies at Council Rock Intermediate School in Newtown, Pennsylvania, later serving as a guidance counselor and moving to Holicong Junior High School in Buckingham. In 1977, he answered a call to Christian education, relocating his family to Freeville, New York, to serve as principal of Brooktondale Baptist School. He continued in educational leadership as principal of Lower Bucks Christian Academy in Levittown, Pennsylvania, and concluded his career as principal and administrator of Ross Corners Christian Academy in Vestal, New York, retiring in 2002. Throughout his years in education, he also coached wrestling and soccer.

Richard found joy in woodworking, repairing things, gardening, and cutting firewood. In retirement, he became an avid collector of milk bottles, delighting in the history of the bottles and the creameries they represented. Above all, he was a man of deep and abiding faith who loved the Lord and served Him faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, trustee, and through countless building projects at the churches he attended, including Dryden Baptist Church. In his later years, he worshiped at New Testament Church of Peruville in Groton.

He was predeceased by his parents, Willard and Helen Roberts, his sister Margaret “Peg” Phillips, his daughter-in-law Marie Roberts, and his great-grandson Bodi Wood. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Ruth Ann, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his sister Eleanor Niven.