Obituary of David Roberts

In Memory of

David W. Roberts

1942 - 2024

David W. Roberts passed away, June 04, 2024, at the age of 82 at Shepherd Home Hospice after an extended illness, with his family by his side.

David was predeceased by his father, William Roberts and his mother Alice (Rankin) Roberts.
He is survived by his wife, Karen and his sisters, Marilyn Mitchell and Donna Chandler, as well as his children Michael Roberts, with wife Genevieve; Gerald Roberts; Angela Cabrera, with husband Will; and Andrea Schamberger, with husband Nicholas. His grandchildren are Jack Roberts, Josiah, Nathan, Isabelle, Micah, Evan, and Elyana Cabrera and Cosette and Evangeline Schamberger.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 15^th, at 3:00 PM at Grace Covenant Church, 224 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 14624.  The service will be followed by a reception with light refreshments in the fellowship hall.  Everyone who attends the service is invited.
      
David was born May 4, 1942, in Marquette, Michigan, but lived many years in North Chili, NY, and later in Rochester, NY. He graduated from Caledonia High School and Roberts Wesleyan College. After 37 years of teaching high school English and drama at Byron Bergen High School, he retired in 2002. During his career, he directed and acted in plays, at times coached the tennis team, and was an approachable teacher to whom many students confided.  He also spent several years teaching after school in various prisons for Genesee Community College. He occasionally said that one of the greatest compliments was when a student said of him, “The man made me think.”

David loved to read and write stories and poetry.  He was a singer who sang solos, directed choirs, and for a time sang in the Rochester Oratorio Society.  He also led worship for many years at Grace Covenant Church.  He led home Bible studies, preached and led singing at the Open Door Mission, and taught Sunday School classes. 

During a season of serving with his wife at a Salvation Army corps in Rochester, he was appointed as the Prayer Ambassador there.  During certain summers, he was an assistant cook at Salvation Army Camp Troutburg, then at Higher Ground Day Camp, and later at Camp Men-o-Lan. This was his way of supporting his wife’s summer camp ministry work.

Known for his faith in Jesus Christ, his love for family, and his caring words of encouragement for others, he was loved and respected by many.  He was quick to pray for others who had needs. He was a gifted teacher of literature, critical thinking skills, drama, and the Bible.

Around fifty years ago, David wrote this poem:

OBIT

At the news of my birth,
My parents, theirs,
Aunts and Uncles --
All were smiles.
Well, not all –
My mother, a virgin to PAIN
Probably greeted my
Little virgin ears with screams.
That smile would have to wait.

At the news of my death,
My family, my loved-ones,
Both those I love and
Those who love me will
Weep, I suppose, some more
Than others, I suppose.
But as with birth notices,
There will be other reactions.
My enemies  -- yes there are
a few – will cheer, perhaps
Quietly within themselves,
But cheer, nonetheless, they will.
“I thought he’d died years ago!”
“You’re right; it’s about time.”
“The world is a better place.”
I can hear them now.

Guess; just you guess, which
Side I’ll be on!  Me and Jesus
Will be cheering an everlasting
Cheer heard all through the
Heavens – echoing, perhaps,
The earthly ones?
“It surely took you long enough.”
“Yeah, it’s nice to be home.”