Obituary of Richard Roberts

Richard Copp Roberts died at his home in East Norriton Tuesday morning, October 20th, after a brief illness, with his loving family by his side.

Richard (also known as Dick) was born in Philadelphia, PA on October 18, 1923 to the late George Reid Roberts and Ruth V. Copp Roberts. He was raised by his parents, the late Edwin F. Tait, MD and his wife Arita E. Copp Tait of Norristown.

Dick was a 1942 graduate of Norristown High School, and played trumpet in the band that won the state championship under director Damon Holton in 1942. He was an Ursinus College graduate in 1949, earning a B.S. in Biology. He continued his post-graduate education at Temple University, earning a Masters of Education in 1954.

He was a World War II veteran, European Theater, from March 1, 1943 to March 17, 1946. He served with the Ordinance Co., Base Command, Narsarssuak Greenland from August 1945 to March 1946.

He was a member of Central Presbyterian Church of Norristown since January 4, 1948, serving as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and Elder throughout the years.

Dick was a school teacher at Marple-Newtown High School from 1949 til 1950. He was a sixth grade teacher at Burnside and Marshall Street Schools from 1951 to 1962. Aquatic Director, Norristown YMCA Summer Camp Yomechas from 1958 til 1962. He was Supervisor of Science and Mathematics for Perkiomen Joint School District from 1963 til 1964. He served as an Elementary School Principal, Perkiomen Joint and Perkiomen Valley School Districts from 1964 til 1978. After a year off, Dick changed careers, and worked in the Montgomery County Court House Clerk of Courts Department for 20 years.

His hobbies included being a FCC licensed Amateur Radio Operator (W3TWQ) since 1952. Dick was a FAA licensed pilot since 1972, single engine planes. He also enjoyed painting and cooking, but his greatest love was music from the time he was 12 years old. He played multiple brass instruments in various Big Bands in the 1950''s and 60''s. He greatly enjoyed being assistant director of the LuLu Temple band.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, A. Jeanette (Lemon) Roberts, his sons R. Wayne of Norristown, Wm. Bruce (Janet), John Mark (Nenette) , and Thomas E. (Maria) all of Lower Pottsgrove, and one daughter, Deborah (Bob) Barber of Harleysville, Pa. One brother, Edwin C. Tait, MD (Margery) of Harleysville, Pa. Seven grandchildren, Rebecca J. (Rob) Kostenbader, Matthew (Brittany) and Aaron T. Barber, Jeanette and Jacob Roberts, and Shannon and Nicholas Roberts. Four great-grandchildren, Sabrina, Brianna, Sierra, and Dylan Kostenbader. Numerous nieces and nephews, and one cousin Beverly Jack of Annapolis Md. He was predeceased by his son J. Keith Roberts of Norristown, and sister Jeanne Jernigan of Florida.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund, 1740 Walton Road, Suite 100, Blue Bell, PA 19422, or a charity of your choice.