David J. Roberts Jr.

June 16, 2013

David J. Roberts Jr., 89, of Shenandoah, passed away Sunday morning at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.

Born in Shenandoah, Feb. 18, 1924, he was a son of the late David J. Sr. and Adele Kuchinsky Roberts.

He was a 1941 graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah.

Roberts was a decorated World War II Army veteran. He attained the rank of first lieutenant as a tank platoon leader with the 702nd "Red Devils" Tank Battalion under General Patton. His decorations and citations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, ETO Ribbon with two Battle Participation Stars, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal.

David retired from the former J.J. Newberry's as retail manager.

He was a member of the former First Baptist Church and A.P. Damato Medal of Honor American Legion Post 792, both of Shenandoah.

On May 25, 1946, he married the former June M. Knyrim, his wife of 67 years who survives.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, is a sister, Elizabeth Kieres.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two sons, David J. Roberts III, Jersey City, N.J., and Keith J. Roberts, Palm Springs, Calif.; a daughter, Cheryl J. Roberts, Sandyston, N.J.; a brother, Owen Roberts, Shenandoah; two sisters, Agnes Hopkins and Jean Twardzik and her husband, Theodore "Ted," all of Shenandoah; nieces and nephews.

Religious and military services will be held at noon Thursday at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah. The Rev. Neil Smith, Pastor of the Bethel Primitive Methodist Church, Shenandoah, will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at 2 p.m in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Relatives and friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of service Thursday morning at the funeral home. Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah, is in charge of the arrangements. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.woffuneralhome.com.