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Jerry Roberts Obituary
Jerry Paul Roberts
A Tribute from
His Friends
Jerry P. Roberts, 58, lost his battle with cancer on July 3, 2008. He had many friends, including Dr. Richard and Janet Stram, Buzz and Karen Green, John and Nancy Ryclewski, Diana and Mike Fiato, Al Hoover, Casey and Mike Storti, Laddie and Roberta Vana, Heidi Carcano, Bill Kieswer, Jeff Delgado, Jay Mendelson, Robin Meisner, Robert Lindsey, the owners and friends of Castaways in Ithaca, to name a few. Jerry is a Veteran and served in the US Navy. He held a US Coast Guard Master Captain's license to operate tugboats and he was also the Capt. of the paddlewheeler Riverboat "Diana". To his friends, he was a multi-talented person. He was a Commercial Diver, steel fabricator, certified NRA pistol instructor. He enjoyed many hobbies: playing guitar, singing, fishing, farming, antique auctions, horseback riding, and drove horse-drawn carriages. He also like to box, fix antique radios and old cars. He was a Hamm Radio Operator, a Civil War enthusiast, and loved to ride motorcycles, especially his custom Harley Davidson. His memberships included American Legion, Hallstead, Pa., the NRA, and Sons and Daughters of Riverboat Men. We will miss you, Jerry. We would like to thank the staff of Lourdes Hospice.
On Wednesday, July 9, 2008, a Memorial Service will be held. The family will receive friends from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Christ Church, 10 Henry St., Binghamton. The Memorial will follow at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Danielle House in memory of Jerry P. Roberts.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Roberts
Roxie Acquisto
July 15, 2008
Jerry....what can I say? You lived life to the fullest and were envied by many. Our friendship over the years was special to me. The first time I met you was anothe one of those "JERRY" stories. In 1975, I was working in a bank in PA and you came walking in with a sawed-off shot gun! I said "You must be Jerry Roberts and that must be for Morris!" You confirmed...then I said "don't ever walk into a bank with a sawed off shot gun again"! From then on, we were friends. As everyone knows..the stories are endless. Jerry, you loved life and showed it in so many ways, the ride was phenomenal, as it should be. My friend.... have no regrets! You will be greatly missed and leave a void in our community and our hearts. God Bless you, your family and friends.
Aubrey Weibel
July 14, 2008
I've known Jerry since I was little, thru my parents and my Uncle Chuck, but it wasn't until I was an adult and started working at Casey's when I got to know Jerry. I spent many afternoons filling up his large coke and bringing him Casey's lunch special. I spent many days and nights laughing with him, Diana and the rest of the crew. There was always a new story to share and memories to be made. Jerry also took a few of my very dear friends under his wing and gave them a chance to shine when others simply wouldn't. That's the kind of man Jerry was...he always believed there was good in EVERYONE and somehow, he always found it. The last time I saw Jerry was at Spike's, on a day that I can honestly say was the hardest day of my life. Jerry pulled me aside and just put his arms around me. He shared his knowledge, his compassion and his understanding of the situation with me and THAT is what got me through that day and many since then. I never got a chance to thank him for what he did, for me or for my dearest friend. I just know that he's smiling, telling stories, making people laugh and reminiscing with all those he's now with once again. So, I hope you'll save a good seat for me Jerry and in the meantime, keep my dear friend outta trouble up there. I want him to still be there when my time comes. I'll miss you Jerry...my love and prayers are with Diana and your entire family.
Jim Alexander
July 12, 2008
I can attest that Captain Jerry Roberts,Captain of the USS Sink or Swim, the only recognized Captain of the Susquehanna River upper branch, ordered me to collect triple fares and confiscate all jewelry from all passengers before handing out life preservers when we scuddled her.
AAARE..Twas another good day of
Sailin, Captain!
Good People, Good Friends, who touched other peoples lives like you did, will always be fondly remembered.
Jim Alexander
July 12, 2008
I can attest that Captain Jerry Roberts,Captain of the USS Sink or Swim, the only recognized Captain of the Susquehanna River upper branch, ordered me to collect triple fares and confiscate all jewelry from all passengers before handing out life preservers when we scuddled her.
AAARE..Twas another good day of
Sailin, Captain!
Good People, Good Friends, who touched other peoples lives like you did, will always be fondly remembered.
Diane ,Tim,and Dia' Molinari
July 11, 2008
I can still see you Jerry ,iceskating with our daughter Dia' on one of our many trips with you and Diana.You gave us many memories .Know we will always be there for Diana and Nicholas.
Dan Glezen, Jr.
July 11, 2008
Always a pleasure to see his smiling face. I will never forget all the help that he gave me to rebuild my bridge that the flood of 2006 took down the creek. We will all miss his smile and kindness.
Denise & Stephen Lassiter
July 11, 2008
My dad Jerry Paul Roberts will be remembered forever. We miss you dad! You touched so many lives thru your work, relationships with friends & family. I remember riding in dad's duley and stopping at nearly every house on Main Street in Kirkwood as he made conversation with people he knew. I loved coming up in the summers (from NC) to spend weeks with dad getting up early to feed the horses . I was brought up in NC since I was 6 years old but still shared so many things in common with dad. Every day was an adventure with him. Dad was a very special kind of person that will live in our hearts forever! Thanks to everyone who shares memories. You are with Bobby now and I know you are in good company! WE MISS YOU!!!!!! Love always Denise & Steve Lassiter, Ricky Roberts, & Mom
Katherine & Warren Bacon
July 10, 2008
To Jerry's Mother, Diana, Nicolas and loved ones. We want to express our heartfelt condolences for the charming, kind and brilliant person you've lost. We had happy times with Jerry and Diana in Ithaca and on their boat and felt strongly his true love for the water and his personal power and caring. Part of his legacy will be the generous scholarship he and Diana gave to BCC in the form of a theater scholarship which has benefited a number of worthy students. Thank you again Jerry and we will miss your great spirit.
Bob Sherwood
July 9, 2008
Jerry was so full of passion for all that he did. we shared the love of the water and many hours we spent telling stories in my store. Enjoy the extended dive my friend. we will all expect to hear about your work when we join you. We will miss those unexpected visits. Take care. smooth skies, clear water. Best, Bob Sherwood and the All About Scuba family.
gerald smith
July 9, 2008
hi jerry
i think i met you when i was 3 or 4 years old. our parents didn't allow us to cross the street that much even though you were at least 5. i watched you make crystal radios when we were young.you showed me that if you can run fast enough a vat of gas will put out a lit match.
kirkwood of the 50's looks about the same but now theres a gap
obviusly theres some stuff needing fixing in heaven that needed your touch. please leave the key under the door
see you later
Suzanne Burnham
July 9, 2008
I'll never forget you Jerry. You always had a kind word and a warm smile for me. You truely left a mark on my heart that will forever remain. Thank you for your friendship. I'll look for you at the table on the deck at Kelly's for years to come...
James Terwilliger
July 9, 2008
As I write this I'm listening to Jerry sing Peaceful Easy Feeling, Thanks for the MySpace site! I had a few adventures with Jerry that I will never forget; He loved life and was always looking for ways to improve it. I pray for the Family and I to look forward to seeing him again,
in the service of our Lord.
Jason R. Green
July 9, 2008
So many things to say, so little room... Jerry, we'll all miss you. You taught me a lot in the short time I worked for you, both on the farm and at Pellegrino Marine. Thank you again and I will charish the memories forever.
Your friend always,
Sam Donahue
July 8, 2008
It has been years for me sense I have seen jerry but in the seventies he took a 46 ford out of a farmers field full of bullet holes and rust and turned it into a roadster type hot rod much to the cops dismay but thats another story he was always having fun it was a pleasure to have known him and worked with him sorry to hear of his passing may god bless his family
mike schallert
July 8, 2008
I dove with Jerry 15 years he was a good friend and story teller, farewell.
Pamela Harris
July 8, 2008
Dear Helen & family,
My prayers go out to you, I'm so sorry. Time will take away the heavy heart, Thank God for memories. I didn't know Jerry, but heard many interesting tales. I can only imagine the pain in losing a son or brother. God bless you all,and God will help in the sad days ahead. Love, Pam - Jennifer's Mom from Port St Lucie Florida.
Trista (Becker)Kiehle
July 8, 2008
I've known Jerry since I was a little girl! It was always a great joy of mine to go with my father to the house on the river or down to the farm. My father learned a lot from Jerry and he always treated us as part of the family. Jerry was an amazing man and I learned that you don't have to be passionate about just one thing in life but to be passionate of all things in life! He will truly be missed!
Carolyn Fitzgerald
July 8, 2008
I first met Jerry when he & my daughter Kathy were in a little band back in the '70's. When he and Diana had the Riverboat, I was on the "Maiden Voyage" with some friends. Once they took me out special for my birthday and took pictures by the Statue of Liberty. Had a great time. Miss that boat. My condolences to the entire family.
Amy Askew
July 8, 2008
My uncle Jerry was a terrific man. I will forever miss him. I can tell from all of the comments that everyone else felt the same way. To remember him I have set up a small web page in his honor. There are a few of his songs and all of the comments. Eventhough he is no longer here we can always remember how he made us all smile.
myspace.com/jerryrobertsmusic
Cheyenne Pisano (Brink)
July 8, 2008
I only remember Jerry from when I was a child,I remember his big smile and friendly laugh.He was a kind and funny man man.
Diana
July 8, 2008
To all of Jerry's friends. Thank you for the beautiful Obituary Tribute in July 8, 2008 Press and Son Bulletin for Jerry. You all summed it up beautifully. My heart is heavy and reach out to the family especially his mother Helen. It certainly was an experience of love and stories, perhaps a book some day. Love Diana
Jen Green
July 8, 2008
Jerry
There are so many things I will miss from your constant sparkle, to your entertaining nature, to your helping hand, generosity, paitence, your way with words, your tenderness for your mother, and your special way in which you called your brother not by his name but just that brother, to your warm embrace every time I saw you, I will miss them all and cherish all the wonderful moments we had with you. Family gathering won't be the same though we will do our best to honor your memory there is no replacement or honor great enough to fill your shoes. Though our hearts are heavy we must carry on with the same zest for life you taught us all to have. May you rest in peace, we love and miss you.
Mark Donovan
July 7, 2008
Where do I begin?N.Y.C.,Kirkwood,Florida Keys,Louisiana,Cayuga Lake..........?To everyone who knew J.R. know he is in the process of taking over.Soon Heaven will be equipped with more functional features than St. Peter ever knew were possible! For instance a Paddle Wheel Boat Tour,Brand New Pearly Gates with optional gas light ornamentation and finally have that leak in the pool that was directly over Broome County! Thanks J.R. no one but you!!!!! I will miss your smile,stories,friendship,& spirit,but most of all I will miss you.To you Jerry Paul Roberts Full Wind in Your Sails.....A Coin For the FerryMan......A Calm Sea to Cross.....A Tranquil Bay to Moor,for a last Journy Well Earned my Friend......ALL-ASHORE CAPTAIN ROBERTS ALL-ASHORE!
Anthony"Mr.Tony" Lovaglia
July 7, 2008
I was fortunate enough to recieve one of the C.D.'s that Jerry cut awhile back. Most were cover tunes mixed with a couple originals. I will ever cherish and enjoy the music, knowing it was Jerry singing.
Don Snyder
July 7, 2008
So Old Captain your ship has sailed to Blue Water and left us all upon the Dock saddened at your departure and wishing we had arrived in time to pay our respects and say our farewells.
We will remember your strengths, honor your service, and forgive the imperfections.
ARRRRG ME HEARTY....you were a pirate for sure.
Mel Rozen
July 7, 2008
Dear Family of Jerry Roberts,
I knew Jerry very well during the 1980's as he would come into my scrapyard in Great Bend, PA; buying parts for the Paddlewheeler he was building. We became very friendly and were invited to cruise with him on the Susquehanna.
When we moved from Binghamton to Juno Beach, FL in the early 1990's Jerry came to our home and bought a lot of our things; the piano; a beautiful bedroom suite; my father's camera and much more.
We were saddened to read this news in this morning's Binghamton paper on-line.
We send our heartfelt condolences to the entire family on your great loss.
Mel & Barbara Rozen
Juno Beach, FL
David & Heather Joines
July 7, 2008
We are very sorry to hear about Jerry. He was a good friend.
Melanie Goughary
July 7, 2008
It's been 20 years since I've seen Jerry but we sure had a blast! Either in Binghamton or New York City, Jerry sure had a way with people. He was really a sincere, kind man and my prayers are with his family.
John Carcano
July 7, 2008
Jerry-you were one of those special people who always stood out from the croud.When we met I didnt know how to take you but you soon proved to be a loyal and giving friend.I always wondered at all of your ventures and wished I could have been a part of all of them.I was fortuanate enough to be a part of several fun and exciting Jerry adventures.You will be missed and not forgotten.John Carcano
Charles Terwilliger
July 7, 2008
I knew Jerry all my life, we did a lot of things together, some crazy, some entertaining but all fun. We were rock stars together a few years ago. Jerry loved life, and went at it with a passion, no matter what he was doing in it. I remember that he always had a good story to tell every time I would see him. I will miss those stories as much as I will miss the story teller. I will see you again in a better place and I am sure Jerry will have a story for me again. Til I get there I'll will miss you my friend.
Alex & Norma Roberts
July 7, 2008
Aunt Helen & Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jerry was a great guy with lot’s of stories and laughs.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Gail Margaritis
July 7, 2008
Mrs. Roberts and family,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you the strength to get through this very difficult time. Know that there are friends out here who are praying for all of you. I remember Jerry as a good person who lived hard, worked hard and loved hard. Take comfort in your memories. Remember, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. God bless and take care.
Tom Bates
July 7, 2008
Sorry to hear about your loose, I knew jerry for a long time and was a one heck of a guy and will be missed
Heidi Carcano
July 7, 2008
You couldn’t see Jerry and not see his inner light.
To know him, an honor
Always watching his friends backs, always there to help-
His giving nature made his light dim over the years
God gave him Kim and happiness, his light shone bright again
I know my friend went happy…
They say “only the good die young” so I kidded him
and said he wouldn’t go anywhere-
Yet we all had the same fear, as we knew him as a good fine soul,
Who could always bring a smile to your face.
His memories shall live on in us all
Love always-
Heidi
Casey Storti
July 7, 2008
Thank you Jerry for showing Mike and I such a good time in NYC at a time when I was ill. I will always remember the horse and bugy ride you took me on down main street for my birthday. Jerry you were always a gentelman at Casey's ,ready with a funny story to entertain us. We will miss you
Casey Storti
John & Mary Parks
July 7, 2008
My husband & I knew Jerry from one of his adventures . . . cheesemaking!! Always pleasant and fun loving. our sincerest sympathy.
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