Frederick Roberts

Fred Roberts, 94



Fred Roberts, 94, of  Punxsutawney, died Wednesday, June 14, 2017, peacefully at home.



He was born October 31, 1922, in Robertsville, a son of the late Jenny (Barletta) and Frank Roberts.



He was married to Margaret “Peggy” C. (Smith) Roberts, who survives.



Fred was a veteran of WWII and served from 1942 to 1946. He was a Major in the United States Air Force where he flew a P51 Mustang as a fighter pilot for the 354th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Group in Europe. He remained active in the Air Force Reserves for twenty-eight years.  He was a founding member and director of the 355th Fighter Association and enjoyed attending reunions worldwide for the past 40 years.  



Fred was a lifelong member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Church of Punxsutawney. In 2011, he was honored with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, known as the “Cross of Honour”.  This is the highest award given by the papacy to honor service.


Mr. Roberts made his career at the family business, Frank Roberts and Sons, Inc., where he served as the treasurer of the company for over 60 years.  After returning from the war, he founded and was the sole owner of the F.J.Roberts Squib Company.



Mr. Roberts served on the Board of Directors of the Punxsutawney Hospital and played a key role in the construction of the current hospital.  He was a charter member of the Jefferson County Planning Commission, Director for the Big Run Bank, Treasurer of the former North American Carbon Company, a member of the Corn Cob Club, an early supporter of the American Chestnut Foundation, a lifetime member of the Elks, and a member of the American Legion and VFW.


Fred never stopped.  He never stopped enjoying the things that made his life rich.  He never stopped working. He never stopped hunting, fishing, gardening, or beekeeping.  He enjoyed his annual trips to Alaska.  He was never more happy than when surrounded by his family or off on a project with his friends.   He was a masterful storyteller and a wonderful teacher.  He was funny, and he always knew the best way to do everything.  


In addition to his wife, surviving relatives include eight children; Pat Kennedy and husband Bruce of Akron, OH, Barb Haas and husband Joe of Sioux Falls, SD, Joan Beck and husband Rick of Penn Run, PA, Frank Roberts and wife Sharon of Punxsutawney, PA, Fred Roberts of Kodiak, AK, Judy Dwyer and husband Dennis of North Potomac, MD, Julie Roberts of Philadelphia, PA, and Mike Roberts and wife Carole of Punxsutawney, PA, a sister Elsie Gigliotti of Punxsutawney, thirteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.


In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Esther Moore and two brothers, Ralph and Bill Roberts.


Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 16, 2017, at the Deeley Funeral Home, Punxsutawney.


A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 17, 2017, at SS.C.D. Church with Monsignor Joseph Riccardo officiating.


Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Punxsutawney.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SS.C.D. Church, 616 West Mahoning Street, Punxsutawney, PA 15767, or to the Punxsutawney Area Hospital, 81 Hillcrest Drive, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.


Online condolences may be made at www.deeleyfuneralhome.com.