John M. Roberts IV

1920 - 12

John M. Roberts IV, great grandson of the founder of John M. Roberts & Sons Jewelers, the oldest family-owned jewelry store in America, passed away Monday, June 4, 2012. Born Dec. 3, 1920, in the family home on Forbes Avenue, Mr. Roberts graduated from the Mt. Lebanon High School and went on to receive his undergraduate degree from Harvard University in 1941. Mr. Roberts enlisted in the U.S. Airborne Infantry in 1943 and went on to serve in the Navy as a lieutenant aboard the U.S.S. Braine and U.S.S. Barker which operated in the North Atlantic Theater. Mr. Roberts returned back to Harvard after the war where he received his MBA from the Harvard Business School in 1947. Mr. Roberts was the treasurer of John M. Roberts & Sons Jewelers from 1947 to 1952 and went on to become the president and treasurer of The Patterson Foundry & Machine Co. in East Liverpool, Ohio, and then treasurer, president and chairman of The American Paper Products Co., from 1955 until his retirement in 1985. According to his children, "The single greatest achievement and most extraordinary characteristic of our father was his compassion for others and how that compassion compelled his fellow workers to achieve extraordinary heights not only within the workplace but most important, in their individual lives. Our father was a shining example of integrity, modesty and honesty. His hand was always outstretched to help others and among those who knew him, most would say that he was the kindest soul they had ever met." Mr. Roberts is survived by his wife, Sally, of 62 years; a daughter, Randy Daubert (John), of Lincoln, Neb.; a son, Dr. John M. Roberts V (Susan), of Cincinnati, Ohio; a son, Richard C. Roberts (Sandy), of Sewickley, and a son, Loughrey H. Roberts, also of Sewickley, Pa., as well as eight grandchildren. Funeral arrangements by COPELAND FUNERAL HOME, 412-264-1390. Following a private memorial service on Thursday a reception will be held for friends and family from 4 to 6 p.m. at the home of Jack and Sally Roberts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to www.doctorswithoutborders.org,">rel="nofollow" href="http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org">www.doctorswithoutborders.org, 212-763-5779, or dollarsforscholarsfoundation@gmail.com.">rel="nofollow" href="mailto:dollarsforscholarsfoundation@gmailcom">dollarsforscholarsfoundation@gmail.com.