Robert Lee Roberts

1935 - 2024

Robert Lee Roberts

May 2, 1935 - May 21, 2024

Robert L. Roberts, 89, of Charlottesville, VA, passed away on May 21st. A native Texan, he was the son of Louise Cunningham Roberts and Arnold Ripple. Rob was raised in Tacoma, Washington, and graduated from Stadium High School before attending the University of Houston where he studied radio and tv broadcasting.

A lifelong aviator, he was an Air Force Cadet. Rob went to initial flight training in Del Rio, TX, and flew numerous aircraft in the Air Force. One of his many assignments was in the 322nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron. Honorably discharged as a Captain, Rob's eyes were set on friendlier skies, and he joined United Airlines originally as a customer service agent until they started hiring pilots again. It did not take long for him to get back in the air, and Rob started what became a very long career "Flying the Friendly Skies of United" for the next 36 years. Often referred to as "a Captain's Captain," Rob commanded many different aircraft, seeing all of the great United States. Rob was one of the very fortunate people who loved his job and going to work as a pilot.

It was through friends at United that Rob met his wife of 59 years, Ellen Nolan, who was a United Stewardess at the time. Rob and Ellen made their home in Sleepy Hollow, IL, for 31 years where they raised their two children: daughter Tracy and son, Jeff. Active in local government, Rob served as a Sleepy Hollow Village Trustee for 22 years with his area of responsibility being building inspection.

Policy required that Rob retire from commercial flying at age 60, and he started scouting warmer climates for the retirement years ahead. Rob and Ellen moved to the Austin, TX, area in 1998, and he felt like he had finally returned home. In between rounds of golf, and always a lover of BBQ, Rob would take long drives to wait in line at some of the more remote 'joints' just to get a good slab of ribs.

To know Rob is to understand his love for his family. Rob was a son, brother, brother-in-law, husband, father and father-in-law, and everyone who knew him loved him dearly and will cherish his memory. Rob is survived by one brother, David Roberts (Sarah) of Scottsdale, AZ; a son, Jeffrey of Rolling Meadows, IL; a daughter, Tracy Burpee (Craig) of Charlottesville, VA; and his devoted wife, Ellen. Rob was predeceased by his brother, James Roberts (Ivanka) of Carmel, NY; his mother, stepfather and father.

Special thanks to the caring staff at Rosewood Village, Martha Jefferson House and the Hospice of the Piedmont, all located in Charlottesville, VA, where Rob spent his last 3 ½ years. A memorial service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church in West Dundee, IL, on Saturday, July 27th at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the parish hall. Interment at St. James will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Hospice of the Piedmont in memory of Rob. www.hopva.org.