George Henry Roberts

In Loving Memory of George Henry Roberts

Father, Son, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Husband, and Friend

Dad passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family, holding their hands as he took his final rest. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, brother, and loyal friend. Dad leaves behind a legacy built on love, resilience, and enduring connection.

Dad was born on July 30, 1946, at Riverview Hospital in Red Bank, New Jersey, to Catherine Roberts (née Ely) and Norman Roberts. He spent his early childhood on the family farm, nestled in a bucolic setting in what was then the rural section of New Monmouth, Middletown with his brother Norman. Later, the family moved to Red Bank, where Dad enjoyed an idyllic childhood on Bassett Place.

A mechanical engineer by trade, Dad had a lifelong love of tinkering and solving problems. He never refused to help anyone who needed it, always ready with a tool in hand and a thoughtful solution. His career in marine engineering took him across the globe, nurturing his deep love for exploration and adventure, and allowing him to experience the world with curiosity and gratitude.

Throughout his life, Dad found joy and peace in the outdoors. Whether it was taking his young boys skiing and camping, kayaking with friends and family, or spending quiet moments in nature, he embraced every opportunity to be outside. His late son Michael helped ignite and propel his deep passion for cycling, which led Dad on countless bicycling expeditions across the country alongside his closest friends and family. He loved taking his grandchildren camping, sharing stories by the fire, or simply enjoying the warmth of an afternoon fire in his backyard. Some of his most cherished moments were watching sunsets with family-especially alongside his beloved wife, Maffy.

Dad's journey with Mom began on September 29th, 1978 in the Dominican Republic. From the very beginning, their relationship was filled with adventure, deep commitment, and an enduring bond that would define the decades to come. In 1982, they began a new chapter together in the United States, settling in Matawan by the late 1980s. On March 22nd, 1987, during a beautiful spring day as the blooms began to emerge, they were married-marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in love and shared dreams. They eventually made their home in Aberdeen in 1994. Throughout their life together, they found joy in both grand adventures and quiet moments-whether traveling the world, enjoying sunsets along the shores of Sandy Hook or Keyport, or gathering with their children and grandchildren for cherished family trips to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.

Though his career led to relocations in places like Chesapeake, Virginia; Slidell, Louisiana; Panama City, Panama; and Sao Paulo, Brazil, he always made sure to keep Mom's happiness at the center of every decision. No matter how far his work took him, he tried his hardest to keep the family close by-returning often to their Strathmore home so Mom could tend her flowers and be surrounded by their grandchildren during the warmer seasons.

In retirement, Dad and Mom found comfort and joy as snowbirds in Fort Myers, Florida, where Dad discovered a love for pickleball and embraced the natural beauty and peaceful sunsets of their winter home. They enjoyed many Florida winter nights settled by the fire, sharing a quiet glass of wine and simply being together. Their journey was a testament to love that endures, adapts, and continues to bloom in every season of life.

Through his marriage to Maffy, Dad was blessed to welcome three daughters into his life. They became a loving part of his family, and he cherished each of them as his own. These daughters-Emma Huerta-Diaz, Marangelly Whitford, and Johanna Penagos-along with their spouses and children, brought great joy and pride to Dad for many years .

Dad was the loving father of five sons. He had four sons - James, Michael (deceased), Christopher, and David Roberts - from his first marriage to Christine Roberts (née Menosky). His son Brian Roberts was born from his loving marriage to Maffy.

Dad is survived by his brother Norman Roberts and sister-in-law Deana, and was a proud uncle to Ryan Roberts and Courtney (Liv) Roberts.

Dad is survived by James and his wife Victoria, and their children, Zachary and Megan, all of whom he cherished deeply. He is also survived by his late son Michael's wife, Donna. Dad's son Christopher and his wife Anna Roberts carry forward his legacy of love and kindness with their children. His son Brian and his wife Christine are the proud parents of Noah, Eden, Tatum, and Henry, cherished grandchildren, who filled Dad's life with pride, love, and unforgettable memories. Dad is also survived by his son David, with whom he enjoyed many adventures. Dad is survived by his daughter Emma Huerta-Diaz, married to Manuel Diaz, parents of John Fernandez and Nicole Fernandez, with whom he lovingly shared his wisdom and found joy in watching each of them come into their own. His daughter Marangelly Whitford, married to Brian Whitford, and their children include Angelly Soto, mother of Dad's great-granddaughters Maddie and Mia Csak, who brought joy to his life with their sweet smiles and boundless energy. Michael Soto, Marangelly's son, is married to Mairelyn Gonzalez Soto, and Dad was incredibly proud of their beautiful family.

Dad's daughter Johanna Penagos, married to Alexander Penagos, has two children, Robert Penagos and his wife Jessica Vitucci Penagos, parents of Dad's great-grandsons Rio and Renato Penagos, whose laughter gave him deep fulfillment. Their daughter, Alexandra Penagos, gave him joy in her boldness and unwavering sense of self.

Dad's love for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was the cornerstone of his life. He cherished every moment shared, every lesson passed down, and every laugh that echoed across generations. His grandchildren - Zachary, Megan, John, Nicole, Angelly, Michael, Alexandra, Robert, Noah, Eden, Tatum, and Henry- held a special place in his heart. Each one brought their own unique joy, warmth, and light into his life, and he took immense pride in watching them grow and flourish. His great-grandchildren - Maddie, Mia, Rio, and Renato - were a special light in his life and a reminder of the enduring bonds he helped create.

Dad always valued family above all and cared deeply about seeing his loved ones live their lives fully, passionately, and on their own terms. He believed in embracing happiness, cherishing each moment, and encouraging others to do the same. With a genuine "live and let live" attitude, he created space for everyone to be themselves, offering quiet support, understanding, and unconditional love.

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." - Thomas Campbell

In lieu of flowers, Dad requested that donations be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Gifts can be made online at:

https://secure2.convio.net/mskcc/site/Donation2?df_id=20394&20394.donation=form1

In accordance with Dad's wishes, there will be no public service. A private family gathering will be held.