Richard Roberts Ph.D.

Richard "Dick" Roberts, PhD, of Bethlehem, passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at St Luke's Hospice House in Bethlehem.  He was the loving husband of Rochelle" Ricki" (Perelman) Roberts for the past 58 years.  Born in Atlantic City, NJ, He was the son of the late Harold O. Roberts, and the late Marion (Hoffman) Roberts. Predeceased by his sister Barbara Lawn. Richard was a member of Congregation Keneseth Israel Synagogue, in Allentown PA.    Richard was a Mechanical Engineer and a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Lehigh University for 40 years until retiring.  Richard earned his bachelor's degree from Drexel University, and his master's degree and PhD from Lehigh University.He is survived by daughters Lori Mukai (Steven), Lisa Meyerson (Stuart), and son Scott Roberts.  He will be missed by his grandchildren Emily, Jason, Samuel, Benjamin.During his career, Richard consulted on countless engineering projects. He worked on the restoration of The Statue of Liberty. He also consulted with the architecture firm of I.M. Pei on the construction of The Jacob Javits center in New York city. He also participated in the design, construction and erection of the RCA antenna on Tower 1 of The World Trade Center. Fatefully, Richard was in New York on September 11, 2001, bearing witness to the tragedy of that day.He was a devotee of the opera, and a season ticket holder for many years at the Metropolitan Opera. He also enjoyed vodka, Coca Cola, cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. His great passion was traveling and he and Ricki travel all over the world. In 2017 they embarked on what would be their last and most memorable trip, a month-long safari in South Africa.Services: 1 pm Tuesday January 8th, Congregation Keneseth Israel 2227 West Chew St, Allentown, Pa 18104.  A burial will follow at Keneseth Israel Cemetery, in Allentown.  Services are handled by the Bachman Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 17th and Hamilton Streets, Allentown.Contributions: Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Keneseth Israel or the Morning Star Rotary Club, of Bethlehem.Visitation will take place at the Roberts home Wednesday January 9th, and Thursday January 10th between the hours of 7pm to 9pm.