Daniel McDonald Roberts, Jr.

Dr. Daniel McDonald Roberts, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, scholar, veteran, pastor, and historian, aged 77, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, at his home in Ft. Lauderdale, FL surrounded by his loved ones. He left behind a life rich in purpose, intellectual pursuit, and dedication to his family and craft. Born on October 8, 1947, in Carthage, North Carolina, Dan’s life was defined by a deep commitment to education, faith, family, and the transformative power of history.

He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel McDonald Roberts; his mother, Frances Taylor Roberts; his brother, John Palmer Roberts; and his grandsons, Daniel McDonald Roberts, IV and Alexander David Lee Roberts.

He is survived by his devoted spouse, Mario Mejia Roberts; his loving children, Heather Joi Elizabeth Roberts, Kathleen Taylor Roberts, and Daniel McDonald (Carolyn) Roberts, III; his cherished grandchildren, Ava McKenzie Hunt and Gerika Joi Grace Gill; his faithful sisters, Frances Roberts (Jacob Martin) Cope and Julia Roberts (Ned) Gibson; his Mother-in-Law, Margarita Soto Castillo, and many other beloved relatives. He was treasured by countless friends, colleagues, and students.

A distinguished academic, Dr. Roberts served as professor and program chair of liberal arts in the School of Professional & Continuing Studies at the University of Richmond. Upon retirement from 25 years of service, the university bestowed Professor Emeritus status in recognition of his distinguished career. He was also the visionary executive producer and host of A Moment in Time, the internationally syndicated public radio program he created and launched in 1993. Through this award-winning series, Dan brought history to life for millions of listeners with insight, wit, and depth. The acclaim garnered by the A Moment in Time series helped propel his published works, Master American History in 1 Minute a Day and Master Presidential History in 1 Minute a Day.

Dan’s path of service began with a Bachelor of Arts in history from Presbyterian College in 1969, followed by his commission as an officer in the U.S. Army. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star in 1971 for his exemplary service. After returning home, he pursued religious studies, earning a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1974. He went on to serve congregations as a minister in churches in Bluefield, WV, Nashville, TN, Darlington SC, and Richmond, VA. He was honored to serve as guest chaplain of the United States Senate in August 1986.

In 1990, he earned a master’s degree in history from the University of Richmond, and in 1997, completed a Ph.D. in early modern British history and American colonial history at the University of Virginia.

A gifted communicator beyond the classroom, Dr. Roberts was a frequent columnist and contributor to Education Week, USA Today, Scripps-Howard newspapers, and the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He appeared regularly as a history commentator on CNN, CNN Headline News, and Fox News. A man of many talents, Dan was also a skilled jazz pianist, a voracious reader, and a dedicated world traveler—often journeying to historic sites around the globe in pursuit of new insights and stories to share with his students and audiences.

Dan was a true renaissance man, known for being a charismatic entertainer and gifted orator. Talents he wielded with great success in his many roles as a minister, educator, and public speaker. Whether in the classroom, on the airwaves, or at the piano, Dr. Daniel Roberts inspired those around him with his passion for learning and his belief in the power of storytelling to connect generations. He will be remembered always for the wisdom he shared, the lives he touched, and the legacy he leaves behind.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the VA Veterans team, Dr. Neirmala Washington, and the hospice care team (Audley Littibudare, Katherine Sosa Benggio, Suzan Hopkins, Tamara Litchmore, Rosa Rogers, and especially Frances Berquis Lopez) for their compassion and support during Dan's final days.

In honor of Dan’s deep commitment to learning and higher education, Mario, Dan’s husband, kindly asks that, in lieu of flowers, you consider making a contribution to the college fund established for his beloved grandchildren, Ava and Gerika Joi (“GJ”) — a gesture that reflects Dan’s lifelong dedication to nurturing the next generation, and a way to pay it forward in tribute to all he did for others through his work and his life as a passionate educator and inspiring leader.

Dan poured his heart into education and believed deeply in the power of knowledge to transform lives — a belief he wished to instill in his granddaughters, whom he adored beyond measure. Helping to support their future in his absence would be a true gift to him and a wonderful way to honor his legacy.

Click here to donate: 

https://gofund.me/f9ba74e7