Obituary published on Legacy.com by Cox-McNulty Funeral Home - Wadsworth on Jan. 27, 2026.
WADSWORTH - Edward "Earl" Roberts, 88, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in
Cleveland, Ohio, April 30,1937, to Lucille "Goggin" and Edward Earl Roberts Sr., he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Patricia "Pat" Walsh Roberts.
Preceded also in death by sisters Audrey McCaw, Mary Lou Cranston, and Marilyn Eso, and granddaughter Shawna Stevens. Survived by sister Kathy (Russ) Noto: children Jean (Herb) Tolle, Bonnie (Phil) Krueger, Mike (Patty) Roberts, Dr. Sharon (Dan) Fitzsimmons, Mary Ann Roberts, Dan (Suzanne) Roberts, and Kathy (Marty) Marrin: 16 Grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Earl graduated from St. Peter's High School, Mansfield, Ohio, where he met his wife, Pat. He started his career in the newspaper industry as an apprentice at the Cleveland Plain Dealer, working his way into printing sales including many side jobs to support his family. Earl enjoyed his work in sales where everyone was his friend. He retired at age 75 and enjoyed a great many travels, Ireland his heritage, being his favorite. Each time they were packed and ready for a new adventure with their RV, Earl would tell Pat, "Let's hit the road, Babe!"
He was a great support to his community and church in many ways. He coached pee wee football and taught religion classes. He especially enjoyed his 27 years serving St. Vincent de Paul Society in various capacities and supported Knights of Columbus Fish fry for years. He faithfully attended daily Mass as often as he could.
Earl loved to be active with hobbies including sign language, camping-RVing, cycling, working out, playing piano, and of course traveling. He played softball until he was 80-years-old. In his later years, he loved playing cards and meeting his buddies for breakfast. Though he struggled with chronic pain for the last several years, he maintained his positive outlook and upbeat attitude.
Most of all, Earl cherished his family. He will be remembered for his crushing hugs and hand shakes, his open-palm "love taps" on his grandkids cheeks, and his sense of humor. Earl was a strong leader, and a steady source of love, guidance and truth for his family and community.
A visitation for Earl will be held Friday, January 30, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Cox-McNulty Funeral Home in
Wadsworth, Ohio. A funeral mass will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus in
Wadsworth, Ohio with interment at River Styx Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul with Sacred Heart of Jesus in
Wadsworth, Ohio (https://osvhub.com/shofjesus/giving/funds/st-vincent-de-paul).