James Vincent Roberto

Age 102, of Hampton Twp, Formerly of Pittsburgh passed peacefully on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Jim was born July 6,1923 on the former site of the Civic Arena. Beloved husband for 52 years of the late Ann (Calabrese) Roberto. Dear father of Philomena Roberto (Ray Hanley). Loving grandfather of Ryan Jaehne. Preceded in death by his parents, Carlo & Elizabeth (Lucatorto) Roberto, his son Mark Roberto, and siblings, Fred Roberto, Tina Cuscino, Eugene Roberto and infants, Carlo and Angelo. Also survived by 3 additional grandsons, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and his faithful dog, Gracie. Jim was a 1941 graduate of Connelley Vocational High School. He sold newspapers in front of the city - county building after school. He was an accomplished musician as a child, playing accordion and singing weekly on the Betsy Ross WWSW radio program. Jim felt that it was his duty to enlist and joined the Navy at age 19 in April, 1943, World War II. He served aboard the legendary USS Minneapolis, CA - 36 cruiser as a Petty Officer First Class radio technician. Jim was the recipient of fourteen engagement stars and eight ribbons for his service in the South Pacific, Philippines and China. During one battle, he seriously injured his knee when an explosion threw him from the deck, requiring a trip to Australia for surgery. He did not regain complete mobility but returned to his ship. He witnessed many servicemen lose their lives and survived two typhoons and many air attacks and for over a year he did not touch land. After returning home, he joined his father’s construction business and worked for the boilermaker’s union as a foreman and superintendent. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading and following current events. Jim lived a life defined by courage, dedication, and love. He grew up during the Great Depression and persevered through economic hardship. Jim was recently honored as a World War II Centenarian veteran at Rocky Bleier’s Roll Call for the Greatest Generation event. Jim has been a great role model with his positive attitude, calmness and patient demeanor. In his eyes, he was ageless. 

Family and friends are welcome 5-8 PM Thursday, July 17, 2025, and 2-4 & 6-8 PM Friday, July 18, 2025, WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp. 15220 (412-563-2800) Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Saturday, July 19, 2025, in St. Paul Cathedral, Fifth Ave. & Craig St., Pgh, 15213. (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH) Burial in Calvary Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations to St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, for Friends of Senior Ministry. A special thanks to the Friends for Seniors Ministry and his friends, Tom Rooney, Chuck Sestini, Steve Osborne, Carly Apaliski and the Visiting Angels companions who helped so much to enrich Jim’s life. 

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