Richard Evan Roberts

Richard E. Roberts, 89, formerly of Freeville and Owego NY went home to be with the Lord on March 9, 2026. Richard was born in Wilkes Barre, PA to Willard and Helen (Jennings) Roberts, the eldest child and only son of the couple. Richard grew up in Plymouth, PA alongside his sisters Margaret Jane “Peg” (Ralph) Phillips and Eleanor (Carl) Niven.

Richard married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Cooper, on June 19, 1959. The couple went on to have 5 children. Richard Bryan (Marie) Roberts, Susan (Daniel) Kinney, Nancy (Charles) Robertson, Jennifer (James) Baker and Rebecca (Nathaniel) Lockwood. They were the proud grandparents of 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren whom they loved very much.

Richard was a lifelong educator. He graduated from Wilkes College with a Bachelors in Education and earned a Master’s degree from Trenton State University. He also did some post graduate work at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa and Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa. Richard began his career as a teacher of junior high English and Social Studies at Council Rock Intermediate School in Newtown, PA before becoming a guidance counselor and eventually moving to Holicong Junior High School in Buckingham, PA. In 1977, Richard felt called to Christian education and moved his family to Freeville NY where he had taken a position as the principal of Brooktondale Baptist School. After Brooktondale they moved back to PA and he was the principal at Lower Bucks Christian Academy in Levittown, PA. Richard finished his career as the principal/administrator of Ross Corners Christian Academy in Vestal, NY from which he retired in 2002. Richard also coached wrestling and soccer throughout his career.

Richard had many hobbies throughout his life. He enjoyed woodworking, fixing things, gardening and cutting firewood. After retirement he became an avid milk bottle collector and had amassed quite a collection. He loved to talk about the history behind the bottles and creameries they came from.

Above all else, Richard was a man of deep faith. He loved the Lord and served Him in many different capacities throughout his life. He was a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Trustee and helped with many building projects at the various churches he attended, including Dryden Baptist Church in Dryden NY. In his elder years Richard attended New Testament Church of Peruville in Groton.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Willard and Helen Roberts, his sister Margaret “Peg” Phillips, his daughter in law Marie Roberts and great grandson Bodi Wood. 

A Funeral service will be held to celebrate Richard’s life on Saturday March 21, 2026 at 1 pm at the New Testament Church of Peruville in Groton, NY. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Syracuse Rescue Mission.