William Bradley "Brad" Roberts

William Bradley "Brad" Roberts, 52, of Cazenovia died peacefully in the early morning hours of November 2, 2025 with his beloved wife, Rebecca, by his side. Brad was born in Austell, Georgia on April 4, 1973 to Diane Shepherd Roberts and James Kent Roberts. The middle child, he and his siblings Kevin and Kristie, shared a strong bond and fierce love. As an infant, Brad had cancer, which was treated successfully and gave him and those who loved him 52 years to enjoy his beautiful smile and infectious, booming laugh.
He graduated from South Cobb High School in 1991, where he played soccer and made friendships that lasted until his dying day. The love and support of those teammates and friends is a testament to his generous spirit and caring personality. Brad was a graduate of Reinhardt College in Waleska, Georgia and Berry College, in Rome, Georgia, where he studied history and education. While at Berry, he met Rebecca, and they became close friends. That friendship bloomed into love, and the two were married in 1995, and recently celebrated 32 years of friendship and commitment.
After a brief stint in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for Rebecca's graduate education, the couple returned to Rome, Georgia in 1999. They made that city their home for nearly twenty years. Brad worked as a CPA and in banking during that time, having graduated with an MBA from Berry College in 2003. Blessed with a giving heart, Brad was active in many not-for-profit and professional organizations, particularly those supporting the education of young people.
Brad was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Rome, Georgia, where he made deep and lasting friendships, and served in leadership and ministry roles. This was to be a pivotal part of his life, as Rebecca followed a call into the priesthood. Always a supportive spouse, he moved with her to New York City in 2017, where she completed a degree at General Seminary. While there, Brad was an active member of the seminary community and enjoyed hosting dinners for seminarians, including cooking the Thanksgiving turkey in their apartment oven for the annual seminary community meal. Always an amazing and creative cook, it was a treat to be invited for one of Brad's dinners.
During his time in New York City, he began working at the Episcopal Church Foundation, an organization in whose mission he believed and work that used all of his professional talents. Working remotely with ECF as Associate Endowment Manager allowed him to move easily as Rebecca graduated and took a call in Marietta, Georgia at St. Catherine's Episcopal Church. Brad made an impact on many folks during his time there with his willingness to serve, his ability to deeply listen to others, and his positive attitude.
In 2022, Brad and Rebecca moved to Cazenovia, New York, when Rebecca became rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Although a lifelong southerner, Brad adopted Central New York as his new home - he loved everything about the area, even the winter! Brad and Rebecca were truly a team in life and ministry, and he, again, was an integral part of the church community. He had an ability to make people feel seen, heard, and validated. Always more comfortable in the background than in the spotlight, Brad used his talents quietly, to serve God and to make his corner of the world a better place wherever he lived. His strength, joy, and kindness will be missed deeply, but will live on in those who had the privilege to know him.
Brad was preceded in death by his parents James Kent Roberts and Diane Shepherd Roberts. He is survived by his wife Rebecca Nuchols Roberts; his brother, James Kevin Roberts (Lori); his sister, Kristie Roberts Vance (Ed); sisters-in-law, Genora Nuchols Eley and Susan Nuchols Hall; nine nieces & nephews and four great-nieces & nephew that he loved as if they were his own children.
A funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Cazenovia NY at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the parish hall. A celebration of life will take place in Rome, Georgia at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 10 Mill St., Cazenovia, NY 13035, to CazCares, 101 Nelson, St., Cazenovia, NY 13035 or the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Georgia, P.O. Box 2939, Rome, GA 30164 or online at bgcnwga.org/donate. Condolences for the family may be left at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.