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RALPH ROBERTS Obituary
The entire University of Pennsylvania community is deeply saddened by the passing of Ralph J. Roberts, distinguished alumnus, honorary Doctor of Laws, Navy veteran, visionary business leader and extraordinary family man and humanitarian. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Suzanne, and their family, to whom Ralph was so deeply devoted. On behalf of our faculty, students, staff, the Penn Medicine Board of Trustees on which he served, and the countless patients treated at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center established by the Roberts family, we salute his memory. Ralph's exceptional commitment to our University, the City of Philadelphia and our nation was nothing short of inspirational. His legacy is a world made better by his time in it. David L. Cohen, Board Chair, and Amy Gutmann, President, University of Pennsylvania; Mark O. Winkelman, Chair, Penn Medicine Board; J. Larry Jameson, Dean, Perelman School of Medicine; and Ralph W. Muller, CEO, University of Pennsylvania Health System
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Memories and Condolences
for RALPH ROBERTS
Harriette Chiavacci
March 13, 2017
Remembering Mr. Ralph Roberts on his Birthday. Brian, on the 50th Anniversary of Comcast I remember him saying something like "appointing Brian was one of the best decisions I have every made".
Benjamin Spunt
December 23, 2015
My sincere condolences to Ralph's friends and family. Ralph touched many people in wonderful ways and was respected in the industry as a man of his word.
I recommend to anyone to read his story in the book the "Incredible Dream," about his career and the development of Comcast. Also a great book to contrast to is "Father and Son Company," about Thomas Watson the founder of IBM. Both books have many interesting similarities, and it is worth contrasting them too.
Ralph enjoyed working with his son Brian Roberts to grow Comcast and develop the company from its pioneer days through the high tech developments as an internet, entertainment and communications leader. Recognizing that a cable company needed more than wires it needed content and above all else people and teamwork.
I worked at Comcast from 2008 - 2014 and found that in such a large company there was a spirit of a much smaller organization, where there was compassion and kindness and I like to think that it was Ralph's inspiration to treat people well that kept such a large company small and innovative where it counts.
Ralph and many at Comcast also saw the need to give back. Comcast Cares day is an annual event where employees help those in their communities throughout the United States. Comcast also helps connect families to the internet who could not afford it otherwise with Internet Essentials with an emphasis on supporting education. Many other areas such as sponsoring community centers and schools often go unnoticed, but I like to think that many people have benefited from his far reaching leadership and kindness.
May Ralph's inspiration as a gentleman and businessman with integrity continue to be a source of pride and cornerstone to everyone of what a business can be and lead others to be their best.
Respectfully,
Benjamin Spunt
Property Manager and Real Estate Broker
Benjamin Realty
September 9, 2015
Work for Mr. Roberts for 10 years and he was the best example of a giant I ever encountered.
Ted Goodman
July 1, 2015
Brian, your father is an inspiration to all of us young, telecommunications attorneys!
Vickie Salandy
June 30, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this heartbreaking time. There's nothing I can say that will ease your pain but I want you to know that as part of the Comcast Family of Employees, I celebrate Mr. Ralph Roberts' life and legacy with you. My deepest condolences.
The Pratt Family
June 29, 2015
Mr. Roberts was a great example of "how to set a goal and achieve it." He planned well, counted the cost to engage in business ventures, and displayed a generous spirit after becoming successful. His respectful communication style when dealing with others is worth emulating. How impressed I am that Mr. Roberts shared his business sense and success with his sons. He is to be greatly admired, and I believe his loved ones are just as proud. Be assured, loved ones, that he is even more precious in God's eyes. My condolences to the family!
Barbara Lukens
June 28, 2015
Dear Brian, Your father was the greatest!
June 22, 2015
My deepest sympathy on your loss. May time heal your broken heart and your many fond memories replace the pain that you are feeling now.
May
June 22, 2015
With deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. May it comfort you to know that he will return to the days of his youthful vigor as promised at Job 33:25.
Big Penny
June 22, 2015
Philly Limo Tycoon Big Penny Sends Best Wishes To His Long Time Friend Ralph Roberts Family !!!
June 22, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
June 21, 2015
Please accept my condolences. Keeping in mind the scriptural hope of everlasting life can help sustain you. John 17:3
June 21, 2015
May the most High God comfort you as you mourn the loss of your loved one. (Ps. 83:18)
D Tyler
June 20, 2015
Expressing my sincere condolences to the Roberts family. May your family and friends find comfort and peace from God's word that soon there will be no more death. Isaiah25:8.
Clyde
June 20, 2015
Sorry for your loss. May all have comfort in knowing that one day sickness & death will be gone forever.
K G
June 20, 2015
My condolences for the loss of Ralph. His accomplishments in the telecom industry really paved the way for many others. May God be your refuge. 2 Samuel 22:3
amy dotolo
June 20, 2015
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lynn
June 20, 2015
Dear Roberts family I am sorry for your loss. Cherish a life well lived.Draw close to God in prayer and He will draw close to you during this difficult time -James 4:8.
Rob Saunders
June 19, 2015
I know your heart is feeling heavy. My hope and prayer for all of you is that each day your hearts will feel lighter and lighter from the loss you are feeling, until one day only sweet memories remain to comfort you. X Suburbaner/Comcaster *Philadelphia*
June 19, 2015
Dear Brian and Family, we all send our love and condolences to a wonderful Father and Son from Turner Broadcasting System & The Family Channel, Alumni. God Bless, Ron Harris
Susan Coulter
June 19, 2015
I only meet Mr Roberts once in the 29 years here at Comcast but he left a lasting impression. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Roberts family and my fellow Comcasters who were close to him.
Isabel M
June 19, 2015
My deepests sympathy for the family of Mr Ralph, may the God of tender compasion mend your broken hearts, and give you peace and hope at this time of sorrow.(Psalms18:2,5,6).
Adrian Barnette
June 19, 2015
We'll miss you !
Gloria Rempfer
June 19, 2015
I work for Comcast Spectacor I have met Mr. Roberts on many occasions he was a dear and pleasant man always asked me if his tie was on straight. ughts and prayers go with my prayers go out to his family Sorry for your loss
June 19, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. May the peace of God we with Mr. Roberts family and friends.
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