John Roberts

Longtime resident John Roberts passed away in Sedona on August 29,2024, at the ripe old age of 95. Until as recently as July, "Poppa John" was busy bossing around his children and grandchildren and telling bad Dad jokes. Born to an artist and a businessman (Helene and Walter Roberts), he grew up in the New York City area. He graduated from Malverne High School in Long Island, and went on to major in civil engineering at Cornell University, where he played lacrosse and pledged Delta Upsilon. He met the love of his life, Jean, on a double blind date. They switched partners and never looked back. John and Jean married in August of 1951; a partnership that lasted for 57 years.

After graduation, he served his two year Air Force ROTC obligation and went to work for ARMCO. He spent his entire career with the steel manufacturer, winning an award as a "Million Dollar a Year" salesman. He took early retirement, leaving as a senior product manager at corporate headquarters in Middletown, Ohio.

John and Jean raised their children primarily in Centerville, Ohio, in a neighborhood that celebrated holidays with community family fun events and neighbors who often vacationed together. The end of the Roberts driveway was the summer evening gathering spot for all the local kids. John was renowned for his annual July birthday barbeques (adults only) featuring his famous potato salad, and macaroni salad. Rumor has it that city police are still mystified by a 911 call complaining about outside Fourth of July fireworks but the arriving officers only found a bunch of adults sitting around inside the house playing bridge. "Roberts Family Fun Days" found the Roberts daughters pulling crabgrass, sweeping the garage, or scooping up organic matter left behind by any one of many beloved family dogs. John was always a shoulder for his children to lean on, and sometimes to swoop in and rescue, his own kids and others. John was a women's rights supporter before that was popular, encouraging the girls to pursue their passions. This was a man, after all, who proudly wore the t-shirt: "You can't scare me. I've raised daughters". 

Moving to Sedona, John and Jean embraced the southwest lifestyle. They hiked, collected art, hosted parties, and traveled often to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. John became President of the Sedona Art Center and facilitated a million dollar grant for the organization. He campaigned for the successful passage of a $60 million dollar sewage bond issue. He went back to his childhood interest in painting and continued his interests in gardening and investing. He considered building permits a suggestion rather than a requirement, and happily added on an art studio and cactus garden room to the house he designed.

The Roberts daughters followed their parents to Arizona, bringing three grandsons with them. John and Jean attended endless sporting events and school activities, and hosted boisterous family and holiday meals, noted for lovely food, liberal libations, and lively conversation.

Left to celebrate a life well lived are his daughters Lorrie (Lynn) Hardy, Lesley Evans, and Lindsay (Rick Whipple) Roberts, and grandsons Derek Whorton and John Evans, along with step grandchildren Dana Huitron, Wendy Whorton, Laura Wilson. Tomas (Sarah) Hardy, Nick (Betty) Hardy, and three great grandchildren, along with his dear friend Mary Heybourne, formerly of Sedona.

Leaving this life before John were his wife, Jean, infant son Bruce, grandson Ryan Evans, step granddaughter Jennifer Hardy and son in law Dr. David Whorton, along with his parents and sister Phylis Robinson. No public service will be held. The family will hold a private ceremony at a later date. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association.

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