Richard D. “Dick” Roberts, 85 of Indiana, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2023, in at Indiana Regional Medical Center. He was born on April 30, 1938, in Mt. Pleasant, to the late Richard and Gwyneth (Dando) Roberts.
Dick graduated from Tamaqua High School and then furthered his education receiving both his bachelors and masters degrees in Physics at Penn State University.
Dick taught physics at IUP for 36 years retiring in 2002 and was honored with the title of professor emeritus. While at IUP he served as department chair.
He served as the treasurer of the Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees and was a board member of the Ruth M. Smith Center. Traveling extensively with his wife of 59 years, Betty (Swanson) Roberts, he enjoyed reading about health and wellness as well as biblical studies. Dick loved serving his church, Trinity United Methodist Church, where he served on the Pastor Parish Relations and Finance Committees. Even as his health declined, Dick served as an auditor at Trinity.
In addition to his wife, Dick is survived by his children Timothy (Melanie) Roberts of Arlington, VA, Daniel (Rita) Roberts of Chester, VA;, and Jeffrey (Debra) Roberts of Prospect, PA; grandchildren Sarah, Emily, Antonio, Christopher, Elijah and Grace Roberts; and brothers Donald (Alice) Roberts of Fayetteville, PA and James (Donna) Roberts of Pittsburgh. Dick was an extremely proud father and grandfather.
In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by a brother Charles Roberts.
Friends will be received by the family on Friday, August 4, 2023, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home, Indiana. Additional viewing will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 10 AM until the time of service at 11 AM in the Trinity United Methodist Church, 398 Church Street, Indiana, with Rev. J. Patrick Lenox officiating. Burial will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Dick to Trinity United Methodist Church or the Foundation for IUP.
To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.bowserminich.com.
