Dr. Richard "Dick" Roberts' Obituary
Dr. Richard “Dick” Roberts, age 87, of Rocky River, Ohio, passed away on October 7, 2023, after a brief illness related to complications of COVID-19 and pneumonia. He was born on October 28, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Dr. Harry B. Roberts and Rose (Margolis) Roberts.
Dick held a quiet, calm, and kind demeanor and was liked by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. He had a generous and fair nature, always comforting and supporting those close to him.
Dick attended John Marshall High School in Cleveland and went on to further his education at The Ohio State University in Columbus, where he was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, earning his DVM degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine. Shortly after graduating from college, Dick joined his father as a veterinary partner at Roberts, Wagner & Wendt Animal Hospital in Lakewood. The practice, which was one of the first small animal hospitals in the Cleveland metro area, was started by his father in 1934. There, he dedicated the entire 40+ years of his career to the care and rehabilitation of small animals. Dick met the woman who would become the love of his life, Pat, as a client at the animal hospital. They married in 1964, and then in 1966, they built a house in West River Estates in Rocky River, remaining together until Pat’s passing from Alzheimer’s in 2016. Dick spent, a total of 56 years in that house, before moving very recently to assisted living in April 2023.
In his free time, Dick found enjoyment through photography and by crafting home movies; a number of which he won awards for. During the warmer months, he could often be found outdoors bicycling alone or with his son, Dave. Bicycling became a true passion of his in his younger days. Over the course of many years, he and Pat had several cairn terriers whom they cared for and loved dearly, and a number of cats as well to keep them company. This includes his cat “Oscar”, who sadly died very recently from a previously-undiagnosed autoimmune disorder, all while Dick was undergoing his final days of treatment for pneumonia before passing away himself.
Dick is survived by his children Rachel Ann Roberts of Cleveland, David Sheridan Roberts of
Morrison, Colorado, daughter-in-law Stacey, and his granddaughter Sydney Rose of Morrison,
Colorado, his sister and brother-in-law Lynne (Roberts) and Ivan Bial of Weston, Florida, five
nieces, one nephew, and several cousins in the Cleveland area, with whom he grew up and
maintained contact throughout his whole life. He was preceded in death by his father, mother,
and beloved wife, Patricia (Sheridan).
The family wishes to thank the staff at Devon Oaks; the Lakewood Center for Family Medicine team; and Hospice of the Western Reserve for the compassionate care they provided to Dick.
Per his wishes, a private, family service has been arranged to honor Dick's life.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Berea Animal Rescue Friends, P.O. Box 544, Berea, Ohio 44017, in memory of Dr. Richard Roberts and Oscar. https://www.bereaanimalrescue.com/donate-today/
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