John Donald Roberts

John Donald Roberts (82) of Milford, DE passed away on May 7, 2024 peacefully at the Delaware Veterans Home where he lived for the last few months of his life. John was born December 7, 1941 to Utley and Wilma Roberts, was raised on the family farm, and graduated from Milford High School in 1960.  He attended Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, PA and then earned degrees in Applied Science and Electronic Engineering Technology, both from the Capitol Institute of Technology in Kesington, MD.  He proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1966-1970 as an electronics technician and was stationed in Japan.  After marrying and leaving the service, John and his family spent many years in Southern Maryland where he worked for defense contractors writing computer code.  John returned to Milford after his retirement to care for his aging mother and stayed on the family farm.  He was very involved with and committed to the American Legion Post 3 in Milford, cooking many breakfasts, collecting donations for Poppies, participating in Memorial Day events, or volunteering for any other patriotic duty he could find.  He held several positions with the Legion and was named Legionnaire of the Year in 2005.  John was a proud veteran and loved the freedoms of America.  He also enjoyed spending time at West Side Restaurant in Milford where he daily ate breakfast, drank endless cups of coffee, and commented on the news.  He attended Cedar Neck Church with his extended family. While John lived very frugally, he was incredibly generous to his family and numerous charities. 

John is preceded in death by his parents, his son Sean Christopher Roberts, and his wife Patrice.  He is survived by his loving son Craig Roberts and his wife Niecy.  He was a very proud and devoted father. John bravely faced diabetes and kidney disease, enduring dialysis three days a week for many years.  In his last years, he was greatly blessed by his caregiver, Chris.  Even as his health failed, he loved to joke and tease and never complained about his situation.  He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. 

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 22 at 2pm at Milford Community Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his parents. Arr. by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford, DE. Letters of condolence may be shared with the family at www.loflandandmcknatt.com.

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