Thomas J. Roberts 1939-2024

Thomas was born April 13, 1939, in Youngstown, a son of the late William Roberts and Katherine Vrabel Roberts. A lifelong resident of the area, Tom was a proud 1957 graduate of Chaney High School.

At the young age of 18, Tom began his working life as a delivery driver for Youngstown Plant and Flower. Driven by a passion for learning, he attended ATES Drafting School and subsequently embarked on a distinguished career as a draftsman. Over the years, he contributed his skills to several companies including Wean United, Wm. K. Stamets Co., Roberts Engineering Company and East Ohio Machinery. His career took him to Arkansas and North Carolina before he retired after 33 years of dedicated service. Even after retirement, Tom remained industrious, working for Vinylume.

Tom honorably served his country in the United States Army and Army Reserve.

Tom was a member of St. Michael Church in Canfield, was active with the rosary makers group and supported the Franciscan friary.

Tom found great joy in coaching Little League baseball, serving as a 4-H advisor, woodworking and gardening, and he was a beloved fixture at the Canfield Fair, where he annually entered his prized flowers and vegetables. He cherished simple pleasures, such as enjoying a beer under his favorite tree while watching his garden flourish, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family.

Tom leaves to forever cherish his memory, his wife of 58 years, Joanne M. Dulick Roberts, whom he married Oct. 9, 1965; his three sons, Brian J. (Nicole) Roberts of Huntingtown, Maryland, Thomas M. (Shannon) Roberts of Boardman and Keith J. Roberts of Los Angeles, California; five grandchildren, Michaela, Clara, Emma, Braden and Zachary; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Tom will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A sister, Margaret Yarb; and two brothers, Bob and Bill Roberts, preceded Tom in death.

Family and friends may call 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown, where a funeral service will be held at 1 p.m.

Interment will follow in Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Joanne and Thomas Roberts Family Trust, 640 Squirrel Hill Drive, Boardman, OH 44512. Contributions will support 4-H, farm products and floral department programs at the Canfield Fair.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to view and share this obituary and to send condolences to Tom’s family.

(special notice)