Dr. Gerald (Jerry) D. Roberts of Dade City, Florida, passed away on January 12, 2020, at the age of 92. He was born December 8, 1927, to Clifford and Marie (Lena) Castine Roberts in Clarksburg, West Virginia, where he and his two younger brothers were raised.

Active in his youth, Dr. Roberts played both basketball and football and worked at his fathers filling station during his high school years. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army fortwo years, obtaining the rank of Sergeant.

As an undergraduate, Dr. Roberts attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He continued his studies at Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago, Illinois, where he earned his degree as a Doctor of Dental Surgery.

After meeting the great love of his life, Frances (Frankie) Figura, courtesy of some close (and meddling) friends, Dr. Roberts proposed and the couple tied the knot in 1957 and remained happily married for over 62 years. The Roberts raised their five children in Fairfax, Virginia.

Dr. Roberts opened a dental practice in Vienna, Virginia. As the first dentist in town, he successfully practiced there for over 30 years. An outgoing and personable gentleman, Dr. Roberts was blessed with numerous lifelong friends. He loved to travel, visit the beach, spend time with his wife and family, and was a firm believer in the five oclock cocktail hour.

Dr. Roberts had an incredible zest for life and learning; he was an avid golfer (a man gifted with three hole-in-ones) and, in his forties, he earned his pilots license to fly single engine airplanes. During retirement, Dr. and Mrs. Roberts moved first to Savannah, Georgia, where he worked with a charity helping maintain housing for the mentally challenged and traveled the world. The couple relocated to Tampa in 2004, seeking temperate weather and a change of scenery. Always a devout Catholic, Dr. Roberts was a fan and celebrator of the Tridentine Mass in which the final 1962 edition of the Tridentine Roman Missal is used (also known as the Latin Mass). The family has chosen this beloved Latin Mass to celebrate his exceptional life. He will be dearly missed by family and friends.

Dr. Roberts is survived by his wife, Frankie, children Debra (George) Bergeris, J.D (KK) Roberts, Scott (Susie) Roberts, Robin (Tim) McCune and Donna Roberts his brothers, Gene (Ann) Roberts, Clifford (Donna) Roberts and his grandchildren Hannah (Troy) Lewis, Clark McCune, Caroline McCune, Kyle Roberts, Declan Roberts, Griffin Roberts, Noah Roberts and Nathan Roberts. He is also survived by a great-granddaughter, Rachel Virginia Lewis. He was predeceased by his first grandson, Nash Roberts.

The family will receive friends Monday evening, January 20, 2020 at the Chapel of Hodges Family Funeral Home, 11441 US-301 in Dade City from 4 pm 6 pm, after which there will be a Celebration of Life Reception at the Lake Jovita Country Club from 6 pm 8 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at the Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Church, 2510 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33610. Burial will take place at St. Anthonys Cemetery in San Antonio following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to EveryDay Blessings c/o www.everydayblessingsinc.org

Visitation

Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center

Monday, January 20, 2020 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, Florida 33525 Directions Reception

Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club Clubhouse

Monday, January 20, 2020 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 12900 Lake Jovita Blvd Dade City, FL 33525 Directions Funeral Mass

Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Church

Tuesday, January 21, 2020 1:00 PM 2510 E. Hanna Avenue Tampa, Florida 33610 Directions