Donald A. Roberts, Sr. of Williamsburg, VA passed away peacefully, on September 24th with his family at his side.
Don was born in Medford, Massachusetts on August 14, 1934 to Henry K. and Miriam Roberts. He attended New York Military Academy, and upon graduating attended Harvard University. In 1954, he joined the United States Army, and graduated from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. He later attended Officer Candidate School at Ft. Sill, OK and was commissioned a 2nd LT. Following graduation from OCS, he married the love of his life, Lorraine.
Don and Lorraine started their Army adventure at Ft. Rucker, AL, where he earned his pilots wings. He was a member of the 1st Cavalry Division and part of the 1st Air Cav. in Vietnam. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, 18 Air Medals, Presidential Unit Citation, Master Aviator Badge, and numerous other awards and honors. Upon retiring from the Army, he attended and graduated from Suffolk University Law School in Boston. He later returned to New York Military Academy as Commandant of Cadets and Senior Army Instructor. He often said his time at NYMA gave him his greatest satisfaction, because of the opportunity to help young men and women develop into quality adults. Upon retirement from NYMA, Don and Lorraine settled in Williamsburg where they enjoyed golf, traveling, and many friends.
Don was predeceased by his parents, his Brother Henry K. Roberts III, and his loving wife of 63 years Lorraine Ann Roberts.
He is survived by his son Don, Jr (Jennifer) of Williamsburg, VA, grandson Brandon (Megan) of Frederick, MD, great-granddaughter Cailean also of Frederick, MD. Additionally he is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, special friends and family. Special remembrance to Tom & Vicki Rohrer and the Schmidt family (Jonathan, Samantha, Paige, & Morgan) of Salisbury, MD, Vilma Quesada of Gettysburg,PA, and Henry & Bruna Mello of San Jose, CA.
Services and burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined. Information will be sent out when available.
Special thanks to Sydney Southard of Bucktrout Funeral Home for her sensitivity and special care during this difficult time.
“We are all here for a micro instant. We don’t fret about the eternity which preceded us, and we obsess about the eternity to follow. Yet, in the 4fh dimension of time, each moment is also an eternity. For us, mere mortals, the shame is when we waste those moments, as the sum total reverberates forever, happy or sad, as it emanated from the beginning.
It is not how long we live which matters, but rather how we live.”
On behalf of the staff, Corps of Cadets, and Regiment of Graduates at the New York Military Academy. I would like to again extend our deepest condolences on your loss. Don was revered by his peers and earned lifelong respect and admiration of all fellow alumni and friends who came into contact with him. His undying support, guidance, and friendship was akin to a lantern in the night. May you be comforted, as we are with fond memories of his wonderful nature, friendship, and especially his service to his country. He will be missed by many.
Jack Serafin
NYMA Class of 1966
VP Regiment of Graduates
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Donald A. Roberts, Sr., give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Army Veteran, Donald A. Roberts, Sr., is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †