Gerald (Jerry) Jude Roberts passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024, at home in Orlando, Florida, and was reunited with his one and only, Ginny. He was 83 years old.
Born to Wilfred and Genevieve Roberts on October 5, 1940, in Providence, Rhode Island, Jerry went on to become a 1957 graduate of La Salle Academy and obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix in 2002.
Jerry proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1965, having been stationed in Biloxi, MS, overseas in Korea, and then in Florida. Upon completing his service, he relocated to Michigan where he met the love of his life, a girl named Ginny from a small farm town, eventually getting married on July 17, 1971.
In July 1972, Jerry and Ginny welcomed their first daughter, Rebecca (Becky), and then in November 1974, their family was complete with the addition of another daughter, Tami.
In 1977, the Roberts family relocated to DeLand, FL where they lived until 2004.
During his time in DeLand, he worked as a quality assurance engineer at Sparton
Electronics, Brunswick Corporation, Infrared Industries, and ECC International.
When he wasn’t at work, Jerry enjoyed supporting his daughters in their band, dance, chorus, and baton twirling activities and usually planned family vacations around their competitions. He also loved to entertain and most Saturday nights could be found surrounded by his family and friends at his hand-built home bar.
Jerry became an avid fan of UCF football in the late 1980s and enjoyed planning cross-country “Knight Train” road trips with other fans to help cheer on their UCF Knights. He and Ginny also loved to travel the world, especially on cruises where they were able to go on some pretty amazing trips to Italy, Spain, and other exotic places.
In 2004, Jerry and Ginny moved to Riverview, Florida where he made good on his
lifelong promise of building her dream home. In typical Jerry fashion, this home soon
became the new gathering place of family and friends.
Jerry welcomed his first grandson Davis in 2005 and his second grandson Murphy in 2012. He adored and loved to spoil both of them! Jerry enjoyed attending Davis and Murphy’s music and theater performances and was always so proud of both of his amazing grandsons.
Jerry eventually retired from Conax in March of 2012 and he and Ginny moved to Deltona, Florida. After retirement, he continued to show what a loving and committed husband he was by caring for Ginny during her final years.
Jerry was a proud member of the American Legion Post 243.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife Virginia (Ginny) Roberts, his parents, Wilfred and Genevieve (Flynn) Roberts, Aunt Marcie Flynn, and son Alan M. Roberts.
He is survived by daughters Rebecca (Becky) Roberts Austin (Mark) and Tami Parker (Drew), brother Bruce Roberts (Susan), daughter-in-law Catherine Roberts, and grandchildren USMA Cadet Davis E. Austin, Murphy Parker, Meagan Stone, and Cassie Roberts.
While residing at The Bridge at Orlando assisted living facility, Jerry gained many new “family” members who genuinely loved him. He often talked about his new friendships and how important they were to him. We are so thankful for the amazing care that Dad received from the staff at The Bridge as well as from Advent Health Hospice Care. We will be forever grateful for your love, support, and guidance.
A service will be held for Jerry and Ginny at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 2:30 pm where they will be laid to rest together. Dad will receive Military Funeral Honors.
