Richard E. Roberts '50, a dedicated alumnus and former trustee who called his education at Union “the most important event of my life,” died at his Schenectady home on Thursday, Nov. 16.
“Union has lost one of its most loyal alumni,” said President Stephen C. Ainlay. “I have lost a dear friend. Dick was among the first to reach out to me when my appointment was announced. He taught me so much about what Union, at its very best, means.”
“Dick Roberts was a dedicated trustee who loved Union with all his heart,” said Stephen J. Ciesinski '70, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “That love showed in everything he did for the College – his devoted service to our mission, his generous support of our programs, and his tireless cheerleading for our student-athletes.”
Roberts served as a member of the College's Board of Trustees from 1978 through 1993. He also served as president of the Alumni Council, class agent, a leader of the College's Annual Business Campaign, and a member of a presidential search committee.
A former basketball and lacrosse player at Union, he was an avid fan who cheered his alma mater at many games and was a strong supporter of Friends of Union Athletics. He was inducted this fall in the College's Athletic Hall of Fame.
“Dick was our most ardent supporter and loyal fan,” said James McLaughlin, director of athletics. “His passion for Union was beyond compare and the College is in a better place as a result of his tireless efforts. His presence will be sorely missed.”
In 1964, he received the Alumni Gold Medal for service to the College.
He had a distinguished career as an attorney, serving as senior partner and chairman of his Schenectady law firm, Higgins, Roberts, Beyerl & Coan. He was a longtime legal advisor to the College.
He earned a bachelor's degree in history from Union, and a law degree from Albany Law School. He served in the U.S. Air Force.
As a student at Union, he was a co-captain of the basketball team, a member of Psi Upsilon fraternity, a sports writer for Concordiensis, class officer, president of the Block U Society, a member of the Delphic Society, and president of the Pre-Law Club.
Roberts gave greetings on behalf of the alumni at the inauguration in September of President Ainlay, in which he said, “Union alumni are so proud of this College and their fellow alumni for they have helped this wonderful country of ours to become what it is today.”
In a ReUnion questionnaire from 1959, he wrote, “My education at Union has, without a doubt, been the most important event of my life; and my association with Union after graduation has been a most satisfying experience.”
Survivors include his wife, Barbara; three children, Allison J. Roberts (and husband, John Fagen), Bradley A. Roberts '82 (and wife, Tracey), and Christopher T. Roberts '85 (and wife, Karen); and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Jeffrey R. Roberts.
Services will be Monday, Nov. 20, at 1 p.m. at Union College's Memorial Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Union Athletics in care of College Relations, 807 Union St., Union College, Schenectady, NY 12308.