In Memory Of
Patrick F. Roberts
1947
2016
Patrick F. Roberts
December 4, 1947 — June 28, 2016
On 28 June 2016, Patrick "Pat" Francis Roberts, 68, passed of surgical complications and left on another great adventure.
Born 4 December 1947 in East Dayton to Fredrick & Virginia (Kress) Roberts. Pat leaves, in his words, his fantastic/understanding/obliging wife, "Saint" Rosalie ("The Rose") Bonacci-Roberts, of 38 years and daughters Alexis (nee Bonacci-Roberts) Suer, husband Ben, Adrianna (nee Bonacci-Roberts) Menker, husband C. J., and Chelsea Le Roberts. Also surviving him are his brothers Michael Roberts, wife Joyce, Kevin Roberts, wife Beverly, numerous nieces and nephews and their children, his beloved Fur Baby Lola and too many friends, aquatints and clients to count.
Pat graduated from Belmont HS and studied engineering at the University of Maryland and Wright State University. He was a proud Air Force veteran (66-70), detailed as a Special Weapon Machinist and Crew Chief on the HC-130P "Combat Shadow" Air Sea Rescue aircraft. He worked for numerous engineering firms in the Dayton area and England before being honored to work, and travel the world, for 28 years, for the USAF at Wright Patterson AFB as a biomedical researcher and test/program manager for Electronic Warfare, F-16, C-130 and his beloved Special Operations Program offices, as Combat Talon II, MV22 & AC-130U Gunship test manager and SATAF Commander. It was during this period that Pat and his team developed a ground breaking method of aerial delivery of Meals Ready to Eat (MRE), saving countless lives during the Bosnia/Herzegovina conflict and in following worldwide humanitarian involvements. Pat was responsible for many innovative and ground breaking test techniques, reducing fielding time and cost savings for the troop in the field. Pat never forgot his oath of enlistment or the honor placed upon him to work for this great country.
Upon retirement Pat returned to his roots as a prototype machinist and opened a gunsmithing business and had the pleasure of serving clients in the SW Ohio area. Pat found nothing too challenging, and believed if he couldn't make it he really didn't need it. He was a proud "Geek".
He was the past President of the Dayton Darting Association (competing in numerous local and national tournaments around the US), and the co-founder of two AAU basketball clubs in the Miami Valley, The Surge and Miami Valley Force. He coached Girls AAU basketball teams for 15 years. He road raced motorcycles, built custom cars and motorcycles and was an avid target shooter. He hunted, fished, and loved traveling this great country with "The Rose" in the "Glamper" and everything outdoors.
Pat lived by his oath to the United States of America and a quote of Tecumseh's: "So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart".
Pat wanted a Viking Funeral but because of local fire codes he had to settle for cremation so private family services are to be held. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Special Operations Warrior Foundation, P. O. Box 89367, Tampa, FL 33689 or warrior@specialops.org, in Pat's name.
Born 4 December 1947 in East Dayton to Fredrick & Virginia (Kress) Roberts. Pat leaves, in his words, his fantastic/understanding/obliging wife, "Saint" Rosalie ("The Rose") Bonacci-Roberts, of 38 years and daughters Alexis (nee Bonacci-Roberts) Suer, husband Ben, Adrianna (nee Bonacci-Roberts) Menker, husband C. J., and Chelsea Le Roberts. Also surviving him are his brothers Michael Roberts, wife Joyce, Kevin Roberts, wife Beverly, numerous nieces and nephews and their children, his beloved Fur Baby Lola and too many friends, aquatints and clients to count.
Pat graduated from Belmont HS and studied engineering at the University of Maryland and Wright State University. He was a proud Air Force veteran (66-70), detailed as a Special Weapon Machinist and Crew Chief on the HC-130P "Combat Shadow" Air Sea Rescue aircraft. He worked for numerous engineering firms in the Dayton area and England before being honored to work, and travel the world, for 28 years, for the USAF at Wright Patterson AFB as a biomedical researcher and test/program manager for Electronic Warfare, F-16, C-130 and his beloved Special Operations Program offices, as Combat Talon II, MV22 & AC-130U Gunship test manager and SATAF Commander. It was during this period that Pat and his team developed a ground breaking method of aerial delivery of Meals Ready to Eat (MRE), saving countless lives during the Bosnia/Herzegovina conflict and in following worldwide humanitarian involvements. Pat was responsible for many innovative and ground breaking test techniques, reducing fielding time and cost savings for the troop in the field. Pat never forgot his oath of enlistment or the honor placed upon him to work for this great country.
Upon retirement Pat returned to his roots as a prototype machinist and opened a gunsmithing business and had the pleasure of serving clients in the SW Ohio area. Pat found nothing too challenging, and believed if he couldn't make it he really didn't need it. He was a proud "Geek".
He was the past President of the Dayton Darting Association (competing in numerous local and national tournaments around the US), and the co-founder of two AAU basketball clubs in the Miami Valley, The Surge and Miami Valley Force. He coached Girls AAU basketball teams for 15 years. He road raced motorcycles, built custom cars and motorcycles and was an avid target shooter. He hunted, fished, and loved traveling this great country with "The Rose" in the "Glamper" and everything outdoors.
Pat lived by his oath to the United States of America and a quote of Tecumseh's: "So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart".
Pat wanted a Viking Funeral but because of local fire codes he had to settle for cremation so private family services are to be held. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Special Operations Warrior Foundation, P. O. Box 89367, Tampa, FL 33689 or warrior@specialops.org, in Pat's name.
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