Rev. Dr. Robert H. Roberts

The Reverend Dr. Robert Hansen Roberts

January 24, 1934 – September 5, 2024

The Reverend Dr. Robert H. Roberts passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, at the age of ninety. Born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on January 24, 1934, Bob’s life was a testament to faith, service, and an unwavering commitment to spreading the love and hope of the gospel.

Bob is survived by his sister, Meredith (Roberts) Hilsabeck (Harold); three children: Tom Roberts (Jeanine), John Roberts (Robin), and Cathy (Roberts) Goldfarb (Michael); nine grandchildren: Kyle Goldfarb (Angela), Keri (Roberts) Johnson (David), Courtney (Goldfarb) Vasquez (Israel), John Roberts (Amy), Christian Roberts, Josiah Roberts, Katie Goldfarb, Matthew Goldfarb, and Malaina Goldfarb; four great-grandchildren: Delilah, Violet, Rowan, and Kamryn; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 53 years, M. Joan (Remple) Roberts, who passed away on October 8, 2010; his sister, Mildred (Roberts) McMullen (2019); and parents Thomas Elgar Roberts (2002) and Edith Amelia (Patten) Roberts (1998).

Dr. Roberts’ academic journey was as impressive as his ministry. He earned a BA in Philosophy from the University of Alberta, a BD in Theology from McMaster Divinity School, an STM in Homiletics from Union Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Theology from New York University. Additionally, he received honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees from Alderson-Broaddus University and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

His ministry began at the Braemar Baptist Church in Edmonton, Alberta (1959-1962), followed by pastoral roles at First Baptist Church, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey (1962-1966), and Flemington Baptist Church, Flemington, New Jersey (1966-1979). 

Bob’s career then transitioned into denominational leadership as the Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas (1979-1982), later serving in that same role with the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut (1982-1990). At the national headquarters in Valley Forge, PA, he served as Associate General Secretary for World Mission Support (1990-2000), raising $40 million annually for global mission work. During that time, he led a denomination-wide tithing education campaign called Grow by Caring and authored the book, God Wasn't Kidding. Bob ended his tenure as the Interim General Secretary of the American Baptist Churches USA (2000-2002), the highest-ranking executive of the denomination.

Even after his “retirement,” Bob continued to serve in a variety of roles, including Special Assistant to the General Secretary of the American Baptist Churches USA, Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of Ohio, and pastor of Union Congregational Church in Tavares, Florida (2010-2016). His ministry was still vital and strong even after retirement, as he often led devotionals, hymn sings, Bible studies, and worship services at The Chapel at the Orlando Lutheran Towers, where he resided from 2008 until his passing.

Dr. Roberts had the privilege of preaching in every state of the United States, each of the thirteen Canadian provinces, in over thirty countries around the world, and on every continent except Antarctica. His footprint of faith continues to be felt across the globe in the lives of ministers, missionaries, and congregations whose spiritual lives and ministries have been inspired by his years of dedicated service. Beyond the academic degrees and honors, titles, and distinctions, the ripple effects of his life of faith live on in countless lives around the world. Bob was a man of incredible intellect, not to be outdone by his joyous sense of humor. His ability to create deep, personal meaning by weaving together scripture, storytelling, and humor was unmatched. He possessed a genuine warmth that made everyone he met feel seen and valued, and had a smile that could uplift any spirit. He was an adoring husband, a father whose encouragement and love were immeasurable, and a grandpa who never stopped cheering on and building up his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob’s legacy lives on through the untold number of lives he touched with his love and joy.

In addition to his pastoral work, Bob loved to read, swim, listen to music, and took every opportunity to sing and play the piano in praise and celebration. A true athlete and competitor at heart, he loved sports whether he was participating, watching his kids and grandkids play, or cheering on his favorite hockey, football, and baseball teams. 

While Bob will be deeply missed, his family and friends take comfort in knowing he lived a blessed life and was grateful for that life and its blessings every single day. He embodied his profound faith until his last breath and is now resting safely in the arms of Jesus, finally assured, as he often surmised, that “he was right all along.”

A memorial service to celebrate Dr. Roberts’ extraordinary life will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Flemington Baptist Church in Flemington, New Jersey.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to The American Cancer Society, ABCUSA World Mission Support, or the Flemington Baptist Church.

Arrangements in NJ are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.holcombefisher.com.