John J. Roberts DDS, also fondly known simply as “Uncle John” age 82, of Erie, passed away Sunday, March 12, 2017 at UPMC – Hamot, surrounded by his family. He was born in Erie on June 16, 1934, a son of the late Dr. R. John and Elizabeth (Melaven) Roberts.
John was a graduate of Cathedral Prep, the class of 1952. He attended Georgetown University before receiving his postgraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine. After serving as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, John returned home to practice dentistry for 34 years with his brother, Dr. James F. Roberts, retiring in 1998. In addition to his passion for his local practice, which included providing dental services to his Barber National Institute patients, John took great delight in traveling for many years to the Dominican Republic to volunteer at their indigent dental clinics.
John was the founding member of the St. Paul’s Neighborhood Free Dental Clinic. He was a member of Saint Peter Cathedral, the Lake Shore Country Club, The Kahkwa Club, and the Erie Maennerchor Club.
John attended daily mass followed by breakfast and spirited conversations with his breakfast friends. He had similar lively conversation with his Edinboro Lake gang. While John enjoyed his time with his friends, Uncle John’s fondest moments were times spent with his extended family at the “Misty Moon Cottage”. He ran the “Wardroom” at the cottage.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings, Richard Roberts (Lucy), Mary Ann Fessler and Dr. James F. Roberts, who passed away on the same day as John.
Survivors include his brother-in-law, Donald F. Fessler, of Erie; his sister-in-law, Rebecca Roberts, of Fairview; and his 103 nieces and nephews.
John’s family would like to thank all of John’s caregivers, and most especially, the MICU staff at UPMC – Hamot who provided exceptional care and compassion for John over the last several weeks of his life.
Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home, Inc. 5000 Wattsburg Rd. Erie, PA 16504, on Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to a prayer service there on Saturday morning at 8:45 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Jude the Apostle Church at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul’s Neighborhood Free Clinic - 1608 Walnut St. Erie, PA, 16502 or to Saint Peter Cathedral - 230 West 10th St. Erie, PA, 16501.

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