Celebrating the Life of Stephen Martin Roberts: A True Patriot and Family Man

Stephen Martin Roberts, age 66, passed away unexpectedly after spending Father’s Day with his grandchildren in Columbus, Ohio. Born on Valentine’s Day in 1958 to Harold and Susie Roberts, he was the eighth of their ten children, where the last four sons were known as The Little Boys. Growing up in Dayton’s Edgemont neighborhood, his childhood was filled with school and church at St. James, and endless games in The Little Boys’ backyard, alley, and on the boulevard with other neighborhood kids on Wisconsin. He learned his hard work ethic from his childhood. With his other siblings, he had a paper route and extra side jobs with their Daddy.

In 1976, after graduating from Chaminade-Julienne High School, Stephen enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving our country proudly until 1985. Stationed in North Carolina and the United Kingdom, he brought his discipline and dedication back home, where he worked at the City of Dayton and then as a Staff Representative for AFSCME (American Federal, State, County, & Municipal Employees) in both Columbus and Dayton until his retirement in 2019. Balancing work and education, Stephen earned an associate degree from Sinclair Community College and both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Antioch University. After his retirement, Stephen continued to serve his community by protecting free and fair elections at the Montgomery County Board of Elections.

Stephen was a man of many talents: a master of uncle jokes, a connoisseur of fine doughnuts, and a collection of tools and gadgets for every occasion. He leaves behind a legacy of manicured lawns, spirited debates, and a helping hand when needed.

Stephen’s motto was simple: work hard, play hard. Known for taking initiative, and being organized and reliable, he was also an avid sports fan, music enthusiast, and Air Force aficionado. You could often find Stephen cheering on the UD Flyers, Dayton Dragons, Ohio State Buckeyes (unless they were playing Alabama), Washington Redskins, enjoying an outdoor concert, or going to the Dayton Air Show.  

His passions extended beyond sports, music and patriotism. He was deeply committed to politics, workers' rights, and voters' rights. Yet, above all, he cherished his family. Stephen adored his mother and grandchildren, ensuring their every need and want was met. There was not a celebration, event, or holiday that he didn’t shower them with his attention and gifts. Even though he bore no children of his own, he took special attention to playing an active role in each of his nieces and nephews’ lives – supporting any of their activities, moving them in their latest home, and compensating them handsomely for simple chores – from Christopher to Olivia. He was always willing to take road trips; those he planned and others he was drafted. Whether it was driving Michele, Rhonda, and Wanda on their annual excursion to the home house in Montgomery, Alabama or chauffeuring Tom around Ohio or going to the Million Man March with Richard, he did not hesitate to make himself or his vehicle available.

Stephen was preceded in death by his father, Harold. He leaves behind his cherished Mother Dear, Susie Roberts, and beloved grandchildren, Blair and Zachary Johnson Hancock. His memory lives on through his siblings, Leonard, Susan Martin, Michele, Tom, Richard, Rhonda Miller, and David (Tosca), all of Dayton; Joe (Carrie) and Tim (Danielle) of Cincinnati; and special sisters in love, Janice Havrilla, Gloria Smith, and Regina Holman. He will also be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, great- and great great nieces and nephews, cousins, chosen family and friends.

Stephen was special — a man who lived life to the fullest with passion and on his own terms. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at a viewing on June 26 from 4 PM to 7 PM at H.H. Roberts Funeral Home. Services will be held at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church on June 27 at noon, with the family receiving guests an hour prior.