Roy Joseph Roberts

Roy Joseph Roberts, 75, of Pinellas Park, Florida passed away October 20, 2025. Born July 28, 1950 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Carroll J. and Jeanette A. (Bushroe) Roberts, Roy lived in Temperance, Michigan during his childhood, graduating from St. Joseph Catholic School in 1964 and Bedford High School in 1968. In March 1970, the same day his brother Wayne returned from Vietnam, Roy shipped out to Ft. Knox. He served with the 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment - the "Blackhorse Regiment" - until late 1971.

In 1972, Roy met the love of his life, Carol Ann Kindle, and they married February 8, 1974. After daughters Chelsie and Jessica were born, the family moved to Swanton in 1980. Roy spent the next eight years as a long-haul trucker for Branch Motor Express then P.I.E., enjoying his precious time off outdoors, camping sites from Michigan to Florida, biking with the girls to Oak Openings, blending his passions for drawing and woodworking and as the comedian at frequent family gatherings.

In the Summer of 1988, Roy and Carol said goodbye to Midwest winters and headed south to Pinellas County. After years on the road, Roy relished easing into the Florida lifestyle that first year living in Treasure Island, trading his truck for an MG Midget, working at a John’s Pass photo shop and becoming an expert in St. Petersburg history as a Pier trolley driver. He eventually worked for Roadway Express, later YRC, but only drove local so he could spend most evenings and weekends with Carol in the pool.

After retiring in 2013, Roy was happiest when with his family, especially his grandchildren. He never declined a game of catch, wrestling match or movie night. Their memories of Papa will forever fill their hearts with joy.

A crowd favorite baseball player in his youth, Roy was a lifetime sports fan, particularly loyal to his Tampa Bay teams - the Bucs, Rays and Lightning - and the Gators.

Roy is survived by his wife Carol, children Chelsie (Jarrid) Flynn and Jessica Roberts; grandchildren Mia and Elias DaSalla and Cian, Emery, Sawyer and Shepard Flynn; brothers Wayne (Karen) Roberts and Dean (Cindy) Roberts; sister Marian Roberts; brothers-in-law Richard (Sally) Kindle and James Kindle; sisters-in-law Suzanne (Michael) Tonjes and Dianne Kindle; and several nieces, nephews and their families. In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his brother, Dale, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 1965 as the two were on their way home from a getaway to Washington D.C. before Dale left for Vietnam.

A celebration of life will be held in metro Toledo, likely in early Summer 2026.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Roy Joseph Roberts, please visit our flower store.