Randal W. “Randy” Roberts
Randal W. “Randy” Roberts, 77, of Lakewood, CO, formerly of Warren, PA, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at home from complications due to spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA).
Randy was born in Warren, PA, on August 14, 1947, to the late Carl A. Roberts, Jr. and Velma (Green) Roberts. Randy spent the majority of his life in Warren before moving to Colorado in 2021.
Randy is survived by his wife of 52 years, Deborah (Pring) Roberts of Lakewood, CO; his daughters, Melissa Roberts English of Lakewood, CO and Stephanie Roberts-Shaw of Raymond, NH; and his sons-in-law, Brandon English and Michael “Mike” Shaw. He was a proud grandfather to his granddaughter, Kathryn “Kate” Shaw. Randy is also survived by his brother, Jack Roberts of Warren.
In addition to his parents, Randy was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia “Pat” (Roberts) Lauffenburger.
Randy graduated from Warren Area High School in 1965 and The Pennsylvania State University in 1969 with a degree in Forestry. After graduation, Randy embarked on a 35+ year career with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, first as a microbiologist at the Warren State Hospital and later working for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection as a Water Quality Specialist for oil and gas.
Randy faced his diagnosis of spinocerebellar ataxia, a rare neurological condition affecting fewer than 100,000 people in the United States, with incredible strength and an unwavering positive attitude. Even as his mobility declined and he transitioned to assisted living, Randy continued to inspire everyone around him with his humor, resilience, and ability to find joy in each day. His courage and optimism in the face of such challenges left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and caregivers, embodying the true meaning of perseverance and grace.
A celebration of life will be held in Summer 2025 in Warren as an opportunity for family and friends to remember and celebrate Randy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Randy’s memory to The National Ataxia Foundation at https://www.ataxia.org/donate.
Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery, in Wheat Ridge, CO, has been entrusted with all arrangements.
Memories of Randy can be shared online at https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/11271868.