Bruce Richard Roberts

Roberts, Bruce Richard. Our beloved father, husband, and brother passed away at his home in McLean, Virginia on June 10, 2014 after bravely battling chronic pain and related conditions. An accomplished clinical researcher, Bruce was born on January 5, 1942 in Washington, D.C. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Maryland, his master’s degree at Florida State University, and his doctorate in sociology at American University. Bruce devoted his career, which spanned more than three decades, to the study of schizophrenia and other psychological disorders at the National Institute of Mental Health. During that time, he authored and co-authored numerous high-profile papers. Bruce’s many other interests ranged from cooking (he made an especially superb carrot soup that was the hit of every Thanksgiving dinner) to photography, skiing, skeet-shooting, and biking. An enthusiast of the outdoors, he served on the Board of Directors of the Izaac Walton League. But more than anything, Bruce was devoted to caring for his two daughters, who have benefited immeasurably from his loving support, selflessness, and compassion. Bruce’s remarkable intelligence, genuine kindness, and dry, witty sense of humor are among his many traits that will always be remembered, and which will live on in his family. He is survived by his daughters Jennifer Ma and Amanda Pierson and their husbands, Roger Ma and Gene Pierson, respectively; his wife, Wendy Roberts; and his sister, Barbara Roberts. A gravesite funeral will be held today, Friday, June 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at National Memorial Park, King David Memorial Garden, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Virginia. Donations can be made to the Arthritis and Chronic Pain Research Institute. May Bruce’s memory be for a blessing.