Carl Oscar Roberts Jr.

Carl grew up in Concord, NC and later attended North Carolina State where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, he proudly served as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force as an armament and electronics officer for a fighter squadron in Japan and Guam. He later spent eight years as a principal engineer with Bendix Corp where he was responsible for the design and development of various electronic systems.

He retired as Director of Telecommunications at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. During his 30 years there, he was responsible for systems integration for the NASA Project Mercury ground network. He played a major role in the GEMINI/AGENA and APOLLO Programs as manager of the development of the ground tracking and communications network, the Apollo Tracking Ships, and the Apollo Range Instrumentation Aircraft. He managed the development of the Network Operations Control Center for the Space Shuttle and the Tracking Data Relay Satellite Systems Program.

After his retirement, he established and operated Roberts & Associates, a telecommunications consulting firm with several fortune 500 companies as clients. Carl served as vice president of the Deep Creek, MD Lions Club, VP of the Millhouse Manor Homeowner’s Association, a member of the Elks and the Republican Men’s Club, and as counselor in the AARP Income Tax Counseling Program in Garrett County each year. He even served a term on the Board of Garrett County Hospital. Carl was also a proud member of the St. Andrew Lutheran Church where he regularly attended.

In addition to his many accomplishments, Carl enjoyed the outdoors. He was a “Black Diamond” Down Hill Snow Skier, as well as an expert water skier. He even passed this joy of skiing down to his grandkids and spent much time teaching them.

Carl is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Nita; 3 sons, Leon Roberts (wife Margie) of FL, Randy Roberts (Linda Dykema) of MI, and Robert Roberts (Lesa Eagle) of MD; and daughter Lynn Davis (husband John) of SC; as well as 8 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family will hold a private celebration of life in Carl’s honor at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in his name to the American Heart Association; Mid-Atlantic Affiliate, 4217 Park Place Ct., Glenn Allen, VA 23060.

Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.