Peg - what a wonderful Methodist Worship service - the perfect amount of tribute in the homily to fulfill Don’ s wishes ! May His light shine perpetually on his face ... my thoughts and prayers now turn to you and the family during this difficult time of both grieving and adjustment!

Peg, Kids, words fail to express my deep sorrow for your loss.  Don was one of the wisest, kindest, caring persons I've ever known.  I looked forward to his sermons -  always right on target, not holding back what needed to be said.  He's the best Sunday School teacher I EVER had!  This world would be much better with more people with the heart and soul of Don.  
Sincerely,
Liz Goldstein-Epstein

Peg,

My deepest condolences to you and your family.  Don was a very special person and I am sad to hear of his passing.

I first met Don when he was my patient at Sarasota Memorial Hospital 43 years ago. From there our friendship grew  and included his best friend and loving partner and wife, Peg. I was blessed to have been a small part of their life and counted as friend. 
I miss you Don and am heartsick at what you had to endure. 
Rest peacefully friend knowing you were deeply loved and respected and never, ever forgotten.

Don and I have been friends since the day we met as new executives.  We’ve worked together, played together, cried together, laughed together.  We shared our birthday and every year I reminded him he was still older than me.  I am so sad for Peggy and the boys and all the rest of us who loved him.  Rest in peace my dear friend❣️
Marge Thomas

I continue to grieve, every day, for the recent loss of my husband, Lee, and now Don, and am overwhelmed with sadness. I am so honored that the last Service Don officiated was for my husband who was Don's long time friend and colleague. Don, together with Peggy who recited some beautiful verses, worked hard as a team to create a beautiful humor filled Service. 

There are always a few special people in your life who can help lift you out of darkness. Even after Lee's Service was over, Don and Peggy continued to send me love and support. Up until Don's passing, he was sending me messages & prayers, links to uplifting music and a photo of Lee that was taken at a conference. These gestures meant so much to me and illustrate what a compassionate man Don was.

It was always great fun for Lee and I to get together with Don and Peggy.  So many great memories.  We shared so much laughter and stimulating conversations about work, family, world affairs and our like minded political beliefs. Don and Lee were both deeply committed to their work serving and improving the lives of others. Both were advocates for equality and social justice for all regardless of race, sex, religion, or country one is born in. 

I will miss Don and hope he and Lee are up there planning and organizing and trying to find a way to change direction and make this world a better place.

My deepest condolences to Dallas and Brian and their families and to Sandy & Charles and rest of family. My love to Peggy as we continue to grieve together.

Don was one of the finest persons I ever met.  His laughter, generosity, concern for others, and wisdom was an inspiration to those who had the pleasure of knowing him.  Heaven has a great one now.  He will be dearly missed until we meet again in Heaven.

Dear Peggy,
We were saddened to hear about Don. We remember the day you moved into 100 Central. You were so cordial and friendly and we were so happy to meet you. Our sympathy to you and your family at this sad time. RIP Don.

Mary Lou and Jim Burne 714

I’ve know Don for many years and loved being in his company.   I knew Don from many different venues but the best was running into him at the hairdressers.  We always shared that time laughing, something that came easily with him.  My sincere condolences to his family 
Bette Lou Cookson

Enjoy the Sweet Chariot ride across the Jordan..

There are a lot of really great people in this place we have all come to call Heaven— Don is in the very best company!! Having known Don for more than 40+ years , I will always remember his smile, laugh and overall jovial nature. Over the years, a number of interactions have stuck with me, and in different ways, have affected my interactions with others. Amongst them: Don delivered by far the best eulogy I ever heard for a friend and Goodwill colleague ( David Parish ) - the “life, love and labor of David” … I have used these 3 L”s several times , and most recently named my Storyworth book those 3”; Don told me one time that we were all penciled in — and I knew he meant more than Goodwill , but also this earthly life . Don knew were he was going - most importantly he knew how to get there; Don sent me a captioned picture that I have shared with many of folks — the picture described a group of people standing before Jesus —- the simple caption from Jesus was - the issue here is that you use the scriptures to define love, I use love to define the Scriptures; lastly I read and reread, the Gospel according to Don when it arrived , and each year looked forward to the 12 days of Christmas! I will take those memories to my own grave….. blessings to Peg and the family! David Becker

Thank you Don for touching my life and those of countless others. Your love of life, your boundless compassion, your dedication to helping all and your pure simple and amazing joy  has meant the world to so many, myself definitely included. Your loving advice , counsel and support helped me through some rough times for which I will be forever grateful. Peace and love my Brother. I will miss you terribly until we meet again. Dennis Brice

The fond memories of Don and Peggy are so vast it’s difficult to select a few.   Being neighbors for sol long, the stories are endless and some hilarious!

Keith and I were honored to have Reverend Don marry us..: being that I lost my Dad too early, having Dons eyes to look into when I said our vows warmed my soul.

He was there  at my Moms bedside, holding her hand when  we were saying goodbye.  His smile, gave comfort to myself and my siblings.  He wasn’t sad or afraid of witnessing her passing… he said it was an honor.

He helped in so many more ways that I can  say!

You were the truest of gentlemen , the best neighbors and friends that anyone could ever ask for.

Rest easy Don… Sperling family cherishes  our many years of memories.

Love you Don and Peggy always ♥️

Don was one of the first CEOs I met when I started my career with Goodwill, Danville, VA. He was one of the most happy and positive people I ever met.  He will be missed by many. Prayers for Peggy, Dallas, and Brian.

We were sitting at a table eating lunch with several other people. I remember Don saying that he sometimes got mistaken for Alan Alda. I said he did look close to Alan. Within 15 minutes, a lady came to the table and asked for his signature on her napkin thinking he was the actor.  This was just one of my fond memories.   Rest in peace!

Don became a part of my life over 50 years ago. Our families became very good friends also. Don was one of those people who was always there in good times and difficult situations. With Peggy always at his side, he helped everyone he could. He was funny, spiritual, and hardworking. He and Peggy were 2 of three witnesses when my husband and I were married.  
Peggy, and Don were a great team working for the rights and dignity of others. God truly blessed me with your love and presence in my life.

We are grateful for Don's generosity and spirit. He spurred many of us to do more good and do it better. 

Wendi Copeland

To Don’s family and friends, You are in my thoughts and prayers.  I knew Don threw my Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, Charlotte and Richard  Cox I worked at Goodwill for 6 1/2 years and got to know him better.
Don had a welcoming smile and made you feel welcomed and part of things.
Don had a Wonderful sense of humor and everyone knew him.  He is one of the reasons why Goodwill was such a Wonderful place to work as well as for the shoppers.
Don accomplished so much in his life and impacted so many lives.  Don taught us to have a giving heart and I thank him for that.  My Husband Mark and I moved away in 2003 to North Carolina, but I always think about the time I spent as a staff with Goodwill and how that made me a better person.
Celebrating a Wonderful man who helped make it possible to help so many people.

My heart goes out to his family.
You are in my thoughts and my heart.


With Love
Andee Cox

Don, you will be deeply missed by so many.
We had the honor of knowing you for over 40 years, and you will always hold a special place in our hearts. You performed our wedding ceremony four decades ago, and your guidance, love, and unwavering support throughout the years have meant the world to us.

To say you lived a life of love and joy is truly an understatement. Your constant smile, your kindness, and the way you shared your stories and experiences  so openly made the world a better place. Your friendship touched countless lives, including ours, in ways words can’t fully capture.

Our deepest thanks to Peggy and your family for sharing you with all of us. Our hearts go out to each of you during this time. We are forever grateful for Don and all that he gave.

Love, Meg and Perry Van Fleet

OBITUARIO

Donald Lee Roberts

12 septiembre, 1942 – 15 mayo, 2025

Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park

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