Frederick Roberts

Frederick A. "Fritz" Roberts, 79, of Davie, Florida passed away September 25, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Fritz was born October 13, 1937, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the son of Glenn and Catherine (Geneva) Roberts. He moved to South Florida almost 60 years ago.

Fritz attended Florida Southern University. Most of his adult life he worked in construction as a crane operator, and specifically the one to operate the first tower crane to come to Broward County. He helped to establish and was long time director of the apprenticeship program that trained new and young equipment operators for all types of heavy equipment, graduating two women, an early "first" in the construction industry. Through that program, he also directed the special jobs training of return Viet Nam veterans in the development of Markham and Morikami Parks. He was active in various activities of of his church and community. He continued to stay active during his retirement and relished his pasture mowing with country music playing in his ear phones. However, his greatest accomplishment was the example he set as a husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Fritz is survived by his wife of 57 years, Louise; children, Alison Bueter, Corey Roberts (Cindy), Amy Cohen (Danny) and Matthew Roberts (Samantha); grandchildren, Maegan, Christian (Kristina), Kyle (Molly), Katherine (Cameron), Kylie, Cassidy, Cade, Charlise, Marlena, Delaney and Luke; great-grandchildren, Walker and Lace; sisters, Glenna Del Rio (Ted) and Jackie Whitlock; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard.

The Memorial Service will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 28, 2017, at New Horizon United Methodist Church; 5741 South Flamingo Road in Southwest Ranches.

Contributions given in memory of Fritz can be directed to the Building Fund at New Horizon United Methodist Church; 5741 South Flamingo Road; Southwest Ranches, FL 33330.