Rodman Roberts

He was born November 24, 1935, in Schenectady, New York, to Elaine Roberts and was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Lillie and William Roberts.

Rod was a 1954 graduate of Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady, where he was captain of both the basketball and baseball state championship teams.

He went on to graduate from Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1959, where he played NCAA Division I basketball and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education.

Rod’s 33-year professional career with the Young Men’s Christian Association was guided by his desire to serve God and community. His career took him to Springfield, Massachusetts; Schenectady, New York; Glen Cove, New York; Washington, D.C.; Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Maryland; Rochester, New York; and Corning, New York.

Throughout his career, Rod made significant contributions to physical education, fitness, and youth development. He was named New York State Physical Education Director of the Year in 1964, received a patent for a children’s gymnastics training apparatus, and was involved with the President’s Council on Physical Fitness. He also served as Washington DC Metropolitan YMCA Fitness & Physical Education Director which included conducting physical training programs for the Foreign Service Institute and the Bureau of Narcotics. In the role of Chief Executive Officer, he developed a comprehensive YMCA facility in Corning, NY before retiring in 1996.

Rod loved the outdoors and nature. Early retirement years were filled with sports, travel, art, and outdoor activities in the beautiful Adirondack State Park where he designed and built his lake house. During this time, he developed his passion for woodcarving and bronze sculpture, eventually training in Austria and Vermont. Travels took him to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Sea of Cortez. In 2006 Rod relocated full time to North Carolina and built his home in Leland. He continued to carve and sculpt with local artists and the Cape Fear Woodcarvers group.

Rod’s loving companion of 23 years, Joan Pence, preceded him in death on February 19, 2024. He is survived by his three children, Karyn Ruth Watson, Kenneth William Roberts, and Rodman Scott Roberts; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

Rod’s faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was central to his life.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Grace United Methodist Church, 401 Grace Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery in Wagram, NC.

Memorial donations may be made to the YMCA Center - Springfield College, 263 Alden St., Springfield, MA, 01109 or Grace United Methodist Church, 401 Grace Street, Wilmington, NC 28401, where Rod & Joan were active members since 2004.

Rod will be remembered for his faith, leadership, creativity, devotion to family and friends, and lifelong commitment to serving others. A life well lived!