Huntley R. Roberts ’46

H. Richard Roberts passed peacefully with his family at his side.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jane (Scal) and his children: Ellen Hefter (Michael), Nancy Zalta (David), Gay Roberts, Stacy Souchard (Jean), daughter-in-law, Robyn Roberts, and 12 grandchildren. He is predeceased by his son, John Roberts.

Richard was born in Lawrence, New York. He graduated from Lawrence High School and New York University. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Lieutenant JG. After leaving the Navy, he joined a family business, Brooks Fashion Stores, eventually becoming the Company’s Vice Chairman. He led the Company’s transformation from a credit store to a nationwide chain focusing on women’s fashion. The cornerstone of his strategy was to develop a new concept of opening stores in enclosed malls, which were opening across the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, and which he saw as the future of retailing. During his tenure, the Company grew from having 16 stores in 1963 to over 900 upon the Company’s sale in 1984. He later became a senior advisor and consultant at Prudential Bache Securities before finally retiring.

Richard was a strong supporter of his community and contributed to causes that he believed in. He was a member of the board of trustees of North Shore Hospital in Great Neck, New York, and remained a trustee emeritus of Northwell Health. He was a trustee of Nassau County Museum of Art and Vice President of Temple Beth-El in Great Neck.

He was a warm and caring person who had a joy of living. His optimism, sense of humor and positive outlook will be remembered by all who knew him.