Donald F. Roberts

1942 - 2025

Donald F. Roberts, 83 of Oriskany, N.Y., beloved husband, father, brother, grandpa, and friend to many, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025 after a brief illness.

Don was born in Uitca, N.Y. on June 13, 1942 to Harold and Muriel Marie Moorehead Roberts. After graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Following completion of his service he graduated cum laude with a degree in Computer Science.  Later Don went to earn his Master’s Degree from Syracuse University.

During his time in college, he met the love of his life, Donna Glasso. They were married on November 19, 1966, in St. John the Baptist Church. They have two children, Daniel Roberts and Dyanne Roberts, and a cherished grandchild Avery Grace Roberts. Don & Donna were blessed to share 59 years of married life in which they were completely devoted to one another.

Don worked at Rome Lab for 30 years as a Computer Scientist. After retirement, Don & Donna enjoyed traveling to various places their favorite vacation spot was New Smyrna Beach, FL. There they spent many winter months with their NSB gang of 8, all co-workers and best friends. He also enjoyed regular breakfast meetings at the Creekside Café with best friends from his high school days (the James St. gang) as well as luncheons with Rome Lab retirees.

Don was a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church, and a long-time member of the Toccolana Club. There he served as a treasurer and in many other ways. Don was the go-to-guy when you needed help or advice on almost anything. He was a wealth of knowledge.

Surviving besides his wife, Donna, are children, Daniel Roberts and Dyanne Roberts and a granddaughter, Avery Grace Roberts.  Also surviving is a brother, Jim (Wanda) of Winston-Salem, N.C., and three sisters, Ruth Ward of New Hartford, N.Y., Linda Bouwens and Florence Roberts of Syracuse, N.Y.  He also leaves two brothers-in-law, Bill Glasso (Janine Walker) and Andy Glasso both from Rome, N.Y. as well as several nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by a sister, Muriel Guido, and a sister-n-law, Veronica Glasso.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to the Siegenthaler Center for their care and compassion shown to Don.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Don’s memory may be made to the Siegenthaler Center, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd. New Hartford, NY 13413-9954 or to Memorials Processing, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959

  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., at  St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick St. Rome, NY 13440. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., prior to the Funeral Mass.  Military Honors will be rendered following the Mass.  Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. 

“Of all the precious gifts in life, to have you in our lives, was the greatest gift of all.”

 Funeral arrangements are by the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome, NY.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome,com