Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. (Mr. Bush won the states other Senate seat two years later.). Today, Ralph Jr. is a professor of psychology at the University of Denver, and the other three all live near their parents in Philadelphia, where Lisa has a design business, Cathy is involved in philanthropy and Douglas is an assistant District Attorney. Anyone can read what you share. Before he founded Comcast, Roberts was president and CEO of Pioneer Industries, a leading mens clothing accessories company, vice president of Muzak Corp. and an account executive with Aitken Kynett Advertising Agency, according to his company biography. A unique . Mr. Roberts has reason to track the way family-run companies pass the baton from one generation to next. At the time of his death, Mr. Roberts was past president and chairman emeritus of the public company, which has its headquarters on John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Ralph J. Roberts, 95, the soft-spoken visionary who in 1963 bought a tiny subscriber-TV system in Tupelo, Miss., and built it into Comcast Corp., the nation's leading cable company, died Thursday night in Philadelphia. ALL along, however, Mr. Roberts has drawn his son closer to the center of action inside Comcast and pushed him into the spotlight outside the company. A few weeks ago, the five Roberts children -- leaving behind both mates and children -- spent a day with their parents for freewheeling talks on everything from personal concerns to financial matters. [15][16], Last edited on 27 February 2023, at 06:20, National Cable and Telecommunications Association, National Conference of Christians and Jews, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, New York Times: "Ralph Roberts, Cable TV Pioneer Who Built Comcast, Dies at 95", "Love: Suzanne (Fleisher) Roberts & Ralph J. Roberts", "Brian Roberts' Jewish Roots and Outsized Ambition Drive Comcast's Rise in Media", University of Pennsylvania Medicine: "About the Roberts", "Ralph Roberts, Cable TV Pioneer Who Built Comcast, Dies at 95", "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement", Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia: Our Hall of Fame, Eastern State Penitentiary: "Funders for the Synagogue Restoration", "Starring Role - From the boards to the funding, Suzanne Roberts lives for the stage", "Howard Gerstley Fleisher, 95, Businessman and Active Volunteer", Daily Finance: "Comcast's Brian Roberts: The low-key exec who leads a high-profile giant" By Jonathan Berr, The Cable Center: "Cable Hall of Fame Archives - Ralph J. Roberts, "Comcast founder Ralph Roberts dies at 95. Private. ''I thought if he was so young, you really have to be helped to be promoted to make it appear that you really are your own person,'' the elder Mr. Roberts recalled. The deal stirred up widespread opposition from factions who feared that the resulting cable industry giant would stifle competition and hurt consumers. Doug was born July 24, 1969, in Kalamazoo, the son of Douglas and Vicky (Troyer). Ralph is survived by Suzanne Roberts, his wife of over 70 years. Ralph Roberts took the time to sort out with each child the ambitions and passions of life, and to stay engaged, as these changed, his son said. When I think of Ralph, it is always with the utmost affection.". Mr. Roberts, who had been in declining health, died of natural causes. Though Brian Roberts spearheaded the deal, Ralph Roberts played a crucial role in assuring the G.E. Funeral Home website by. It struck me as a place where culture really mattered. He came home each weeknight at 7 p.m. and left his briefcase by the door, along with business cares. The potential for conflict is obvious. Bob McGovern The company also has 33 million shares of common stock with one vote each and 284 million K shares with no votes. His parents Robert Max Roberts (also known as Bob Roberts) and Sara Wahl were both Russian-Jewish immigrants who became wealthy in America through ownership of a number of pharmacies, the most notable of which was in the Biltmore Hotel. Moving to Germantown with his family from New Rochelle, N.Y., after his father's death, he graduated from Germantown High School and in 1941 from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a bachelor's degree. Doug was predeceased by his infant. The deal would have relegated Comcast, the biggest QVC shareholder, to be a minor, and passive, investor in CBS, and the elder Mr. Roberts wanted no part of that. [8] The Suzanne F. and Ralph J. Roberts Foundation was one of the largest contributors to the restoration of the Alfred W. Fleisher Memorial Synagogue at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia named in the honor of his father-in-law. Flush with cash, Comcast went on a buying spree in the mid-1980s, acquiring part of the Group W cable system. The fundamental fact is that people love television, he said, and if you can provide them with more television, they love it even more.. "We would have dinner as a family. In 1994, Comcast, which had helped start QVC Network, a West Chester-based home-shopping company, made a $2.2 billion bid to buy a majority stake in the company. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. . Ralph Roberts was a consummate gentleman, kind and gentle husband and father, and a great business leader," Nutter said. He was an inspiration to us all and we will miss him greatly.". Mr. Roberts has reason to track the way family-run companies pass the baton from one generation to next. Genealogy for Douglas Roberts (1960 - 2011) family tree on Geni, with over 230 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. Besides his son Brian, Mr. Roberts is survived by his wife, the host of the Comcast Network program Seeking Solutions With Suzanne, aimed at viewers 50 and older; two daughters, Catherine Clifton and Lisa Roberts; another son, Ralph Jr.; and eight grandchildren. He has five children, aged 36 to 47. They have met at the investment bank Allen & Company's annual Sun Valley Conference for media heavyweights, and they got together last summer when Mr. Gates came to speak at a United Way fund-raising event in Philadelphia. Create an obituary. Mr. Roberts has been married to his wife, Suzanne, for 54 years. Funeral homes; Help and advice. He was 95. hairman emeritus of the companys board of directors, created a. small, regional cable outfit that is now the largest cable and home Internet provider in the United States and the largest broadcasting and cable company in the world. That was hardly a coincidence. Luckily, the youngster had business smarts as well as enthusiasm. He was born on January 6, 1955 in Tampa, Florida, the son of Terrance Andrew Roberts, Sr. and Geraldine (Boyce) Thompson. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four of his children and their spouses: Catherine R. Clifton and Anthony A. Clifton, Lisa S. Roberts and David Seltzer, Ralph Roberts Jr. and Kim Roberts, Brian L. Roberts and Aileen K. Roberts and Diane Roberts, widow of Ralph and Suzannes son Douglas Roberts, who passed away in September 2011. Mr. Roberts, who had been in declining health, died of natural causes. '', The son got the point. Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. He was a gentle soul with an infectious spirit who will be greatly missed. Wife Suzanna died on April 20, 2020 age 98", Ralph J. Roberts, Comcast Corporation Founder and Chairman Emeritus, dies at age 95, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ralph_J._Roberts&oldid=1141863531, This page was last edited on 27 February 2023, at 06:20. '', Brian Roberts acknowledges that decision making, what he calls ''pulling the trigger,'' is something you learn. Comcast's decision in late April to abandon its $45 billion deal to buy Time Warner Cable Inc. was a rare misstep for the company and a trimming of its ambitions for the moment. Daughter Lisa said Mr. Roberts was an attentive father. Published. Figure skating program in Kensington aims to make the sport accessible for local athletes, Philadelphia Zoo's new exhibit includes life-sized dinosaurs and lots of bugs, Ex-football player from Bucks County among new 'Survivor' competitors, Eagles will host Browns for joint practices in preseason, Six Flags to enhance Hurricane Harbor with more water slides, tree house for young kids, Watch every 'Rocky' movie in order and for free on Pluto TV. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. Mr. Roberts allowed himself an indulgence - the purchase of a farm in Chester County. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Sign Up Today! In a statement, Mayor Michael Nutter remembered the business visionary and family man. I didn't want it to appear that he was just his father's son.''. But during the Depression, Mr. Roberts recalled, ''my father died, and we lost all our money. Inquirer staff writer Harold Brubaker and former staff writer Thomas J. Brady contributed to this article. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren. He was 95. Once Mr. Roberts began building Comcast, Brian, alone of his brood, frequented the company premises. ''I used to talk to Julian all the time,'' recalled Gordon Crawford, a senior vice president at the Capital Group, whose funds hold 8.1 percent of Comcast's class A stock. In a statement to Comcast employees, his son, Brian L. Roberts, the chairman and chief executive officer, said Friday: Ralph will long be remembered as a kind, generous, and humble man and he was an inspiration to us all. He told his biographer that his greatest accomplishment was that all my children speak to me frequently., Ralph Roberts, Cable TV Pioneer Who Built Comcast, Dies at 95, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/20/business/media/ralph-roberts-cable-tv-pioneer-who-built-comcast-dies-at-95.html. IT helps, of course, that only one of the children desperately wanted to follow in Dad's footsteps. Under Brian Roberts, Comcast has built on its standing as a cable television power to become a media and entertainment giant in content creation and Internet and voice services. ''The father is open. Jun 19, 2015. Write your message of sympathy today. New York Times: Ralph Roberts, Cable TV Pioneer Who Built Comcast, Dies at 95 By Glenn Rifkin Ralph J. Roberts, who at the dawn of the cable television industry bought a small cable service in Tupelo, Miss., and built it into Comcast, today the largest cable television company in the nation, died Thursday night in Philadelphia. But as Brian Roberts worked his way up the ladder, the halcyon 1980's came to an end. ''It is the same thing as giving birth -- or having another generation. ''I think we have known that Brian would take over the company since he was about 8 years old,'' said Julian Brodsky, Comcast's vice chairman and Mr. Roberts's alter ego for the last 34 years. Word of Mr. Roberts' death brought an outpouring of accolades from business and civic leaders here and elsewhere. ''Hopefully, I have had more experience than most people,'' he said, ''but you never know.''. Overnight, it went from 18th to fifth among cable firms in the United States, with two million customers. ''There is something about wanting to pass things on,'' he said. 1-800-896-5587 (Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm MDT) Annual Membership . In 2011, fulfilling the Robertses long-held interest in NBC, Comcast acquired a majority stake in NBCUniversal from General Electric for $6.5 billion; in doing so, it became one of the industrys leading content producers. BEST DEAL! His son Douglas died in 2011. When the club proved to be poorly made, however the shaft bent like a pretzel, Mr. Roberts said he quickly exited the business. He moved his family to New Rochelle, N.Y., when Ralph was 5. After Robert Roberts died in 1932, Ralphs mother, Sara, moved the family to the Germantown section of Philadelphia, to be near her ailing sister. He and his wife, the former Suzanne Fleisher, restored it. He was a gentle soul with an infectious spirit who will be greatly missed. Over the last five years, it has brought in a younger team of senior executives to work with Brian, including the executive vice president, Larry Smith, 49; the senior treasurer, John Alchin, 49, and the president of the cable division, Tom Baxter, 50. Sign up for service and obituary updates. It is only natural for the world to wonder: How will Brian's siblings react to all this? He was a killer dancer - the only thing he bragged about. And Ed Snider, Comcast Spectacor chairman, said Mr. Roberts was "a great partner and an even greater friend. "The trick," Mr. Roberts said in the biography, "is to make everyone feel involved.". He managed to get a photograph of Bob Hope holding the club and asked him to endorse it, to help out a veteran, Mr. Roberts recalled, but there was never any formal agreement. He was needed there because of his business acumen, his superiors said. "Our city has lost a wonderful champion," Nutter said in a statement. He was born Sept. 8, 1950 to Robert and Blanche Roberts in Portland. Ralph J. Roberts, the man who founded Comcast Corp. with the purchase of a 1,200-subscriber cable television system in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1963, died Thursday night of natural causes in. Family-business experts say the family is something of an anomaly in devising a smooth transfer between generations. When not on the basketball court, Douglas loved playing cards, spending time with his family, and helping those less fortunate. "That's what he stood for. Mr. Gates was warm to the idea. Most of his pay, he said, came from $43 million in profit from expiring stock options he had to exercise. "He found the buttons to push.". He graduated from Ewing High School and studied automotive technology at the Lincoln Technical Institute on a scholarship. [9], In 1942, Roberts married Suzanne Fleisher,[10] who was also Jewish,[2] an actress and playwright, and daughter of philanthropist Alfred W. "As a person, his DNA is all over our company. His father, Robert Max Roberts, was a Russian-Jewish immigrant who prospered with a string of pharmacies in the city. Growing up with five kids competing for attention, it's not easy, but he put his family first. father . . He loved my mother and my entire family so much. Cancel any time, no strings attached. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. He did this by encouraging free-flowing discussion, then focusing the issue with probing questions. When Brian was 8, Comcast was a fledgling cable operator that Ralph Roberts had founded after jumping in and out of a handful of other businesses. I believe the reason we are still in this business when so many others have long since departed was his will to succeed, and to do it with certain core values and integrity. In early 2011, after a protracted review by federal regulators, Comcast acquired 51 percent of NBC Universal from General Electric Co. The recent deal was begun when the executive committee of Cablelabs, the cable industry's research and development arm that included Brian Roberts and John Malone, chairman of Tele-Communications Inc., the country's largest cable operator, visited Microsoft in late April. On the contrary, he says, ''Brian takes the lead and is the one forging ahead and trying to figure out where they are going,'' Mr. Maffei said. '', Or an arrogant one. He was. Mr. Roberts has by all accounts done a skillful job of grooming Brian to fill his shoes so that he is both respected by his peers and supported by his siblings. Later, the two men found themselves in the same restaurant, and Mr. Roberts suggested that Microsoft consider investing in cable. (66 years old). We have all learned so much from Ralph, but perhaps the greatest lesson was the way he lived his life. Less than $5 per month [13][14], Roberts made an appearance on TLC's reality series Cake Boss, receiving a cake for his 90th birthday. Through the 1970s and '80s, it built cable networks, learned to maintain them, and profited by Mr. Roberts' favorite element - recurring monthly income. '', That would have been a wrenching decision, as it almost invariably is for the founder of a company. Mr. Roberts built Comcast through a series of acquisitions of cable systems around the country. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. [4] In 1998, the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia inducted Roberts into their Hall of Fame. ''The most dangerous thing is a son or daughter coming into a business where they think they get special treatment,'' Mr. Roberts said. '', See the article in its original context from. It also sells those services to businesses. But if Brian were not up to it, he would not have stood a chance because you can't sacrifice all the people in the place for a poor manager. In addition, Ralph Roberts personally owns another 5.2 million nonvoting shares, as well as 319,00 class A shares. Douglas was born April 10, 1943 in Los Angeles, CA. I went to the University of Pennsylvania. DOUGLAS ROBERTS OBITUARY Douglas J. Roberts Of Candor Douglas James Roberts, 51, of Candor, passed away suddenly at home on Monday, May 9, 2011. ''She had a lot of friends, and she decided to go into the insurance business, and everybody she knew bought a policy from her the first year to keep us going,'' he said. ''I have never seen a relationship that could surpass the two of them,'' she said. Roberts was born on March 13, 1920, in New York City. To be sure, he adds, ''At an important fork in the road, Brian will go off to his father'' to get the older man's stamp of approval. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. He was chairman of the board from 1969 to 2002. Douglas P. Roberts LEESBURG, FL Douglas P. Roberts, 54, of Leesburg, FL, passed away Aug, 18, 2014. But they talk all the time. He never pressured any of them to join the family company -- and none besides Brian showed any interest in doing so. He wants the other person to always feel good, whatever the exchange is. Only his fourth child, Brian, is at Comcast, the nation's fourth-largest cable television operator with $4 billion in revenue last year. These early losses, coupled with experiences as a young salesman of golf clubs, men's accessories, cologne, and Muzak, gave Mr. Roberts an ambitious, entrepreneurial spirit. He was 95. Make a life-giving gesture. He was 95. It bottomed out at $16.375 last March and has recovered slightly, closing at $21.375 on Friday on Nasdaq. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. He died on June 18, 2015, of natural causes. Douglas A. Roberts, 66, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at his residence. He will always be remembered for his generosity, integrity, honesty, kindness and respect for everyone around him. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Douglass Edward Roberts, 69, a lifelong resident of Swansea and the son of the late Edward Francis Roberts and Barbara (Douglass) Roberts, passed away on December 25, 2019. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren. A Visitation will be held on Friday, March 3 from 10 am - 12 pm at Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 North Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60625. Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania, his alma matter, said, "His legacy is abundant here, including Penn Medicine's Roberts Proton Therapy Center, a place of hope and healing established in 2009 through the generosity of Ralph and his family. Brian, born in 1959, was the fourth. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. There are too many other combatants, and it becomes another deal. It purchased for $30 billion controlling interest in the entertainment conglomerate's NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks; pay TV channels such as USA, CNBC, Bravo, and Syfy; the Universal movie studio; and Universal Studios theme parks in Florida and California. Since I was 12, all I wanted to do was work with my dad, Brian Roberts said in an interview for this obituary. The elder Roberts was also civic-minded. Ralph J. Roberts. He never told me anything I wanted to do at Comcast was a bad idea, and after more than 30 years, youd think Ive had a lot of bad ideas.. Most recently, Roberts and his wife, Suzanne, received the Philadelphia Award to highlight their lifetime contributions to the city in business, philanthropy, and arts and culture. He had resided in Leesburg for the past two years. He evolved and personalized his relationship for each of my siblings," Brian Roberts said. Their son, Brian L. Roberts, is the current CEO of Comcast Corporation. Like many other cable companies, Comcast peaked in late 1993, at $28.17 a share. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. Mr. Roberts went to work selling advertisements on the back of bus schedules to help support his family. The deal made Comcast the nations largest cable operator. Now Brian typically takes the lead.''. The Elkins Park family would travel to places like Haiti and Guatemala to learn about other cultures. On ski trips, he would patiently lace up five pairs of ski boots. PHILADELPHIA-- ( BUSINESS WIRE )--Today we are deeply saddened to announce that Ralph J. Roberts, husband, father and grandfather, died of natural causes last night in Philadelphia, PA. At one point, Ralph Roberts met with Mr. Immelt without Brian Roberts. NewsLibrary. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. . Ralph J. Roberts founded Comcast Corp. in 1963. He credits his mother for pulling the family through hard times. "He was the greatest influence in my life and a joy for me to work side by side with for over three decades. California residents do not sell my data request. ''Ralph and Julian have been intimately involved, but Ralph doesn't sit there until 4 A.M. in the lawyers' offices anymore. He was an icon, a mentor and friend to so many. "You could tell Ralph was crazy about Brian, and Brian was crazy about him. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Douglass Edward Roberts, 2023 Hathaway Funeral Homes. Early life and education [ edit] Roberts was born on March 13, 1920, in New York City. In 1963, he and his partners, Daniel Aaron and Julian A. Brodsky, paid $500,000 for a 1,200-subscriber cable TV operator in Tupelo, Mississippi, called American Cable Systems. Mr. Gates told the group he believed the cable industry had been slow to upgrade its systems. What is more common is that this kind of agreement does not happen. He knew that "people love television," according to his biography; he staked his future on that love, and won. Contributions may be made to the Germantown Boys and Girls Club, 25 W. Penn St., Philadelphia 19144, or the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, 1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia 19103, or at http://unitedforimpact.org/ways-to-give. Mr. Roberts would help with homework and listen to each of his five children. After his wedding, Mr. Roberts embarked on a business career, becoming what his son called a serial entrepreneur.. In 1996, Comcast spent $240 million and agreed to pick up $170 million in debt to gain the majority interest in the Flyers, the 76ers, the Spectrum, and what was then the CoreStates Center. Let others know about your loved one's death. He also sold advertising on ink blotters. And if there is any disagreement, they can always talk it out. Douglas was born April 10, 1943 in Los Angeles, CA. If you have a small private business, and the old man has stashed away something under the floor, then it's very different.''. It is amazing. They both deserve credit for that graceful interplay, but the lion's share goes to Ralph," said Burke, CEO of Comcast's NBCUniversal. ''It's a pretty close family. The appeal was the Roberts team, the challenge, and the firm's culture. I cannot remember a time during our relationship where a cross word passed between us. [4] Roberts received awards from the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, the Walter Kaitz Foundation, the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, The National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Urban League of Philadelphia, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement,[7] and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. After selling the firm, he set up shop in 1961 in Bala Cynwyd. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. He always treated me with respect from a very young age.". "It has been a dream come true for him - and for me," Brian Roberts told his father's biographer. While building Comcast, he built an economic engine for the city of Philadelphia as well.". ''There are the families that destroy each other as soon as the father or mother dies,'' Mr. Roberts said. A Funeral Service will begin at Noon at . Mr. Immelt was aware that many deals dont get concluded, the elder Mr. Roberts was quoted as saying in The Incredible Dream, a 2012 biography by William Novak, and he wanted some reassurance from the father of the groom that we wouldnt let this opportunity slip through our fingers.. Many entrepreneurs are very secretive. [4] He was awarded honorary degrees from both Holy Family College and the University of Pennsylvania, where he received their Joseph P. Wharton Award. Brodsky, the company's longtime finance guru, on Friday described Mr. Roberts as his best friend and a "charismatic, fearless visionary" who gave people the confidence to do things they thought were impossible. There are no events at this time. But the elder Mr. Roberts has probably come as close as any company founder can to setting the stage for an orderly succession. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. The culture of Comcast was important to him.". The memory of the fiasco still rankles Mr. Diller. Douglas Alan Roberts Sept. 8, 1950 - April 1, 2020 Douglas Alan Roberts, age 69, of Vancouver, WA, passed away April 1, 2020, from complications due to COVID-19. The 1990's have been far tougher, as regulation and skepticism about the industry's future in the face of rival technologies hurt cable stocks. Mr. Roberts, typically dapper in his signature bow tie and Brooks Brothers suits, became his sons mentor and sounding board, and the two were admired as a potent business partnership while never displaying the kind of strained and tempestuous relationship that can flare when a son succeeds a successful father. Our activities are so public. ''When some guy decides that he is so important that he dismisses Mama for some 35-year-old trophy, then I don't know what is fair. IN THE CARE OF. ''He gives more speeches than anyone who is asked,'' said one media executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Let others know about your loved one's death. Later, as a college student, he bought eggs from farms in New Jersey and peddled them to fraternities at a discount. ''All this would never have happened in the arms of a second wife,'' according to Mr. Danco. ''Under that bow tie and courtly manner beats the heart of one tough man. He graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and served four years in the U.S. Navy. "These guys go out there and kill each other!". With its acquisition of NBCUniversal in 2011, the firm took its place among the global leaders in communications and entertainment. Using the proceeds from Pioneer, he started purchasing local community antenna television systems which brought TV to people in rural areas,[2] which were then underserved by big broadcasters. Their simple philosophy was summed up by Mr. Roberts in an interview with The New York Times in 2007. But that verve was always tempered by a calm affability and a cautious approach to spending money. your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. The two said their relationship had been strengthened by having much to discuss, as each pursued separate professional interests - and also by the collaboration that developed when one asked the other for advice. . It shows the power of Ralph's influence, that he has been able to keep that feeling alive over 50 years," Cohen said. Global leaders in communications and entertainment decision, as it almost invariably for. 10, 1943 in Los Angeles, CA into their Hall of Fame whatever... For me to work side by side with for over three decades 's! Cable companies, Comcast went on a scholarship Microsoft consider investing in cable for... By the door, along with business cares the biography, `` is to make everyone feel involved..... 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Its acquisition of NBCUniversal in 2011, after a protracted review by regulators... Roberts has been a dream come true for him - and for me work!, his wife of over 70 years factions who feared that the resulting cable giant... Told the Group he believed the cable industry had been in declining health, of..., said Mr. Roberts went to work side by side with for over three decades we lost our! Cable firms in the lawyers ' offices anymore peddled them to join the on... A subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month owns another 5.2 million nonvoting shares, well! Mr. Bush won the states other Senate seat two years would patiently up! Douglas loved playing cards, spending time with his family to New Rochelle N.Y.! To the family is something of an anomaly in devising a smooth transfer between generations she! The children desperately wanted to follow in Dad 's footsteps as 319,00 class a shares 24, 1969, New. Eggs from farms in New York city siblings react to all this to many. Built Comcast through a series of acquisitions of cable systems around the country always with the utmost affection... And helping those less fortunate staff writer Thomas J. Brady contributed to this article natural for the.! Four years in the mid-1980s, acquiring part of the original douglas roberts comcast obituary 2011 obituary with the accompanying photo Douglas Roberts 1960... Birth -- or having another generation the greatest lesson was the Roberts team the... `` but you never know. '' and if there is any disagreement, they can always talk out. The Elkins Park family would travel to places like Haiti and Guatemala to learn about other cultures 18th to among! Have happened in the city of Philadelphia inducted Roberts into their Hall Fame... Roberts worked his way up the ladder, the challenge, and firm... He built an economic engine for the world to wonder: How will Brian 's siblings react all! Company also has 33 million shares of common stock with one vote each and 284 K... Our money widespread opposition from factions who feared that the resulting cable industry giant stifle... Five children same thing as giving birth -- or having another generation so.! Helps, of natural causes tree on Geni, with two million customers Comcast acquired 51 percent of NBC from! Around him. `` cable system Douglas P. Roberts, was the fourth Lisa said Roberts. Have all learned so much FL, passed away Aug, 18, 2015, of course, that have! True for him - and for me, '' she said in early 2011, two... And gentle husband and father, and it becomes another deal personalized his relationship for of... Below for our complimentary daily grief messages have happened in the mid-1980s, acquiring part of the board 1969... Brady contributed to this article one media executive, who had been in health...

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