Alfred Stokes Roberts, Jr., M.D.

Al was born on the family farm in Moorestown New Jersey on December 29, 1921. He died peacefully at the Hickman in West Chester, Pennsylvania on November 22, 2016 near the age of 95.

Al attended Moorestown Friends School then Syracuse University.  He graduated from Hahnemann Medical School in 1945 and after his internship went to Alaska as a captain in the US Army.  After his honorable discharge, Al decided on psychiatry as his medical specialty.  After psychiatric training in Pennsylvania and Maryland he practiced in West Chester then had a long and satisfying career at Pennsylvania Hospital then at Presbyterian Hospital, both in Philadelphia and at Norristown State Hospital.  Al had a wide range of interests.  Professionally he enjoyed studying how people communicate non-verbally.  He jogged, watched birds, fished, canoed, collected mushrooms, grew tomatoes and enjoyed nature and various pets.

He and Roberta Caverno Roberts (Crosslands, Kennett Square) were married in 1950. They have 3 children; Thomas (m Lindsay Richards, Missoula, Montana), Christine (m Bill Hurd, Oakland, California), and Julie (m Rodney Napier, Pottstown, Pennsylvania).  Grandchildren; Anna and Elisha (Tom and Lindsay); Janel and Megan (Chris).

Al came from a long heritage of New Jersey Quaker farmers and businessmen.  He maintained his interest and involvement in Quakerism throughout his life as a member of Willistown Meeting for over 50 years. He thought, read, and wrote extensively about human nature and free will.  During his long and rich life he enjoyed many close relationships with people and animals.

Al was quite active physically, walking each day, until just the past few months and enjoyed his intellectual pursuits and current events right up to the end (though was not happy with recent election results).

We'll remember him this Sunday at Willistown Monthly meeting November 27, 10:00-11:00.  He will be buried in the family plot at Westfield Friends in New Jersey, alongside his one brother Tom, his parents and grandparents.

Thanks to the Hickman staff and to Pat Paul for his care during his final months.  Also, many thanks as well to everyone who cared for, befriended, worked with, and engaged with him during a very full life.

 Service Information