William (Bill) F. Roberts, Jr.

William F. Roberts, Jr., 87,  of Lancaster, after years of serving the Lord, loving his family and touching the lives of everyone he got to know, passed peacefully on Wednesday, September 3

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, 2014 at Brethren Village, Lancaster, PA.

Bill is now with his best friend, the late Lillian M. Roberts, to whom he was married for 57 years.  She passed peacefully to the Lord in 2008.  He was born July 12, 1927 and was the son of the late William and Evelyn Roberts.

He graduated from South Hampton High School in 1945.  Upon graduation he served in the United States Navy stationed in the Aleutian Islands during World War II.  Once his military service was finished, Bill spent his life dedicated to the farming, restaurant  and ice cream businesses, growing and serving the best quality foods.  The family owned a dairy farm for many years in Bernville PA.  He was the chef and then owner of The Lemon Tree Restaurant  in Lancaster.  Following his retirement, Bill worked for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

For over 45 years Bill was a very active participant of the Holy Trinity Church in Lancaster, where he had been a member of the Vestry and taught Sunday School for many years.  Bill also helped in a number of other areas within the church to further God’s word.  He enjoyed reading, yard work and spending time with his family.  His greatest enjoyment in life was his family.

Through all of that he raised five children and was blessed with 10 grandchildren.  He loved them all dearly.

Surviving him is a son, Scott W., husband of Ponee Roberts of Gorham, ME; four daughters, Rebecca E., wife of Phillip Moore of Tampa, FL, Jenise Roberts-Christie of Willow Street, PA,  Cynthia, wife of Gregory Moshos of Crestwood, KY, and Karen, wife of Michael Petock of Lake Ridge, VA;  grandchildren, Marissa, Nathan, Melissa, Emily, Carlton, Sarah, Brittney, Courtney, Alexandra and Justin; a  sister, Marilyn R. wife of David Lynch of Laconia, NH, and his final and loyal companion, his dog Isabella, whom the family will continue to care for.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 13

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, 2014 at 2 P.M. at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 31 S. Duke St., Lancaster, PA with Pastor Timothy Mentzer officiating.  Friends may call at the church on Saturday, September 13

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, from noon until the time of service.  Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions in Mr. Roberts’s memory to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125 or Good Samaritan Fund at Brethren Village, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17606, Attn: Development Department.