Paul Thomas Roberts

Paul Roberts was born on August 10, 1936, t0 Paul Roberts Sr. and Nina Hawkins- Randolph in Philadelphia PA. When Paul was 8 he went to The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. He had no problem adjusting to being away from home. He made lots of friends, studied hard and excelled at basketball and football. He graduated PSD in1954 and went on to attend the Williamsport Technical School and received a Certificate in Lithography.

While attending The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. Paul met Roma Smith, who was deaf they married in 1960. From this union two boys were birthed, Paul Roberts Jr., Daryl Roberts.

Paul preferred to learn the ins and outs of restaurant cooking and took a lot of jobs in the area. After he felt he had received all the necessary skills, he applied for a job at the University of Pennsylvania in the Food Service Department where he worked as one of the chefs. After 36 years with the University of Pennsylvania, Paul decided to retire.

Paul was a member of the Afro-American Dance Ensemble for 10 years. He went on to grace the stages of Lincoln Center in New York City, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and the Academy of Music and the Art Museum in Philadelphia. Paul always had a passion for interpretive dancing. After a few years, he decided that he wanted to choreograph and run his own group. So he branched out and formed his own dance group consisting of only Black Deaf Dancers. He was excited to be able to experiment and choreograph his own dances and showcase the talents of deaf dancers. He traveled with his group in Philadelphia and surrounding suburban areas.

Paul was a kind, gentle, unselfish person. His goodness was visible through his total commitment to his mother, Nina. When he saw that she was slowing down and not able to live by herself, he took it upon himself to be his mother’s primary caregiver. Whatever she needed, he was there to help her. He took care of her with patience and love. When she needed more care than he could provide, arrangements were made to move her into an assisted living facility where he continued to stay by her side.

Paul was preceded in death by his Parents Paul and Nina and grandson Ryan. He is survived by sons Paul Roberts Jr (Katrina) and Daryl Roberts (Angela) three grandchildren Marcus, Christopher, and Johnathon. Two great grandchildren Rylee & Skylar. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

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