RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Ralph Roberts has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 95; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Roberts was a legendary cable television pioneer and the loving husband for 72 years of Suzanne; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Roberts was the much-adored father of five children and eight grandchildren to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, Raised in an affluent Westchester County, New York family that ran a chain of drug stores, Ralph Roberts moved with his family to Philadelphia after his father died and the family lost its moriey during the Great Depression; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Roberts graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and served his country in the United States Navy; and
WHEREAS, After working in a number of executive positions in various industries, Ralph Roberts operated and later sold a company which manufactured men's accessories; and
WHEREAS, While still in his 40s, Ralph Roberts used the proceeds of that sale to purchase a fledgling cable company in Tupelo, Mississippi and built it into what is known today as Comcast; and
WHEREAS, Through a series of acquisitions, Comcast grew to become the nation's largest provider of cable television and home internet service; and „
WHEREAS, Ralph Roberts ran the cable and internet giant until he was in his 80s when he stepped down to become Chairman Emeritus; and
WHEREAS, A prominent philanthropist, Ralph Roberts gave generously to H.O.M.E., a Philadelphia-based outreach program that assists the homeless with affordable housing, employment, health care and education; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Ralph Roberts serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Ralph Roberts to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Roberts was an individual of great integrity and accomplishment who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Ralph Roberts imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this twenty-ninth day of July, 2015, do hereby commemorate Ralph Roberts for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Ralph Roberts.
