Roll Call Tribute

Franklin H. "Frank" Roberts, Jr. 

March 1, 1940 - March 1, 2024 

Frank H. Roberts, Jr. passed away on March 1, 2024, his 84th birthday. Frank was born in Dallas, TX to Nannie B. and Frank Roberts in 1940. He was predeceased by his sister Jeanette Lockridge.

He attended Crozier Tech High School where he was a star basketball player, graduating with a basketball scholarship to Arlington State College. He later found his way to Texas A&M University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1967. His love for A&M was legendary, and he never failed to wear appropriate attire whenever possible.

Frank spent several years in London working as an urban planner for the Greater London Council and traveled for a number of months with his young family throughout Europe in his beloved Volkswagen bus. Following his return to the U.S., he was drawn to Australia, where he spent the next three years. When he returned to the states he landed in South Carolina, where he and two friends established the architecture/planning firm of Carter Goble Roberts. A correctional justice project for the state of Arizona brought him to Phoenix, where he remained throughout his life. He joined Architecture One, and subsequently formed Roberts/Dinsmore Associates. A merger with Durrant followed, and upon his “retirement” he and his business partner created RB Justice, which lasted several more years.

In addition to his professional career, Frank was an avid soccer fan and coach, and in the late 1970’s was instrumental in establishing the Arcadia Soccer Club, which continues to this date as the youth division of Phoenix Rising F.C. He was also a member of the Parks Foundation, and worked tirelessly to create Arcadia Park, a park that many enjoy today.

Frank finally hung up his shingle in 2015 to concentrate on enjoying his family and friends. To his great regret his health prevented him from continuing his pursuit of golf but did not affect his enjoyment of his dogs and his backyard.

Frank is survived by Carole, his wife of 39 years, sons Alex (Erica) Roberts, Simon (Sara Beth) Roberts, D’Arcy (Karen) Martin, and daughter Nicole (Ben) Martin, as well as 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. His family was the light of his life, and he was so proud of them, as he would tell everyone he met. Frank was bigger than life, with a wonderful sense of humor, and he had hundreds of stories to tell the many friends he had throughout the country and abroad.

We would like to thank the staff at Honor Health Scottsdale Osborn Hospital for their excellent care and compassion the past several weeks. A celebration of Frank’s life is planned for this summer. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.