Dr. Roberto Aponte

Roberto was born in New York on July 5th, 1956 to parents Juan Aponte and Lydia Rodriguez; he grew up in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. He met the love of his life, Madelyne Torres, at Agustín Stahl High School; they were together for six years before getting married in 1979. Roberto played professional basketball in Puerto Rico for over ten years. He graduated from University of Puerto Rico-Cayey with his Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education then moved to Indiana with Madelyne to obtain his Master’s in Adapted Physical Education from Indiana State University. The family returned to Puerto Rico where their son Robert was born in 1983. Roberto served as professor and physical education department chair at the University of Puerto Rico-Bayamón for twelve years; he fostered lifelong friendships and inspired many of his students to further their education. In 1985, the Aponte family moved to Texas for Roberto to complete his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Physical Education and Human Movement at Texas Women’s University.

Once Roberto obtained his PhD and Madelyne earned her Master’s degree from Texas Christian University, they returned with Robert to Puerto Rico where they established roots in Bayamón and welcomed Astrid in 1990 and Beatriz in 1994. In 1995, the Aponte family settled in Cary, North Carolina and Roberto became a Tarheel to complete post-doctoral work at UNC Chapel Hill. He was an Adapted Physical Education Specialist for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, ensuring that children with physical or developmental disabilities have the opportunity to benefit from physical education in school. He also maintained a presence at UNC as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, teaching the only course which allowed UNC students to partner with adapted PE students in the CHCCS system.

Roberto’s playfulness and charisma were evident to all who knew him. He was the brightest light in every room, welcoming anyone and everyone to join the fun. Roberto made friends across all walks of life, able to connect with and appreciate all backgrounds. His lighthearted jokes, loving presence, and constant encouragement helped bring out the best in others. Roberto’s exuberance and boundless joy was unmistakable as he shared his passions with friends and family: music, athletics, fast cars (with or without a remote control), craft beer, fishing, and so much more. He was a sensitive, humble man who allowed those around him to be true to themselves no matter what; he will be sorely missed by many.

Roberto is survived by his wife of forty years, Madelyne Torres; their children Robert, Astrid, and Beatriz; spouses Julie, Levon, and Damon; and grandchildren Gabriel, Isaac, and Adrienne. Roberto will be remembered by his mother, Lydia, and siblings Juan, David, Ricardo, and Beatriz as well as extended family – and friends who became family.

The family will receive friends from 10:30am - 12:30pm on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St. Apex, NC 27502. A funeral service will be held in the Apex Funeral Home Chapel at 12:30pm with burial to follow at Wake Memorial Park, 7002 Green Hope School Rd. Cary, NC 27519.

Please consider making a donation in Roberto’s honor: https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/colleen-lanigan-1/roboertoaponte