Joe Roberson passed away January 13, 2020 at the age of 84. Joe was born in Flint, Michigan, on September 22, 1935, to William and Hazel Roberson. He attended Flint Northern High School and became a notable local athlete, but most often tended to describe himself as a significantly less notable student. He had an outstanding career in both baseball and basketball at Northern. He signed as a left-handed pitcher with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1953. After an arm injury ended his professional baseball career, Joe returned to college, eventually earning a Ph.D. He spent the majority of his career on the Flint campus of the University of Michigan, where he held a variety of administrative positions, ending his tenure as acting chancellor. He then moved to the University’s Ann Arbor campus, where he served as Associate Vice President for Development before being named Athletic Director. A hallmark of his career at both campuses was his steadfast focus on supporting the growth and success in all students, as well as emphasizing the “student” aspect of “student athlete.” Though not a particularly religious man, Joe believed that for those who are given much in this life, much is expected. Throughout his life, he remained grateful to those who extended a helping hand to him in his youth, repaying that debt by helping young people whenever possible. Joe is survived by his brother Jerry Roberson (Jan) and brother-in-law Al Wood; daughter Kimberly (Carroll Baker) and son Marvin; step children Kim Black, Gordon Black, and Lee Black (Kelly); and nine grandchildren (Madeline, Molly, Jane, Lindsay, Kate, Robbie, Connor, Fiona and Emma). He was preceded in death by his parents William and Hazel Roberson, brother Robert Roberson, and sister Barbara Wood. He also was preceded in death by his beloved wives Barbara Roberson Perry and Carolyn Conklin Black Roberson. Funeral Services will be 11:00 A. M. Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc, MI. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. and Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial tributes to the Joe Roberson Scholarship Fund at the University of Michigan-Flint.
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